Home Improvement

Drywall & Plaster -- Handy, Dandy, Quick & Easy

Drywall has become the universal wall covering for the inside of homes. Plaster is also used for patching holes, or repairing a wall, and many other things. While plaster is pretty straightforward, drywall is not. The size is fairly standard at 4' x 8' feet but there are several types and qualities of construction. When you order drywall, or your contractor is ordering it, know where it was made. Some imported drywall is made from defective components and you should be careful of that. Defective drywall has been known to crumble after only a year. That's harsh, because it will be sealed inside your walls and expensive to replace. Some drywall is water resistant and that's called Cement Board. If you are having a basement dry-walled then there should be a vapor barrier between the outer surface of the wall and the drywall. Make sure that this barrier is not punctured or else moisture will get in and you'll have mold. This moisture proof drywall should also be used in shower surrounds.