Sophisticated finish: One can use plaster to achieve a sophisticated look because it can deliver textured, glossy or smooth finishes.Plaster also has higher tensile strength and helps make structures more stable, unlike drywall. This makes plaster an ideal choice when building for the long term. Durable: Plaster is more durable than drywall because of its thickness.Energy-efficient: The thickness of plaster walls makes them more energy efficient because they provide better temperature control and insulation.STC is used to measure the material's soundproofing qualities. Research conducted by the National Gypsum found that an almost 1″ thick lath and plaster wall has a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 52, while 1/2″ drywall on 2×4 wood studs has a rating of only 34. Soundproof: Plaster has a high density, making it more soundproof than drywall.Plastering is done just like stucco is applied to exterior walls. The procedure, however, remains the same. In modern construction, wood lath has been replaced by a metal mesh. The gaps between the strips of wood are then covered by the first coat of plaster, followed by two or three more layers of plaster for a smooth finish. These narrow strips of wood are called wood lath. Traditionally, plastering was done by covering the framing studs with thin strips of wood nailed to the studs horizontally.

By the 1940s, however, people began to use drywall, and plaster gradually lost its popularity. Gypsum and water eventually gained popularity across Europe, and this type of plaster became typical of the Middle Ages.

The early Indians and Chinese used a mixture of clay and gypsum to plaster over stone or brick walls, creating a smoother surface. People in ancient India and China also practiced plastering. The use of plaster can be traced back to 7500 BC, when lime-based plaster was used in buildings in Jordan. This paste is applied in layers onto narrow strips of wood or metal known as laths and allowed to dry after application. It is used as a coating to either protect or decorate walls.

Plaster is a paste made from cement, sand, water, and minerals.

Lath plaster walls