How to Tell if You Have Drywall or Plaster Walls in Your Home

HangNailz™ products are exclusively designed to work with drywall. So, it’s important to figure out if you have drywall or plaster walls before you buy. Knowing the difference can also drastically change how you approach repairs, decor, and even room design.

First, let's learn about the three most prevalent wall types you may encounter:

Plaster Walls: Traditional plaster walls, common in homes built before the 1950s, involve multiple layers of wet plaster applied over wooden lath or metal mesh. This method creates a solid, dense surface known for its durability and soundproofing. Though highly effective, plaster walls are labor-intensive and time-consuming to install, so they’re rarely used in modern construction except in high-end restorations or historic renovations.

Plaster Boards: Plaster boards, also known as gypsum lath, became popular in the 1930s and were used until the 1950s as a transition material between plaster and drywall. These boards were easier to install than traditional plaster walls and still offered some of plaster’s density. Today, plaster boards are largely obsolete, though they may be found in mid-20th-century homes or commercial buildings that predate the widespread adoption of drywall.

Drywall: Drywall, or gypsum board, emerged as the primary wall material in the 1950s and remains the standard for most construction projects today. It’s composed of gypsum sandwiched between heavy paper, making it lightweight, smooth, and quick to install. Due to its affordability and ease of use, drywall is prevalent in nearly all modern homes and commercial buildings, replacing both traditional plaster and plaster boards almost entirely.

Here are some simple ways to tell which of the above you’re working with!

1. Check Your Home’s Age

• Built Before the 1950s: Plaster walls were the go-to material before drywall really took off, so if your home is pre-1950s, there’s a good chance it’s plaster.
• Built After the 1950s: Drywall started dominating new builds by the 1950s, so homes built during or after this period are more likely to have drywall.

2. Feel the Texture

• Plaster Walls/Boards: Plaster feels harder and denser. Often, there’s a slight texture because it was hand-applied in layers.
• Drywall: Drywall usually feels a bit softer, and when you tap it, you might get that hollow sound. A smooth, uniform surface is often a good clue that it’s drywall.

3. Try the Sound Test

• Drywall: Lightly knock—if it sounds hollow, it’s probably drywall.
• Plaster Walls/Boards: Plaster gives a more solid sound because it’s layered over wooden lath or metal mesh.

4. Look at Wall Thickness

• Drywall: Generally thinner, usually ½ inch or ⅝ inch.
• Plaster Walls/Boards: Thicker, thanks to the underlying layers. Look around door and window frames to spot the difference.

5. Peek Behind an Outlet Cover

• Remove the Cover: It’s safe and easy! Unscrew an outlet cover and check the exposed wall edge.
• Drywall: You’ll see a single layer of gypsum (usually white or gray) without backing.
• Plaster Walls/Boards: You’ll often find multiple layers, including a thick top coat and sometimes wood or metal lath.

6. Hairline Cracks or Nail Pops?

• Plaster Walls/Boards: Tends to develop fine cracks over time from age and settling.
• Drywall: Often shows “nail pops” where drywall nails or screws slightly push through the surface due to settling.

7. Feel the Weight

• Plaster Walls/Boards: Heavier and denser, plaster walls are great at insulating sound.
• Drywall: Lighter and easier to work with, drywall is faster to install and more forgiving when hanging decor.

The Bottom Line
While both plaster and drywall have their advantages, drywall brings simplicity and ease, especially with HangNailz by your side. With these tips, you’ll be able to identify what’s behind your walls and approach every project confidently, knowing you’ve got the right tools for the job.