We have a rather unique wall construction. House was built in 1947. Attached to the studs is a layer of "sheetrock" (about 3/8" thick) that has holes in it, about 3/4" diameter on about a 6" grid pattern. Over the sheetrock is what appears a layer of mortar, about another 1/4-3/8" thick. Over this is a skim coat of plaster. The result is a thick, super sturdy wall that is really smooth and insulates well against noise.

What I'm hoping is that I can find someone who can duplicate this technology for a few walls that we need to add for a remodel. Any idea of how succesful I would be finding that in the Portland, OR area?

Thanks!
Biederboat

 

The 3/8" drywall is the lath, then you have the base coat followed by the plaster. Generally today, plaster is applied over 1/2" blueboard. I don't know if that would make as stout a wall as you have now. You might build the wall with 2 layers of drywall and then plaster. I would think that would be just as stout.

Hopefully one of our plaster pros will chime in later

 

You recognize the superiority of gypsum plaster over gypsum lath. After a few years the gypsum lath companies realized the holes were not necessary for a good bond. The first house I lived in until I was 12 years had perforated lath. My dad is a plasterer he built that house and the next one that my folks still live in, It has no holes in the lath. Several years ago Dad did some remodeling. The plaster could not be separated from the lath. But I digress
There is no reason conventional plaster can not be applied to veneer plaster base. This is gypsum board that is 1/2" thick and is made now in the same dimensions as conventional drywall.

On the other hand veneer plaster looks and feels like the plaster you have but is not as thick. You can go that route, too.

As far as availability try to contact the Northwest Walls and Ceilings Bureau. Welcome to NWCB They should be able to put you in touch with some plasterers in your area who can do either a conventional plaster job, though they will try to talk you out of it, or else either a one or two coat system of veneer plaster. Two coats is harder and stronger and looks and feels just like what you have. The difference between the look and feel of the one coat system is nearly none. It is just faster and a little cheaper.

Let us know what develops.

 

Hey thanks guys! It will be a little while before this develops further, I was mainly wanting to make sure that I had some options other than just plain sheetrock. Sounds like I do.

BB

 

My first sentence could be misunderstood. It is the superiority of the system of gypsum plaster on gypsum lath I referred to not of plaster's superiority over lath.
It takes lath of some kind to plaster except over masonry.

 

Old thread closed. Please start new...

Thanks