Drywall vs Plaster — GTA Homeowner's Guide

The biggest practical differences come down to install speed, cost, and how each material handles damage and moisture. Plaster takes 2–4x longer to install and costs 2–3x more, but lasts longer and gives a noticeably harder, more soundproof finish.

Drywall is the default for new builds, additions, basement finishes, and most renovations across Toronto and the GTA. It is faster, cheaper, and supported by a deep contractor pool.

Choose drywall when:

1. you need fast turnaround — a typical addition can be drywalled and ready for paint in a week
2. budget is a priority — drywall runs 50–70% cheaper than plaster on the same scope
3. future modifications are likely — drywall is easy to cut, patch, and re-finish
4. you need fire-rated assemblies — 5/8" Type X drywall achieves a 1-hour rating at low cost
5. you are in a moisture-prone area — moisture-resistant green board and DensShield outperform plaster in bathrooms and basements.

For 95% of GTA residential work, drywall is the correct answer.

Plaster suits a narrow but real set of cases:

1. heritage restoration — owners of pre-1960 homes in a Heritage Conservation District may be required under Toronto's HCD by-laws to restore rather than replace plaster, and doing so protects resale value
2. high-end soundproofing — plaster's mass delivers 5–7 STC points over standard drywall, which matters for music rooms, home theatres, and luxury master suites
3. curved or sculptural walls — plaster shapes better than drywall for arches, vaults, and decorative trim
4. authentic period finishes — a flawless skim-coat plaster finish has a depth that Level 5 drywall does not fully replicate.

Outside these scenarios, the cost premium is hard to justify.

Cost differences become significant on whole-home renovations. A 2,500 sq ft home renovated in drywall runs $5,000–$11,000 in supply and install; the same job in 3-coat plaster runs $18,000–$33,000, plus 3–4 extra weeks of schedule. For partial work the gap shrinks: a single bathroom in drywall costs $550–$1,200 versus $1,800–$3,500 in plaster.

The single biggest practical reason most Toronto homeowners choose drywall is not install cost — it is repair cost. A drywall patch (door-knob hole, anchor pull-out, water stain) takes 1–2 hours, costs $100–$250 to hire out, and leaves no visible trace after paint.

The same damage in plaster requires a specialist who can match the original texture and key into the existing lath; expect a 2–4 hour minimum at $110–$160 per hour, often with a slightly visible patch line for several years.

In a busy household with kids, pets, or frequent furniture moves, drywall's repairability easily compensates for its softer surface over the building's lifetime.