Quick Answer
Drywall costs $1.50–$3.50/sq ft installed in the GTA versus $5.00–$10.00/sq ft for 3-coat plaster, and installs 4x faster. Drywall wins for 95% of GTA residential projects; plaster only wins for heritage restoration, premium soundproofing (STC 38–42 vs 33–35), and curved/sculpted walls.
Drywall and plaster both produce smooth interior walls, but they're built from different materials, installed by different trades, and behave very differently over time. Drywall (gypsum board) accounts for roughly 95% of new GTA construction; plaster lives mostly in homes built before 1960 and in high-end specialty projects. This guide compares both on cost, install speed, durability, soundproofing, repair, and where each wins. Numbers reflect 2026 GTA pricing from Konstruction Group's project data.
Drywall vs Plaster, Side by Side
The biggest practical differences is 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 harder, more soundproof finish.
| Factor | Drywall (Gypsum Board) | Plaster (3-Coat) |
|---|---|---|
| Install cost (GTA, supplied + installed) | $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft | $5.00–$10.00 per sq ft |
| Install time (typical 12x12 room) | 1–2 days | 5–10 days (cure time between coats) |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years | 75–100+ years |
| Surface hardness | Soft (dents from impact) | Hard (resists impact) |
| Soundproofing (STC at 2x4 wall) | STC 33–35 | STC 38–42 |
| Fire resistance (Type X drywall) | 1-hour rating standard | 1-hour rating standard |
| Repair difficulty | Easy, patch with joint compound | Hard, match historic texture and lath |
| Moisture tolerance | Poor (sagging, mould) | Better but not waterproof |
| Skilled trades available in GTA | Hundreds of contractors | Few specialists, mostly heritage |
When Drywall Is the Right Choice
Drywall is the default for new builds, additions, basement finishes, and most renovations across Toronto and the GTA. It's faster, cheaper, and supported by a deep contractor pool.
Specifically, choose drywall when:
- you need fast turnaround, a typical addition can be drywalled and ready for paint in a week
- budget matters, drywall is 50-70% cheaper than plaster on the same scope
- future modifications are likely, drywall is easy to cut, patch, and re-finish
- you need fire-rated assemblies, Type X drywall in 5/8" achieves 1-hour ratings cheaply
- you're in a moisture-prone area, moisture-resistant green board and DensShield handle bathrooms and basements better than plaster.
For 95% of GTA residential work, drywall is the correct answer.
When Plaster Still Wins
Plaster is the right choice in narrow but real cases:
- heritage restoration, if you own a pre-1960 home in a Heritage Conservation District (Toronto has many), restoring plaster maintains the home's value and may be required by the HCD by-law
- high-end soundproofing, plaster's mass and density give 5-7 STC points over standard drywall, which matters for music rooms, home theatres, and luxury master suites
- curved or sculptural walls, plaster shapes better than drywall for arches, vaults, and decorative trim
- when authentic period finishes are part of the design intent, a flawless skim-coat plaster finish has a depth that even Level 5 drywall doesn't fully replicate.
If you're not in one of these scenarios, the cost premium isn't worth it.
Cost Comparison Across Common GTA Projects
Total cost differences become significant on whole-home renovations. A 2,500 sq ft home renovated in drywall runs $4,000–$9,000 in supply and install; the same job in 3-coat plaster runs $13,000–$25,000, plus 3-4 extra weeks of schedule. For partial work, the gap shrinks: a single bathroom in drywall is $400–$900 versus $1,200–$2,500 in plaster.
| Project | Drywall total | Plaster total | Time difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 12×12 bedroom | $700–$1,500 | $2,500–$4,500 | +3–5 days for plaster |
| 1,000 sq ft basement finish | $1,500–$3,500 | $5,000–$10,000 | +1–2 weeks for plaster |
| 2,500 sq ft full home | $4,000–$9,000 | $13,000–$25,000 | +3–4 weeks for plaster |
| Single bathroom | $400–$900 | $1,200–$2,500 | +3–5 days for plaster |
Repair and Damage, Where Drywall Wins Long Term
The single biggest practical reason most Toronto homeowners pick drywall isn't install cost, it's repair cost. A drywall patch (door knob hole, anchor pull-out, water stain) takes 1–2 hours, costs $80–$200 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 2–4 hour minimum at $90–$140/hour, often with a slightly visible patch line for several years.
If you live 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.
More Resources
Sources & Methodology
Cost ranges and STC values reflect Konstruction Group’s 2024–2026 GTA project pricing across 200+ residential drywall jobs and selected heritage plaster restorations. Fire ratings cited from UL/ULC tested wall assemblies referenced in Ontario Building Code Part 9.
Researched & reviewed by
Fadi MamarCo-founder, Konstruction Group Inc
Engineering graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University with 14+ years in Toronto construction. Has overseen 500+ residential and commercial framing, insulation, and drywall projects across the GTA.
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