If your home was built in the mid-1900s, there is a huge chance that the walls are made out of plaster. And even though there is nothing wrong with having plaster walls, it’s common for homeowners to be interested in transitioning to drywall because of its many benefits.
In today’s post, I will be taking you through a comprehensive guide about plaster to drywall transition. I’ll also share tips on how to transition between plaster and drywall on the same wall. Why don’t we get right into it?
Can You Transition from Plaster to Drywall?
It is 100% possible to transition from plaster to drywall. Many homes that were built in the 1900s have been renovated with drywall. And the good news here is that you don’t have to tear the plaster apart.
There is an easy way of transitioning from plaster to drywall that doesn’t revolve around the labor-intensive task of tearing down plaster. That’s the method I’ll be sharing with you below.
How to Transition from Plaster to Drywall?
Step 1 – Inspect and Repair the Plaster Wall
Unfortunately, if your walls were made using plaster several decades ago, they probably won’t be in the best condition. That’s why I’m advising you to first start with a thorough inspection.
Confirm that the plaster wall is stable. Because if it’s not, there is a high chance of drywall failure after the transition.
A pro tip you can follow is to remove as much damaged plaster as possible. Also, don’t just focus on the plaster. Check out the frame of the wall and confirm if it’ll need additional repairs to strengthen it.
Step 2 – Screw the Drywall into the Plaster
Grab the pieces of drywall that you’ll need to cover that wall. Cut them according to the desired size and screw them into the plaster. To ensure the transition is firm, screw the drywall to the studs of the wall frame.
In instances where the plaster is heavily damaged, you had to take a huge chunk away from it. You can always hang the drywall to the framing directly.
Understandably, a lot of people may be afraid of such a transition. But as long as the drywall is firmly secured, you’ll never run into any issues.
If you want to ensure a firm transition between these two materials, you can use a bonding agent to create a stronger bond.
Durabond should be perfect for this task. Also, a bonding agent does a great job of stabilizing the plaster wall.
Step 3 – Apply Some Joint Compound and Sand It
You’ll need to apply some joint compound to even and smooth out the drywall. This is a crucial step as it determines the appearance of your new wall.
After applying some joint compound, let it dry before sanding it down. After that, you can paint over the drywall to make it look even better. And that’s it, you’ll have successfully transitioned from plaster to drywall.
Reasons for a Plaster to Drywall Transition
Apart from being a long overdue upgrade, are there other reasons why you should perform a plaster-to-drywall transition?
There are a lot of benefits that you’ll get after transitioning from plaster to drywall. They include;
• Drywall looks better and can accommodate a wide range of finishes such as paint or wallpaper.
• Compared to installing a fresh layer of plaster, drywall is much easier to hang and this can speed up renovations. Please also note that drywall is way cheaper than installing new plaster.
• Unlike plaster, drywall is easier to repair and you don’t need professional help as long as you’re a DIY enthusiast.
• If you crave a modern wall design, drywall is the best material for this transition. It’s smoother, lighter, and versatile. Also, modern building standards are more acceptable for drywall as compared to plaster and other materials.
So far, if you had any doubts about a plaster-to-drywall transition, hopefully, you’ve seen the extra benefits you’ll receive.

Expert Tips for a Plaster to Drywall Transition
From the method I’ve shared above, it’s clear that this transition is pretty simple. However, you need to be very careful because one wrong move can lead to costly disasters.
To avoid any issues in the future, below I’ll be listing a few tips that will ensure your plaster-to-drywall transition is a success.
• Plan everything before you begin. I’m talking about calculating how many drywall panels you’ll need and gathering all essential materials. This prevents running into hiccups later on.
• Don’t forget to inspect the condition of the plaster wall. This will signal the need for repairs before hanging drywall.
• Don’t underestimate the benefits of hiring a professional. I know all of you DIY folk don’t mind a challenge. But if you have limited experience with drywall installation, it makes a lot of sense to seek expert help. This minimizes room for error.
• Ensure the drywall is firmly secured into the plaster. I can’t emphasize how important this is. Drywall screws should get the job done, as long as you drive them into the studs inside the frame.
• Pay a lot of attention to the finishing of the drywall. After the transition, the drywall needs to be finished so that its level, smooth, and looks neat.
How to Maintain a Plaster to Drywall Transition?
After transitioning from plaster to drywall, your job is not yet done. You’ll still need to maintain and care for this transition so that it lasts longer. There are a couple of things I’d recommend such as;
• Keeping moisture away. Both drywall and plaster are not huge fans of moisture. so, if you introduce it to this transition, that can weaken the structural strength of both materials.
• Be mindful of exerting extra force or impact on the plaster-drywall transition. Such can heavily damage both materials. Also, do not hang heavy objects on drywall that have been transitioned from plaster.
• Always check for signs of damage to the drywall and act on it asap. This prevents adverse complications.
• Do not ignore that part of the wall when it comes to touchups and painting. It still needs to be refinished every once in a while.
How to Transition from Plaster to Drywall on the Same Wall?
Sometimes, you may install drywall in an area where it meets a plaster wall. In this scenario, you’ll be left with a seam or joint and you may wonder what is the best way to transition between these two materials.
Well, the answer is pretty simple – all you need is some drywall tape and joint compound.
If you’re interested in transitioning from plaster to drywall on the same wall, ensure that the gap left behind is very small. That can be done by measuring and cutting the adjacent drywall panel to almost touch the adjacent plaster wall.
Then apply a layer of the joint compound inside that gap. Follow it with drywall tape and then a second layer of joint compound. Feather it out on both sides of the drywall and plaster so that the transition is even.
Give the joint compound time to dry, about 24 hours should be enough, and sand it down to create a smooth finish on that transition.
Once the joint isn’t noticeable, apply primer and paint over it. The transition will be perfect and completely unnoticeable.
Unlike other types of transition, you don’t need a transitional piece when joining plaster and drywall. It’ll only be necessary if the gap is too big. And I wouldn’t advise you to have a big gap between plaster and drywall as that may lead to cracking.