Drywall vs. Plaster: Which Wall Finish Is Better in Bakersfield?

If you own a home in historic Bakersfield neighborhoods like Westchester or Oleander, you're likely living with plaster walls. Modern subdivisions in Rosedale or Seven Oaks, however, are almost exclusively drywall. Knowing the difference is crucial when planning a renovation or repair.

What Is Drywall?

Drywall, also called gypsum board or sheetrock, is a factory-made panel of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It's installed quickly, tapered at the edges for smooth seams, and finished with joint compound and tape. Standard residential drywall is 1/2 inch thick — 5/8 inch is sometimes used for ceilings or fire-rated walls.

What Is Plaster?

Traditional plaster walls are built with thin strips of wood called lath nailed to the studs, then covered by hand with multiple coats of wet plaster applied by a skilled tradesperson. The plaster cures into a hard, solid wall surface. It's labor-intensive but creates an extremely durable finish that can last the life of the building.

Cost Comparison

Drywall is dramatically cheaper to install. A professional drywall crew can hang and finish an average-sized room in a day or two. Plaster takes several days and requires specialized craftsmen, which drives up the cost significantly. For Bakersfield homeowners planning a remodel or new build, drywall will almost always be the more affordable option.

Durability and Longevity

Plaster wins on pure durability. A well-installed plaster wall is harder and more impact-resistant than drywall. It doesn't dent as easily and doesn't sag over time. That said, when plaster does crack — typically from settling or seismic shifting, which is a reality here in Kern County — the repair is more complex than patching drywall.

Insulation and Sound

Plaster has better sound-dampening and thermal insulating properties than standard drywall. The dense, multi-coat construction creates a thicker wall surface that blocks noise more effectively. If you have plaster walls and noise is a concern, that's one reason to preserve them rather than rip them out. Modern options like Type X acoustic drywall are a good alternative for drywall installs.

How Bakersfield's Climate Affects Both Materials

Bakersfield's dry, hot summers put stress on interior walls. Drywall can develop hairline cracks from the expansion and contraction cycle as temperatures fluctuate. Plaster, while more rigid, is equally prone to cracking from structural settling — and once it starts, those cracks tend to widen over time without repair. Either material benefits from proper installation and climate-appropriate finishing techniques.

Verdict for Bakersfield Homes

For new construction and remodels, drywall is the smart choice — it's affordable, fast to install, easy to repair, and looks great with a professional finish. If your older Bakersfield home has plaster walls in good condition, there's no need to replace them. But cracked or damaged plaster is usually better to remove and replace with fresh drywall rather than attempt a complex plaster restoration.

Bakersfield Elite Drywall handles both new drywall installations and plaster-to-drywall conversions throughout Bakersfield, Oildale, Rosedale, and surrounding Kern County communities.