how walls are constructed. The single most common material used in house framing in the United States is wood; however, steel and concrete are being used regionally. In Southern areas there will be concrete walls partly because of the hurricanes and termites.

What are new homes walls made of?

Interior surfaces The interior walls of newly built homes tend to be clad in gypsum plasterboard, and then painted. Older homes often have their walls clad in a lath and plaster combination.

What are most house walls made of?

Two of the most common forms of interior wall materials are plaster and drywall. Plaster has been used since ancient times. The earliest plaster was usually made of lime, sand, animal hair and water [source: MacDonald].

Do they plaster walls in new builds?

Many new homes are not actually plastered at all. It is usually internal walls or stud walls but sometimes the inner faces of exterior walls are simply lined with plasterboard before being painted or papered over – no plaster skim coat.

What is my internal wall made of?

Internal, or partition, walls can be constructed in a number of ways. They are typically constructed from brick or blockwork, or framed, sometimes referred to as stud walls. Stud walls can be constructed from timber, steel or aluminium frames clad with boarding such as plasterboard, timber, metal or fibreboard.

How can you tell the difference between drywall and plaster?

Push a thumbtack or pin into the wall in an inconspicuous spot to test its hardness. Drywall is softer and won’t crack. Plaster is much harder. A plaster wall won’t want to take the pin and will probably splinter.

Can I install TV mount on drywall?

Even though a drywall can support a TV up to 100 lbs, the device is still brittle and the mount can require additional support, or else the TV will land on the floor. Wall studs make up the frame for the TV that supports your walls. They provide a sturdy anchor point, ensuring that both the mount and TV stay in place.

What is the most common material used for interior walls?

Drywall, otherwise known as gypsum wallboard or by the common trade name Sheetrock, has replaced plaster as the most common wall surface in American homes. It is used as a backing for wall treatments such as wallpaper, fabric, tile, and wood paneling.

Is drywall or plaster better?

Plaster has many advantages over modern drywall. It provides better insulation, fireproofing and soundproofing than drywall. Also, unlike drywall, it will not harbor mold because mold cannot grow in it. Because it is hand applied by skilled artisans, it is a higher quality, more expensive material.

Is Sheetrock the same as drywall?

Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.

Do people still do plaster?

While drywall is the standard in most houses today, plaster is still used for a variety of aesthetic upgrades.

Can you drill into new build walls?

Sometimes it’s best to wait a few months to try and uncover any hidden problems. Additionally, before you drill into your new walls, make sure you know what’s behind them! You don’t want to puncture a cable or damage any electrical work that you can’t see.

How thick is plasterboard in new builds?

There are two thicknesses of plasterboard. 9.5mm and 12.5mm. If using 12.5mm the studs must be placed no further apart than 600mm and if using 9.5mm then 400mm is the maximum (if using plasterboard on a ceiling always use 12.5mm as it will not sag).