What Are The Walls In My House Made Of?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Two of the most common forms of interior wall materials are

plaster and

. Plaster has been used since ancient times. The earliest plaster was usually made of lime, sand, animal hair and water [source: MacDonald]. … By the 1950s, drywall had surged in popularity as an interior wall material [source: Barber].

How can I tell what my wall is made of?

The easiest method is

to tap on the wall whilst moving your hand around

. You will hear that the majority of the wall sounds hollow and may even have a slight flex to it, however there will be hard, solid points dotted around.

What are interior 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].

What material is used for walls in a house?

Plaster / Drywall Wall Materials, Types, Properties

Plaster and drywall are essentially the same material. Drywall is manufactured while plaster is mixed and applied by trowel on site. Plaster and drywall are made largely of

gypsum

, a common mineral (calcium sulphate hydrate). at DRYWALL, FIBERBOARD, PLASTER INTERIORS.

How do I know if my walls are plaster or drywall?

  1. Check your attic to see the backside of any interior walls or ceilings.
  2. Drywall will be evident by its brown paper backing.
  3. Plaster can be identified by wooden laths with plaster visible between them.

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.

What type of wood is used for interior walls?

Most

hardwoods

are suitable for furniture-making, wall paneling, and ceiling installations, décor, picture frames as well as cabinetry; and Alder wood is no different. It has a stunning appearance and subtle grain patterns in a light brown color. Its grains are distinctly straighter than hardwoods, such as ash or oak.

Can you hang a TV 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.

Is cement board same as drywall?

Whereas drywall comes in 4-by-8 sheets,

cement board comes in 3-by-5 sheets

. … The smaller dimensions of cement board make the installation of it on large walls more difficult, but cement board panels fit vertically in 3-foot wide showers, or horizontally behind a standard 5-foot bathtub.

What are the two types of wall?

Wall is a structural element which divides the space (room) into two spaces (rooms) and also provides safety and shelter. Generally, the walls are differentiated as a two types

outer-walls and inner-walls

.

What is the best material to make walls?

  • Brick. …
  • Wood. …
  • Metal. …
  • Vinyl. …
  • Stone. Use real stone or stone veneer to give your building a natural look. …
  • Concrete. This is the most commonly used wall material. …
  • Ceramic Tiles. Tiles create a strong first impression when used outdoors. …
  • Plastic. This is available in different colors and patterns; you don't need to paint.

What can you put on walls instead of drywall?

  • Veneer Plaster. Veneer plaster might be the alternative that comes closest to traditional drywall. …
  • Lath & Plaster. …
  • Texture Wall Panels. …
  • Brick & Masonry. …
  • Cement Board. …
  • Pegboard. …
  • Cork Board. …
  • Wahoo Walls.

What is behind a plaster wall?

In addition to lath and rock lath, plaster walls built before the 1940s also featured

calcimine

, a chalk powder mixed with water and glue to create an additional binder used to finish plaster walls. You'll know your walls have calcimine in them if they're prone to peeling or flaking.

Should I keep plaster walls?

As long as they're

in decent condition

(not falling away from the lath in chunks), you may opt to leave them as they are. For many, plaster walls are a big part of an older home's historical charm, and they're well worth keeping intact.

What anchors to use in plaster walls?

Plastic wall anchors don't work with lath and plaster walls. Instead, use

plaster anchors made of metal like a molly bolt or a toggle bolt

. Be sure to use one that's long enough to get behind the plaster and lath. When drilling into plaster, you'll need to use a masonry bit.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.