any thoughts about d/wall verses hardcoat?—worth the extra money–can it be patched easily–smooth verses sandy–level 5 d/wall verses hardcoat-doing 3500 sq. ft. addition +basement–thanks for any replies
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Greetings topo,
Welcome to Breaktime.
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
'Nemo me impune lacesset'
No one will provoke me with impunity
bump
'Nemo me impune lacesset'
No one will provoke me with impunity
TOPO
I've got some Imperial blueboard in my house to match the old plaster we were able to save. It definitely is harder on the surface han the drywall we also have; harder for the kids to dent.
It has a great texture also - my wife did the finishing, and found she could make it flat and perfect, but that didn't match the old, rougher, plaster. With that in mind, she used a different technique, and I think sometimes a wood float, to give texture.
I don't know about relative costs; the blueboard hangs just like drywall, you tape the joints and screw holes once, perhaps a 2nd touch up, then skim coat the entire thing. I believe the blue is about 2X as much as drywall, the plaster is a special set type (plaster of Paris) so you've got to be careful not to lose batches.
I have a series of renovations upcoming on a house; and the HO wants Imperial ONLY from past good experiences with it.
Forrest
We spec skimcoat plaster over blue board in each and every house we design. IMO it is far superior to drywall. Less sound transmission through walls, harder, smoother more uniform surface. It is also more expensive. Depending on the quality you are looking for, I say it's worth it.
I've worked with both and prefer drywall for its ease of repair. It's much easier to patch if you have to cut the wall or ceiling open. Also if you want smooth walls it's much easier to achieve. My sister-in-law had a house built in IL recently and she had to pay extra for smooth walls.
However, I will admit that plaster is harder and more durable.
My 2 cents,
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.