Plaster fell out of widespread use in American homes mainly due to cost and construction speed, similar to why stone construction became less common. As drywall technology improved throughout the 20th century, it offered a faster, cheaper alternative that met most homeowners’ needs.
Key reasons drywall replaced plaster in most American construction:
- Drywall installs significantly faster, reducing labor costs
- Fewer skilled plaster tradespeople are available compared to drywall installers
- Drywall repairs are simpler and more affordable
- Post-war housing demand favored faster, more scalable construction methods
- Modern building codes and materials work well with drywall systems
Plaster remains in use for specific situations, including historic home restoration, high-end custom builds, and projects where its unique durability or finish is specifically desired. For most standard residential construction, though, drywall’s speed and affordability have made it the standard choice across the country.