I am buying a house that has horrible ugly paneling from floor to ceiling in every room. Behind it the walls are plaster.
The paneling is coming off no matter what.
Assuming the plaster is in decent shape and only needs to be spackled and painted....
Am I better off fixing the existing plaster, or is it better to tear it down and put sheet rock in its place?
2007-06-13 15:03:58 · 5 answers · asked by oneakmusic 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
There is no way to tell until you take off the paneling. If it was set on lath(1x2 ) and can be removed without really messing up the walls and the walls aren't aweful (look for large cracks and bulges where the plaster "keys" are no longer holding the plaster tight to the backing) then using a product like easy sand patching plaster for large jobs or vynil spackle for smal is the way to go.
If you need to tear down the old plaster (a very messy job and a lot of hard work) try and leave the wooden lath behind ....it really firms up the drywall....you still need to screw into the studs but it is a stronger wall
If at all possible do the work before you move in 'cause there will be dust everywhere cover all doorways with plastic to confine the dust...100ft rolls are available at home store and worth it...you'll always use up the rest later
2007-06-13 15:23:16 · answer #1 · answered by paulj2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would definitely be better off leaving the plaster in place if possible. If you tear it off you will ending up taking down the lathing as well as the plaster. It will create a real messy situation. An alternative, if the plaster is in bad shape, is to apply drywall overtop, perhaps 3/8 thick drywall.
2007-06-13 15:14:38 · answer #2 · answered by carman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how bad it is. If it is real bad where your fixing large portions on every wall, i would say sheet rock, if it is in great shape just fix the rough spots, spackle and paint
2007-06-13 15:12:35 · answer #3 · answered by soccerdude92587 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not put sheetrock over the plaster. It's easier to work with and far faster, then you have breathable insulation between your walls at a fraction of the cost in money and time.
2007-06-13 15:15:00 · answer #4 · answered by Captain S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on how it looks, I'd say spot repair it, if it is bad, re-hang with new sheet rock, also putting some new insulation. coudl pay dividens in the long run on heating/cooling bills
2007-06-13 15:13:20 · answer #5 · answered by back2skewl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋