Is it OK to screw into plaster.

acerunner · 06-02-2011, 11:01 PM

I have a very old traditional style fireplace shaped out of plaster. I've remodeled the rest of the house for a more modern style, so I want the fireplace to match. I thinking something with clean straight lines, so my idea was simply to wrap the existing fireplace with drywall to cover the detailing that made the fireplace look so traditional, and mud it to give it it's straight lines. However, i'm not sure if screwing drywall into plaster is a good idea. Any ideas?

**oh'mike** · 06-03-2011, 06:40 AM

A question or two----What kind of plaster?--Wood lath with plaster or plaster over gypsum board?

If possible use drywall adhesive and a minimum of screws----often the screws will pop a chunk of plaster loose--causing a hump under the new drywall.--Mike---

acerunner · 06-03-2011, 12:09 PM

I remember seeing all white plaster from the backside when the walls were open. Unfortunately the walls are closed up now and I can't get a closer look. I don't think there is wood lathe, but I didn't see gypsum board either. It looked more like a hollow plaster shell, which doesn't quite make sense now that I mention it. so I must have missed something.

**oh'mike** · 06-03-2011, 07:15 PM

Plaster over gypsum is much less likely to chunk out with screws---Wood lath can be a big problem--

Use adhesive and only enough screws to keep the new Drywall in place as the glue sets.--Mike---

oldrivers · 06-03-2011, 10:03 PM

take an awl and try finding the studs. we do it quite a bit but you do need to be careful not to get a broken chunk of plaster pinched between the rock . screws dont seem to grab lath very well it usually splits, hit the studs .

06-02-2011, 11:01 PM	#1
acerunner Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 445	Is it OK to screw into plaster. I have a very old traditional style fireplace shaped out of plaster. I've remodeled the rest of the house for a more modern style, so I want the fireplace to match. I thinking something with clean straight lines, so my idea was simply to wrap the existing fireplace with drywall to cover the detailing that made the fireplace look so traditional, and mud it to give it it's straight lines. However, i'm not sure if screwing drywall into plaster is a good idea. Any ideas?

06-03-2011, 06:40 AM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Is it OK to screw into plaster. A question or two----What kind of plaster?--Wood lath with plaster or plaster over gypsum board? If possible use drywall adhesive and a minimum of screws----often the screws will pop a chunk of plaster loose--causing a hump under the new drywall.--Mike--- __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

06-03-2011, 12:09 PM	#3
acerunner Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 445	Is it OK to screw into plaster. I remember seeing all white plaster from the backside when the walls were open. Unfortunately the walls are closed up now and I can't get a closer look. I don't think there is wood lathe, but I didn't see gypsum board either. It looked more like a hollow plaster shell, which doesn't quite make sense now that I mention it. so I must have missed something.

06-03-2011, 07:15 PM	#4
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Is it OK to screw into plaster. Plaster over gypsum is much less likely to chunk out with screws---Wood lath can be a big problem-- Use adhesive and only enough screws to keep the new Drywall in place as the glue sets.--Mike--- __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

06-03-2011, 10:03 PM	#5
oldrivers Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: anoka county mn Posts: 263	Is it OK to screw into plaster. take an awl and try finding the studs. we do it quite a bit but you do need to be careful not to get a broken chunk of plaster pinched between the rock . screws dont seem to grab lath very well it usually splits, hit the studs .

Is it OK to screw into plaster.