We are going to build new but don't know what to choose for the facade.
I've got the idea that plaster is cheaper in the long run because it requires less maintenance, but I'm not sure.
That's why I thought I'd check with the experts here to hear what you have to say about it.
How often do you have to paint plaster? A wooden facade should be painted about every 5-7 years, right? Plaster paint is much more expensive than wood paint, so the money spent on paint might be the same even if you don't need to paint the plaster as often? So does it pay off to spend 128,000:- for a plaster facade on our new build?
I've got the idea that plaster is cheaper in the long run because it requires less maintenance, but I'm not sure.
That's why I thought I'd check with the experts here to hear what you have to say about it.
How often do you have to paint plaster? A wooden facade should be painted about every 5-7 years, right? Plaster paint is much more expensive than wood paint, so the money spent on paint might be the same even if you don't need to paint the plaster as often? So does it pay off to spend 128,000:- for a plaster facade on our new build?
I think you should choose what FEELS right, there's quite a big difference between wood/plaster facade aesthetically, so you should try to find the style that suits both the surroundings and yourself. I also think that it's easier with a wood facade if you want to change/expand/remodel (especially easier to make it look aesthetically pleasing). So the financial arguments would be quite far down on my list (hopefully you'll live and stay in the house for a long time to come) 
Ulsi said:
I completely agree with you in your post regarding hand-applied plaster, it gives the facade the right "life," it doesn't become so sterile, but I've heard that few master the technique With a properly done plastering, you avoid all kinds of maintenance for at least 30 years. What's left is to paint some fascia boards and such...
Quite nice to be able to use the vacation for its intended purpose, namely relaxing !!
Moreover, plaster gives a much nicer facade!
** ducks behind the keyboard **
Quite nice to be able to use the vacation for its intended purpose, namely relaxing !!
Moreover, plaster gives a much nicer facade!
** ducks behind the keyboard **
Yes, I have also heard that plaster doesn't need maintenance for 30 years, but I have also heard people say that plaster needs to be painted as often as wood. Don't we have a painter here who is well-versed on this?
(I agree with MrMagic that plaster is definitely more attractive...)
(I agree with MrMagic that plaster is definitely more attractive...)
Don't you think that the surroundings play quite a significant role (e.g., a plastered house at the edge of the woods might not be ideal, and neither a log cabin by the sea)MrMagic said:
Ps stand up from behind the keyboard, of course, you should be proud and stand by your opinions...
If you use fully colored plaster, you can completely avoid painting. Mix in a little dolomite (marble crush), and the house becomes more beautiful over the years!! But it requires good preparation work, if you cut corners, it will cost you in the end....
I agree that the right house in the right place, meaning both design and choice of materials, must align with the surroundings and traditions.
I agree that the right house in the right place, meaning both design and choice of materials, must align with the surroundings and traditions.
I have my practical opinions regarding facades. I think a wooden structure should be clad with wood and plaster should only be used on brick/concrete facades. Mixing the two such different materials, like wood and plaster, requires a lot to make it durable and is not at all technically simple or cheap. Both materials move and react differently to moisture and temperature changes. Sure, there are technical solutions to make it work, but I think it costs more to mix than it's worth. I would not dare to mix the two materials unnecessarily just for appearance's sake. Having lived in a wooden house, I got tired of painting, and now it's plastered brick houses that apply. I might be too old and cautious to test new solutions and stick to the old and proven ones where you know the pros and cons for a long time. A stuccoed house facade I know what it is, but I'm a bit skeptical of the new plaster coatings on wooden houses ???. If I had to choose, it would be a wooden facade on a wooden structure and plaster on a mineral substrate, and never the other way around. The aesthetic would be a secondary concern. My old house is plastered with lime plaster and painted 3 years ago with silicate paint. It will probably become grayish over time (firewood heating) but then we just plan to wash/brush it clean. It should last our time (about 20 years+ ) without needing to be repainted if the paint stays as it does now.
Good luck with the choice
gaia
) without needing to be repainted if the paint stays as it does now. Good luck with the choice
gaia
The reversion method is not exactly brand new. Looking around the neighborhood, I notice houses with wooden frames that are unrenovated stucco houses (from the 30s and 40s).
Of course, there are also sad examples where people have painted with plastic paints and the stucco has started to crack.
Stucco facades are not entirely easy to understand—nor are wooden facades. There are incredibly many techniques, types of paint, and philosophies.
It's amusing when you talk to some craftsmen and professionals who advocate "their" method, which can be enormously rational and quick in execution (=cheapest possible for the customer), but which does not at all meet the expected quality in the long run.
Of course, there are also sad examples where people have painted with plastic paints and the stucco has started to crack.
Stucco facades are not entirely easy to understand—nor are wooden facades. There are incredibly many techniques, types of paint, and philosophies.
It's amusing when you talk to some craftsmen and professionals who advocate "their" method, which can be enormously rational and quick in execution (=cheapest possible for the customer), but which does not at all meet the expected quality in the long run.
Yes, Fasting65, revetering is an old method, but no houses are revetered nowadays. Lime plaster on wooden walls belongs to history, and we can only see the facades that have survived to this day, sometimes thanks to owners neglecting to paint and/or add insulation . Building methods and materials change as soon as it becomes clear that something was wrong with the method, and that's OK. There are differences between a house wall from 1970 and today's, albeit small ones. It's still a bit disheartening to suspect that today's building materials might be criticized and discarded in 20-30 years when they have been sufficiently tested under real conditions. That's why I am so cautious about believing in the modern quick solutions and sit securely in an old house that doesn't hide any surprises.
gaia
. Building methods and materials change as soon as it becomes clear that something was wrong with the method, and that's OK. There are differences between a house wall from 1970 and today's, albeit small ones. It's still a bit disheartening to suspect that today's building materials might be criticized and discarded in 20-30 years when they have been sufficiently tested under real conditions. That's why I am so cautious about believing in the modern quick solutions and sit securely in an old house that doesn't hide any surprises.gaia
Wise words.gaia said:I have my practical opinions about facades. I think a wood structure should be clad with wood, and plaster should only be used on brick/concrete facades. Mixing the two very different materials, as wood and plaster are, requires a lot to make it durable and is not at all technically simple or cheap. Both materials move and react differently to moisture and temperature changes. Sure, there are technical solutions to make it work, but I think it costs more to mix than it's worth. I wouldn't dare to mix the two materials unnecessarily just for appearance's sake. I lived in a wooden house, got tired of painting, and now it's plastered brick houses for me. I may be too old and cautious to test new solutions and stick to the old and tested ones where the pros and cons are well known. I know what a plastered house facade is, but I'm probably skeptical of the new plaster systems on wooden houses ???. If I had to choose, it would be a wood facade on a wooden structure and plaster on a mineral substrate and never the other way around. The aesthetics would be a secondary concern. My old house is plastered with lime plaster and painted 3 years ago with silicate paint. It will probably get gray-dusty over time (wood burning) but then we just plan to wash/brush it clean. It should last our time (about 20 years+
Good luck with your choice
gaia
I don't remember where I read it, but there is a fear that plaster on wooden houses will become the most common construction/design flaw of modern times. Similar to how bathrooms were built in the past....