Plastering or taping?

[Size Nine Elm]

We've got some building work nearing completion at the moment.

The new walls were specced as being plasterboard with plaster finish. The builder wants to change this to taping.

Is there a significant quality difference? Are we more likely to see subsequent cracking with taping?

Thanks...

[Busamav]

I am guessing he wants to dry line it.

Personally I would have a plaster skim finish .

[GingerWizard]

Have it skimmed. Much better finish when painted. Taping is just a little lazy IMO.

[B17NNS]

Have it skimmed.

[saleen836]

To answer the OP's question...you will see next to no cracks if you have it taped (if done correctly) where as if skimmed you will need to sort out cracks in 12 months time when everything is settled, it isn't being lazy to tape instead of plaster skim, and if both ways are done to a good standard once painted you wont be able to tell the difference, it is also cheaper to have it taped so ask for money off the price!

[andy43]

If you try and strip wallpaper from taped and jointed walls, you'll wreck them. Skimmed finish every time.

[B17NNS]

andy43 said:

If you try and strip wallpaper from taped and jointed walls, you'll wreck them. Skimmed finish every time.

The wallpaper bonds to the paper face of the board. You end up taking both layers off and destroying your walls resulting in a call to a plasterer to skim them.

[Spudler]

Never taped on any of my developments, wouldn't even entertain it. Two coats of plaster...plus it adds a degree of protection.

[Size Nine Elm]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I should insist on skimming.

We had been told by one of the guys on site that the builder would ask for it to be taped when it was running late (does any building job run on time?), but we should insist on having it skimmed - sounds like the general opinion is in agreement with this.

BobTheBuilderHeads. Plastering matters.