1/13

Plaster and Lath Pro Tips

Removing plaster and lath is always an ugly ordeal, but my first try, 25 years ago, was the worst. I made every mistake in the book—mistakes that cost me time, frustration and blood. Since then, I’ve gotten smarter. Read on and I’ll show you how to remove plaster and lath faster, safer and better.

2/13

Turn Off the Power

Old walls hold hazardous surprises like wires without insulation and devices without junction boxes. In one wall I tore out, the wiring was embedded in the plaster! So turn off the circuits inside the wall and check any outlets or switches with a non-contact voltage tester before starting the tear-out.