The wonder of modern drywall

In‑wall infrastructure and accessibility

• Several commenters question why plumbing, wiring, and ducts are hidden behind drywall when they will eventually need maintenance, arguing for more accessible systems (conduit, baseboards, modular panels, “doors” in walls).
• Others respond that:
  • You rarely need to open most walls; failures over 20–50 years are uncommon compared to voluntary renovations.
  • Drywall is cheap, relatively easy to cut and patch, and access systems add cost, complexity, and code issues (fire rating, air sealing, child safety).
• Exposed or baseboard‑mounted services are described as aesthetically divisive and often not code‑compliant, especially for mains electrical.

Aesthetics, mounting, and practical annoyances

• Many people prefer flat, clean walls with hidden services; “industrial” exposed conduit exists but is niche.
• Commenters note that drywall repair is conceptually simple but practically annoying: dust, drying times, matching paint, and especially ceilings.
• There’s debate over how “trivial” it is to hang things: consensus is that studs should carry heavier loads; relying purely on anchors in drywall is unsafe beyond modest weights.
• Picture rails have defenders who find them vastly superior for flexible art hanging, including modern rail systems for gallery‑style walls.

Drywall vs plaster, lath, and historic materials

• Some argue plaster walls are more beautiful, durable, and can last centuries; others emphasize their brittleness and difficulty for mounting or modification.
• Various techniques are discussed: drywall as a substrate for skim plaster (common in the UK and some US regions), textured finishes vs smooth “level 5” work, and regional variation in practice.
• Breathable lime/clay systems are praised for handling moisture and avoiding mold; gypsum drywall is criticized for mold risk and problematic disposal (toxic fumes when burned, hydrogen sulfide in landfills).

Materials, supply chains, and environmental angles

• A substantial share of drywall gypsum has come from coal power plant scrubbers; commenters frame drywall’s rise as tied to cheap fossil‑fuel byproducts.
• As coal shuts down, synthetic gypsum supply is tightening, pushing manufacturers back toward mining and prompting interest in recycling.
• Some see this as a reason to reconsider earth‑based or modular construction systems.

Regional construction cultures and performance

• Europeans (especially Germans) describe North American wood‑frame/drywall houses as flimsy, noisy, and maintenance‑heavy compared to masonry, while others defend timber/drywall as cheap, fast, earthquake‑resilient, and easy to remodel.
• There is broad agreement that typical North American drywall/stud assemblies provide poor sound insulation unless extra measures are taken, and that market pressures discourage builders from investing in noise‑control or long‑term durability.