How to Locate Studs in a Plaster and Lathe Wall for Home Improvement

When it comes to home improvement, knowing where the studs are in your walls is crucial. Plaster and lathe walls are a common type found in older homes, and finding studs in these can be a bit trickier. Here are several effective methods to help you locate them:

Methods for Locating Studs

Stud Finder with a Deepscan Feature

Sometimes, you can get lucky and a stud finder with a deepscan feature will help locate studs in a plaster and lathe wall. These advanced tools are designed to penetrate the material and detect the metal framing behind. Keep in mind that while these tools can be very useful, they might not always be as accurate in heavily plastered walls.

Knock on the Wall

Not typically very useful for a plaster and lathe wall, but it's worth a shot. Tap the wall with the back of your hand or knuckle. Listen to how it sounds. Keeping in mind that this method works better on standard drywall and framing, it may still work on plaster and lathe sometimes. If you tap horizontally across the wall and hear changes in sound, such as a hollow sound or a solid sound, the more solid-sounding areas may be studs.

Drill Holes

This method is very effective but leaves you with multiple small holes in the plaster. Grab a drill with a small drill bit (preferably around 1/8” in diameter). Start by picking a spot and drilling a hole. If your bit gets through about 1/2” to 1” and "pops" through, you've not hit a stud. Move it one inch one way or the other and try again. When your bit does not easily pop through after an inch or so, you've likely found a stud. This method works great for installing cabinets or some types of shelving. You will end up with a line of holes, so make sure you can either hide the holes with what you are installing or be ready to patch them.

Fancy Stud Finder

A fancy stud finder is a better, more cost-effective, and more functional version of a cheap stud finder. These tools typically use both electromagnetic and infrared technology to detect the location of metal studs and wood behind the wall. They are often more accurate and provide a higher level of detail than cheaper models.

Remodel and Replace

If the walls are too damaged or you just want a clean slate, tearing off the plaster/lathe and replacing it with new drywall can be a viable option. This method involves more work and cost but offers you the advantage of a fresh and smooth surface.

Using a Magnet

Get yourself a strong magnet and run it over the wall. There are usually nails in place along the studs that hold drywall or boards up. Where you find nails, you'll also find the center of a stud.

Conclusion

When tackling a home improvement project, locating studs is a vital step. Whether you need to install shelves, cabinets, or any other type of furniture, knowing the location of the studs can make the job much easier. Use these methods to find the studs in a plaster and lathe wall and ensure that your work is both safe and structurally sound.