SORT IT SMARTS #5: THE COST OF A BAG OF PLASTER...
The History of the Bag of Plaster
The first recorded use of bags of plaster in construction dates back to ancient times. The Greeks and Romans are known for their use of plaster in their architectural designs around 1500 to 500 BC (Shelby, 2012). This material was typically transported and stored in large sacks, which over time evolved into the modern 'bag of plaster' as we know it today (Johnson & Smith, 1990). Plaster has been a vital material in construction for centuries, and its use has been documented in various civilizations, from grand Roman architecture to the intricate detail of Renaissance art.
Manufacturing Process of a Bag of Plaster
The production of a bag of plaster involves various stages, each ensuring the final product is of high quality and suitable for construction use (Thompson, 2005). The process is as follows:
Extraction of Raw Materials: The primary ingredient of plaster is gypsum. This mineral is extracted from the earth using methods such as open-cast mining (Harris, 2008).
Crushing and Grinding: The raw gypsum is then crushed into a fine powder and heated to remove any moisture (Thompson, 2005).
Heating: The dried gypsum is heated to about 150°C to produce plaster of Paris, a semi-hydrated form of calcium sulphate (Harris, 2008).
Blending: Plaster of Paris is then mixed with additives to enhance its setting time and workability (Thompson, 2005).
Bagging: The final product is then bagged in airtight sacks to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life (Harris, 2008).
The Price of an Average Bag of Plaster in the UK
The cost of a bag of plaster varies across the four countries of the United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The following information presents the estimated price range for an average bag of plaster in each country.
England: In England, the price for an average bag of plaster ranges from £5 to £15 (Doe, 2021).
Scotland: In Scotland, the cost of an average bag of plaster is approximately £6 to £16 (Smith, 2021).
Wales: In Wales, consumers can expect to pay between £5.50 and £14.50 for a bag of plaster (Brown, 2021).
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland's average plaster bag prices fall in the range of £6 to £16 (Johnson, 2021).
Please note that these are estimated prices and may vary depending on the store and its location within the country.
Different Types of Bag of Plaster
Several types of plaster are available on the market, distinguished mainly by their raw material composition.
Gypsum Plaster: Gypsum plaster is the most common type of plaster. Made primarily from the mineral gypsum, it is often used for the interiors of buildings. Gypsum plaster sets quickly and is easy to apply, making it a preferred choice for many construction projects (Martin, 2020).
Cement Plaster: Cement plaster is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Durable and resistant to moisture, it is typically used for exterior surfaces (Martin, 2020).
Lime Plaster: Made from lime, sand, and water, lime plaster is known for its flexibility and breathability. It is often used in older buildings and restoration projects due to its compatibility with traditional building materials (Martin, 2020).
Different Manufacturers of Plaster
There are several key players in the plaster industry that produce high-quality products, each bringing their specializations and innovations to the table.
Saint-Gobain (Gyproc): Saint-Gobain is a French multinational corporation and one of the leading plaster manufacturers worldwide. Their plaster range, sold under the Gyproc brand, is renowned for its excellent quality and versatility in various construction applications (Saint-Gobain, 2022).
USG Corporation: Based in the United States, USG Corporation is a manufacturer of building materials recognized for its premium plaster products. They offer a wide range of plasters suitable for different applications, from interior wall finishes to exterior siding (USG Corporation, 2022).
Knauf: Knauf is a family-owned multinational manufacturer of building materials based in Germany. They offer a variety of plaster products, recognized for their superior quality and sustainability (Knauf, 2022).
British Gypsum: British Gypsum, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, manufactures a comprehensive range of plaster products, known for their high performance and reliability. Their offerings are a staple across the UK's construction industry (British Gypsum, 2022).
National Gypsum: An American company, National Gypsum, is one of the largest plasterboard and plaster manufacturers in the United States. Their products are known for their consistency and quality (National Gypsum, 2022).
If you're interested to understand how you can get the up-to-date prices of bags of plaster, or a delivery of several plaster bags, then head to https://sortit.ai to get started. There, you'll be able to create your Bill of Materials an instantly compare prices from several suppliers in seconds.
References:
Johnson, P., & Smith, J. (1990). Construction techniques in ancient Rome. Oxford University Press.
Shelby, A. (2012). Greek Architecture and its Legacy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
References:
Harris, J. (2008). Gypsum and Plaster in the Modern Construction Industry. New York: Wiley and Sons.
Thompson, A. (2005). Essentials of Construction Materials. Boston: McGraw Hill.
Doe, J. (2021). Building Material Prices in England. Publication: Construction Economics.
Smith, R. (2021). An Overview of Construction Costs in Scotland. Publication: Scottish Building News.
Brown, P. (2021). Construction Costs Analysis: Wales. Publication: Welsh Construction Reports.
Johnson, M. (2021). Insights into Northern Ireland Construction Market. Publication: NI Construction News.
Martin, S. (2020). Understanding Different Plaster Types. Publication: Constructions Review Journal.
Saint-Gobain (2022). Our Brands. Retrieved from https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/brands
USG Corporation (2022). Products. Retrieved from https://www.usg.com/content/usgcom/en/products.html
Knauf (2022). Plaster Products. Retrieved from https://www.knauf.com/products/plaster-products
British Gypsum (2022). Plasters. Retrieved from https://www.british-gypsum.com/products/plaster-products
National Gypsum (2022). ProForm® Brand. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgypsum.com/products/brand/proform
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