Roughcasting is an exterior finishing method using small pebbles and gravel mixed with concrete or plaster. It is durable and low maintenance, but difficult to repair. It can be used for interior walls and waterproofing, and can include shells or color additives. Uniformity is achieved by using a wide board to flatten the finish.
Roughcasting is a type of exterior finishing method used in building construction. In roughing, small pebbles and gravel or other similar materials are mixed into concrete or plaster as a finish for the exterior surface of the walls. The material dries to a durable, textured finish that is often maintenance-free for decades. Roughcasting is often confused with cobblestone, a process in which pebbles and stones are cast against a soft concrete finish.
While popular in home construction, rough stock began as a type of finish for commercial, community, and outdoor buildings. The practice of throwing stones or gravel at a plaster wall requires a good eye. The goal is to throw the gravel and other substances onto the wall to produce a smooth, even finish with no missing spots. Once dried, the finish is durable and requires very little maintenance.
In some areas of the world, roughcasting includes using tiny shells instead of sand or gravel. This lends a truly unique style to waterfront homes. Color and dye additives are also used in sand or gravel mixes to add some color to the finished home. While primarily used for exterior wall finishing, roughcasting is also a unique way to add flavor to an interior wall.
A modified version of the blank is used to waterproof basement walls in some areas. A plastic sheeting is taped against a wall and a plaster and chemical mixture is sprayed onto the plastic. The surface dries to form a waterproof barrier. This type of waterproofing is often applied in tunnel construction. While effective, it is also an expensive means of solving a problem that is often best addressed using much more common methods.
A downside to stock finishing is the difficulty of matching repair color and finish textures. On damaged areas, new plaster is often easily spotted amongst the original finish. The time factor and atmospheric conditions that the original finish is exposed to are often extremely difficult to replicate when mixing a new batch of wallcovering. It often becomes necessary to remove the original finish and recover an entire wall.
One method builders use to ensure an even thickness of rough plaster is applied is to use a wide board to flatten the finish. Using plank, the finish is applied in the same thickness by pressing it much like a concrete floor. The uniformity of the wall finish contributes to the final appearance.
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