Welcome to the New Minnesota Lath and Plaster Bureau 

Yes there have been a few changes: Office operations have been suspended and you can no longer pick up the phone and just give us a call. We remain however in an on-line presence. We will continue to work to bring you relevant industry information. If you have a simple question just shoot us an e-mail. If it is more than just simple, we will forward it on to someone that can help.

Since 1953 the Bureau has been recognized as an education and technical spokesman for the lath and plaster industry. It provides information to architects, the construction community and the public on a variety of matters relating to the plaster trades.

We hope that this web resource center is beneficial to you for the information that is presented on lath and plaster systems. Please feel free to peruse site content on available reference materials, publications, contractor contacts and additional links that meet the needs of both the commercial and residential construction markets. Site content includes:

  • Information, features, benefits, applications and history of Gypsum Plaster, Veneer Plaster, Venetian Plaster, Fireproofing, Stucco, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) and insight into plaster systems used for Continuous Insulation strategies. 
  • A Reference Library which expands on these plastering products. 
  • Information on the Bureau Board of Directors, affiliations and represented trade unions. 
  • Contact information for the Bureau Member Contractors.
Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster is actually a distinctly modern American name that is used to describe “old...
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Gypsum Plaster
Gypsum plaster is what the average person on the street thinks of when plastering is...
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Veneer Plaster
Veneer plaster systems were developed as an alternative to conventional gypsum plaster systems.
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EIFS
EIFS (pronounced eefs) is an acronym for Exterior Insulation Finish Systems.
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Stucco
Stucco had its origins thousands of years ago as it was used on some of...
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Fireproofing
The value of gypsum and cement plaster as fire resistive materials has been known for...
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Continuous Insulation
The intent of this paper is to inform the construction community about strategies that utilize...
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RECENT NEWS

What is Stucco?

n our guide below, we cover everything from stucco’s pros and cons to the costs associated with investing in modern stucco and application methods. This Old House, Stephanie-Minasian Koncewicz, Updated 06-08-26

How Modern Building Science Is Creating “Frankenstein Walls” — And How to Stop Them

Modern exterior walls have become so complex that mix-and-match components often create untested, unreliable “Frankenstein assemblies.” Walls and Ceilings magazine, Mark Fowler 1-2026. Click Here

The Use of Plaster in the Restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris (2019-2024)

Plaster has played a fundamental, yet overlooked role in the restoration of Notre-Dame. OL&LO, Olivier Houdousse, 11-30-2024. 

BUREAU NEWS

STUCCO W/ DRAINAGE THE COMPLETE FILE!

You can now download the complete file. Go to “Library” on this Home page. Click on “Stucco w/ Drainage folder. 1-A is the complete monograph file. ENJOY!

STUCCO WITH DRAINAGE IS HERE!!

Go to “Library” on this home page. Click on “Stucco w/ Drainage” folder. A one inch three-ring binder can be utilized to create a hard copy if you desire. 

MNLPB Opinion: EIFS in Minneapolis

This past Summer and into Fall, the Lath and Plaster Bureau, the Plasterers and Laborers Locals, the MN State Building Trades Council, Distributors, Manufacturers and other outside interested parties; were embroiled in a battle with the Minneapolis Planning Department on a proposed exterior building material ordinance which would have effectively eliminated EIFS in Minneapolis. By […]

PUBLICATIONS

Air Barrier Association of America Quality Assurance Program

What is the Site Quality Assurance Program? Air Barrier Association of America

Stucco Manufacturers Assoc. Online Video Training Now Available

SMA will offer online video training and certification to stucco installers. Take a glimpse at our introduction to the upcoming 7-part training modules. Stucco Manufacturers Association 9-2020

New Report Reveals Dramatic Energy Efficiency Impacts

Gains in lighting and space heating efficiency have decreased energy intensity in commercial buildings, but demand in other areas is driving increased commercial energy use overall.

WORTH A READ

Why Water and Wall Assembly Simplicity Still Rule Modern Construction

Water governs every building decision, and when it comes to insulated wall claddings, simpler, proven systems like EIFS consistently outperform overly complex assemblies. Walls and Ceilings Magazine, Albert Carillo, March 2026

U.S. Cement Manufacturers Realizing Progress in Carbon Neutrality

U.S. Cement Manufacturers Launch Microsite to Showcase Early Progress in Realizing Carbon Neutrality. Walls and Ceilings Magazine, PCA America’s Cement Manufacturers, 3-29-23

Decarbonization Strategy for Existing Commercial Buildings

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes financial incentives for commercial and multi-family building owners to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Walls and Ceilings Magazine, Tom Harris, 2-15-23