Wooden-slat laths are still used today in building construction to form a base or groundwork for plaster, but modern lath and plaster applications are mostly limited to conservation projects. Types of lath Riven lath, each piece has been split from a log Wooden The related German word Laden ( Middle High German: lade) denotes a board, plank, sash, shutter, counter and hence also a shop. The root has also found its way into Romance languages, cf. This in turn would seem to stem from a Proto-Germanic word * laþþo, from which have sprung words in many Germanic languages, e.g. The word lath is recorded from the late 13th century and is likely derived from the Old English word * læððe, a variant of lætt. This is not necessary for gypsum lath, which relies on a chemical bond. One of the key elements of lath, whether wooden slats or wire mesh, are the openings or gaps that allow plaster or stucco to ooze behind and form a mechanical bond to the lath. Historically, reed mat was also used as a lath material. This includes metal wire mesh or expanded metal that is applied to a wood or metal framework as matrix over which stucco or plaster is applied, as well as wallboard products called gypsum or rock lath. Lath has expanded to mean any type of backing material for plaster.

Roof laths span across between the rafters and support the wood shingles.Ī lath or slat is a thin, narrow strip of straight- grained wood used under roof shingles or tiles, on lath and plaster walls and ceilings to hold plaster, and in lattice and trellis work. Sawn lath became popular after the introduction of the circular saw in the 19th century. Sawn lath, seen from the back with hardened plaster from the other side showing through. For other uses, see Lath (disambiguation).

Lath and plaster health risks