Description
Install and secure wood, metal, or gypsum lath and related framing, hangers, and trims to create bases for plaster, stucco, fireproofing, and acoustical finishes on walls, ceilings, and partitions. Read plans, lay out work, cut and tie lath, set screeds and accessories, and prepare straight and curved surfaces, including exterior and moisture-resistant assemblies.
- • Apply building paper, weather-resistive barriers, or vapor barriers behind lath as specified.
- • Install corner beads, casing beads, control and expansion joints, and weep screeds.
- • Read blueprints and specifications to determine lath, framing, and hanger layouts and material requirements.
- • Measure and mark layouts with tape measures, levels, and chalk lines.
- • Install and fasten metal, wood, or gypsum lath to walls, ceilings, and partitions using nails, screws, staples, or tie wire.
- • Cut lath, beads, trims, and channels to size with snips, saws, or shears.
- • Assemble and install metal or wood studs, runners, and furring to support lath and plaster systems.
- • Suspend hangers, angle iron, and channel grids from structure and level them with lines or lasers.
- • Form and attach lath for arches, soffits, domes, and other curved or irregular surfaces.
- • Install exterior metal lath and accessories for stucco and wet-area applications.
- • Space, lap, and tie lath sheets correctly; reinforce openings and edges.
- • Lay out and cut openings for doors, windows, fixtures, and vents; protect penetrations.
- • Nail or screw furring strips or channels to masonry or concrete to receive lath.
- • Inspect substrates, furring, and hangers for plumb, level, and spacing; adjust as needed.
- • Install resilient channels, sound isolation clips, and backing for sound-rated assemblies.
- • Set screeds, grounds, and trims to establish plaster thickness and lines.
- • Coordinate with plasterers and fireproofing crews and maintain required clearances.
- • Install lath backing and supports for spray-applied fireproofing and acoustical plaster.
- • Use scaffolds, lifts, and fall protection to reach elevated work safely.
- • Remove existing lath, plaster bases, or furring in renovation work.
- • Mix and use cements or adhesives where specified for trims and accessories.
- • Maintain tools and keep work areas clean; dispose of wire tails and scrap safely.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
