Forest Hill, Newark, NJ

On the third floor of this 110-year-old Dutch Colonial in Forest Hill, the original plaster ceiling had reached the point many historic homes eventually face: widespread cracking, delamination, and failed areas where the finish coat had separated over time. Rather than covering the problem with new drywall, we focused on preserving the home’s original fabric and restoring the ceiling to its intended look and strength.

We began by stabilizing the failing plaster—removing loose material and securing compromised areas—then used reinforcement mesh and mechanical fastening where needed to ensure the ceiling could be rebuilt as a unified, long-lasting surface. With the structure sound again, we rebuilt the damaged fields with compatible plaster repair layers, carefully feathering transitions so repaired sections disappeared into the original plane. Throughout the process, the decorative medallion and light fixture area were protected, allowing the historic details to remain crisp and intact.

After extensive smoothing and blending, the ceiling was primed and finished to an even, clean surface. The final result in the last image is a ceiling that looks period-correct, feels solid, and honors the craftsmanship of the original plasterwork—brought back to life and built to remain beautiful for the next 100 years.

Call or text us at (201) 248-2861 to discuss what we can do for your beautiful old home.