StudSensor™ stud finders locate studs by identifying increases and changes in density behind the wall. To function properly, the wall surface must have a consistent density level, and be less dense than the wood stud. Stud finders, however, will not always return accurate results with lath and plaster walls because of the very inconsistent method by which they are constructed.
Although walls may have a smooth surface, some walls deceptively hide an inconsistent combination of wood (lath) and plaster, with deep and shallow levels of density among the plaster, lath and stud. To fully understand why these walls present such challenges, it’s best to first take a look at how they’re built…