Lathing is an ancient trade that goes back to the days when buildings were built with stone and plaster. The lather applies the basic framework for the plasterer. At one time lathers worked with wooden strips called lath; now lathers work mostly with wire and metal or plastic mesh to create the structures and various shapes that help create the wonders of ornate ceilings, dome ceilings and the walls of many buildings. In order to achieve the sometimes spectacular creations, lathers use tie wire, screws, nails, clips and staples to fasten metal studs, metal lath and drywall. They also work with various gypsum products, E.I.F.S. and any product where the framework built by lathers is eventually covered by plaster, drywall materials or other finished surfaces. Although lathers work indoors much of the time, their duties also involve working on the outside of buildings and other structures in situations often requiring the use of scaffolding. Lathers work with a variety of hand and portable power tools, and frequently cut, join, weld and fasten metal.
