Metal lath provides a lightweight and easily attachable base for plaster application. Made from expanded steel, the lath generally is applied flat across the stud plane and attached with staples, nails, or wafer head lath screws. The openings in the lath enable plaster to key around the metal to assure a secure bond and a flat, smooth surface plane upon completion of the plaster application. Metal lath comes in a variety of configurations, including self-furring and paper-backed, to meet specific job requirements and plaster/stucco preferences.