How to Install Drywall

Drywall, also known as plasterboard and sheetrock, is a necessary part of any home renovation project. However, the process of hanging drywall can be tricky. It’s labor intensive and requires a lot of attention to detail in order to get it right. If you aren’t sure if you have the skills on How to Install Drywall, consider hiring a professional drywall crew. They can provide expert guidance and a quality finish for your home or business.

If you’re planning to hang a drywall yourself, prepare the space by checking that electrical wiring is properly installed and protected. Also, make sure that joists and framing members are in good condition and not bowed or sagging. Check the locations of studs and joists to ensure they are straight, and add blocking where needed to support drywall edges.

Next, position the first drywall sheet. For the ceiling, place the panel tight against the joists and rest one edge against an abutting wall. Having a helper hold the sheet in place while you screw it to the joists with drywall screws, starting from the middle and working your way outward. Screws should be placed every 16 inches.

Once you’ve finished attaching the first sheet, cut a hole in the wall for any fixtures or vents. Make sure the hole is square and that it will accommodate a fixture.

For electrical fixtures, use a utility knife to score the drywall where you’ll be cutting it. Then, using a drywall saw, cut out the opening. For window and door openings, don’t fasten the panels to the frame of the doors or windows yet.

Once your drywall is in place, trim any excess that may be sticking out from the walls or ceilings. Next, apply drywall tape to the seams and joints and smooth it down with a putty knife or sponge sander. Some contractors prefer to use a perforated or fiber tape, which produces a smoother surface than mud. Whether you use a tape or mud, it’s important to smooth the seams, as any bumps can cause problems later.

After sanding the taped seams, lightly spray them with water to dampen the surface of the drywall. Let it dry, and then re-smooth the edges of the drywall with the sander or knife. Finally, apply a light coat of primer or paint to the bare seams and joints.

Until about the 1950s, lath and plaster were the common methods of building walls and ceilings in new homes or additions. Today, drywall is much more common and can be installed in both new and existing spaces. To install drywall, you’ll need the following supplies:

Learn how to hang drywall in 9 easy steps. Then you’ll be ready to transform your space! For best results, work slowly and carefully. A little attention to detail now will save you lots of time and frustration later.