5 Proven Strategies for Smoothly Installing Drywall Like an Expert

If you are planning to install drywall, you should be aware of the basic principles of doing so. Hanging drywall does not require much skill, but it does require some physical strength, whether you are doing the job alone or with a helper. To get you started on the right path, here are five tips that can be particularly helpful!

1. Cutting drywall doesn’t require much experience or expensive tools. All you need is a utility knife and T-square. Mark the area to be cut, place the T-square on top, and cut with your knife. Try to make sure that you are cutting the side of the drywall that will face the room, so you can have clean lines on the paper that will hold paint or plaster. If you want to cut a hole in the middle of the sheet, you will need to measure the location of the pipe or other object, then use a drill, a wide bit, and a keyhole saw or saber saw to cut it out.

2. You will need some sort of drywall lift to hold up the sheet as you fix it into place. Most people fasten the drywall with nails, but screws are better in the long-run because they are more secure and less likely to come out. Make sure you check the local building code to see what fasteners are required.

3. When nailing or screwing the drywall into place, make sure to space the fasteners about seven inches apart, and make sure to stagger the fasteners along the seam so you don’t have a seam running the entire length of the ceiling, because this can eventually lead to a crack.

4. You will need to put corner beads on the outside corners of the room, as well. Cut them to size and then use nails that are spaced around every nine inches.

5. Fill in any seams and screw or nail heads with joint compound (or “mud”), let dry for twenty-four hours, and then apply a second coat. Sand down any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. As always, make sure to wear protective equipment while handling drywall.

Hanging drywall can seem like a daunting job, but with these tips, you should be able to ensure a secure and smooth finished product. While it does require some physical strength and protective equipment, hanging drywall does not require any special skills. As long as you know the basics and follow them every time, you should have no problems with your DIY drywall installation.