Drywall, otherwise known as gypsum board, plasterboard, or wallboard, is a building material used largely in modern construction. It is versatile, fairly inexpensive, and easy to work with, putting it as a very popular building material for both residential and commercial buildings in finishing walls and ceilings. Whether you are renovating a room or constructing a new one, learning how to hang drywall is an essential skill that can save you much cash and definitely give you that good feeling of doing the job yourself so, for a comprehensive guide on how to hang it, know and go step by step, from preparation down to finishing.
1. Understanding Drywall Basics
Before beginning, you should know what drywall is and the types available. Drywall basically consists of a gypsum core sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper. It is available in different thicknesses, such as 1/2 inch being the most standard for interior walls. Other types include:
1/4 inch: This normally would be applied to cover some curved area, or as an overlay to already existing walls.
5/8 inch: Usually applied to ceilings or walls that need added fire resistance and soundproofing.
Other specialty types of drywall include moisture-resistant for bathrooms-green board, fire-resistant-Type X for garages and utility rooms, and mold-resistant types.
2. Gather the Required Tools and Materials
To perform hanging drywall will require Several tools and materials. Some of those you will need to have are:
Tools:
- Utility knife
- Drywall saw
- T-square or drywall square
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Drywall lift or a second pair of hands-ceilings
Screwdriver or drill Drywall screws-1 1/4 inch to 1 5/8 inch Drywall tape and joint compound- mud Corner bead Sanding block or drywall sander Materials Needed Drywall sheets Drywall screws Joint compound Drywall tape Corner bead Primer and paint- for finishing
3. Preparing the Workspace
Preparing the Workplace Before you hang drywall, it is important to properly prepare your workplace for a smooth process. These are steps you may follow in preparing your workspace:
- Clean the Room of Furniture, Fixtures, and Debris: You will need plenty of room in which to move the large sheets of drywall. Therefore, clear out the area in which you will be working-the room itself-of furniture, fixtures, and debris.
- Check the Framing: Before you start to attach drywall, make sure that the wall or ceiling framing is properly installed and spaced. Common stud spacing is 16-inch on center (OC) or 24-inch OC. Watch for protruding nails or screws and remove them.
- Install Blocking and Backing: If necessary, install blocking or backing between the studs for those areas that will carry the weight of something heavy such as cabinets or shelving. This will provide that extra support needed to the drywall.
- Mark the Studs: Take the chalk line and mark the location of each stud on the floor and ceiling. This will ensure a spot to secure the drywall with screws.
4. Hanging Drywall on Ceilings
Drywall installation starts with ceiling and then walls. This way, the sheets in the ceiling are supported by those on the walls. How to do it:
- Measuring and Cutting: Measure the area of the ceiling and cut the sheets of drywall into required sizes using a utility knife and T-square. Remember, the sheets should be somewhat smaller than the actual measurements for ease of installation.
- Hanging the Drywall with a Lift or Some Human Assistance: Using a drywall lift or some help from another person, lift the drywall sheet in place, hugging against the Ceiling Joists. It should fit snugly against the wall.
- Drywall Installation: Starting from one side, begin installing the drywall to the ceiling joists by screwing drywall screws. Set the screws about 12 inches apart along the joist. Keep the screws slight in from the surface without breaking the paper surface.
- Stagger the Seams: When adding more than one sheet of drywall, the seams need to be staggered in a manner that assures they do not fall over an adjoining seam. This helps give the ceiling structure and stability.
5. Installing Walls
Measure and Cut Drywall:
Measure the height and width of the wall with a tape measure and cut the drywall sheet to those dimensions. Position the drywall in corners and along edges tightly.
Place First Sheet:
Starting at the top of the wall, place your first drywall sheet so that it goes flush with the drywall on the ceiling. This will give you a nice clean edge at the top of the wall.
Drywall Installation:
Fasten the sheet to the wall studs with drywall screws. Set the screws about 16 inches apart along each stud. Again, set the screws just a little into the drywall.
Cut Out Openings:
If it covers any of your electrical outlets, light switches, or windows, use a drywall saw and cut out the openings before fastening the sheet completely. Make precise cuts by measuring carefully.
Remaining sheets:
Install the remaining sheets, starting from the top and working down the wall. For added wall stability, stagger the vertical seams between rows.
Install Bottom Sheets Last:
When you reach the bottom of the wall, you may need to cut the drywall sheet to make it fit. Install these pieces last, securing them to the studs in the same fashion as mentioned above.
6. Taping and Mudding the Seams
Once all of the sheets of drywall are up, it is time to tape and mud the seams. Taping and mudding is an important step because this seals the joints between the drywall sheets and provides a smooth, finished surface that is ready for painting.
Apply First Coat of Joint Compound:
Dip a drywall taping knife into a bucket of joint compound and scoop up enough to spread a thin layer over seams between adjacent sheets of drywall. This layer is sometimes called the “bedding coat.”
Embed Drywall Tape:
Apply wet joint compound over the gaps created by the seams of the sheets, and then embed drywall tape into it. Smooth out the tape using your taping knife; get any air bubbles out, pulling off excess joint compound.
Apply Additional Coats:
Additional coats can be applied once the first coat has had adequate time to dry. Apply two or three more coats of joint compound, feathering the edge after each coat so that it will blend smoothly with the surrounding drywall. Allow each coat to dry before beginning the next.
Screw Holes and Corners:
Spread the joint compound over the screw holes and inside or outside corners. At outside corners, fasten a corner bead with joint compound and screws.
Smoothening:
Once the final coat of the joint compound is dried, sand the whole surface with a sanding block or drywall sander. Make sure all the ridges and imperfections are smoothened out.
7. Sand, Prime, and Paint
Priming and Painting: Once the drywalls are taped, mudded, and sanded, the final and last step is priming and painting. This not only would make the walls presentable but even the surface strong enough.
Clean the Surface:
Dust off walls with a damp cloth to remove the dust from sanding.
Primer Application:
Apply drywall primer with the use of either a roller or a brush. This is of paramount importance because it seals the porous surface in both the drywall and joint compound, giving an even finish when painted.
Painting the Walls:
Once the primer is dry, you can use either the roller or the brush applicator to apply the chosen paint. With the color or type of paint you use, you might get away with only one application, but most times, two applications are required for even coating.
8. Professional Finish Tips
Drywall Lift:
If you’re working on your own, a drywall lift will get those big sheets up and in place. It’s worth it, particularly when you’re working overhead on a ceiling. It will hold it up, and you just screw it up.
Pre-filling Gaps:
For gaps over 1/8 of an inch between sheets of drywall, prefill with joint compound before applying tape to prevent later cracks.
Avoid Overdriving Screws:
Avoid Overdriving Screws Do not overdrive the screws into the drywall. You want the heads of the screws to be just slightly recessed without breaking the paper surface of the drywall.
Mix Joint Compound:
Mix your joint compound well before application. This will give you a smooth, consistent compound to apply.
Take your time:
Rushing through any of the taping and mudding can result in seams that, when finished, one will notice. Apply each coat when it is supposed to be applied, let it dry the way it needs to dry.
Conclusion
Though hanging drywall may seem like one of those jobs that one wished he never signed up for, especially for DIYers, using the right tools, materials, and a well-structured approach-in that order-makes the undertaking completely workable. Learning to hang drywall basics will save your wallet whether you’re remodeling one room or undertaking a bigger project. Follow along with this guide, and you will soon have professional-quality smooth walls and ceilings in your home or office.
In this book, you’ll learn that hanging drywall is an art that takes time to master. So grab your tools, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to turn your place around with beautifully hung drywall.