How to Install Drywall
Published: 01/21/2010 by Cassie Baker
• Drywall generally comes in 4 feet x 8 feet sheets. Measure the length and width of the wall in order to find out how many sheets to buy.
• Prepare the wall by removing old drywall. Be sure to eliminate all screws, nails, and any other material that would prevent the sheetrock from hanging level.
• After making all the measurements and developing a detailed plan for where each sheet will go, use a razor knife to cut the dry wall to ensure that no space is left open on the wall.
• If the studs are not exposed, use a stud finder. The dry wall must be fastened to the studs in order to remain in place.
• Use a spring-loaded drywall drill to secure the sheetrock onto the wall. Drill screws should be approximately 8 inches apart from one another.
• Use a high quality joint compound - known as 'mud' to professionals - to fill in the gaps between each sheet. Once the compound dries, apply a second coat to assure that all the holes and gaps are filled.
• An adhesive dry-wall tape is available to place over gaps and corners before using a joint compound. This is an optional step, but will help define the places where the mud will go.
• Use a small amount of mud to cover the screw heads and nail heads.
• Once the joint compound dries, take a fine sanding paper to smooth the entire wall.
Drywall acts as the gatekeeper between your home and the insulation found in the inners of a house. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the proper materials and techniques, you too can install drywall.
