How to install drywall like a professional
Need to fix the walls at home? Building your dream house and want to pull your own weight on site? In either eventuality, figuring out how to install drywall will help you save money and it will make you useful.
Don’t worry – drywall is not terribly complex. If you put your mind to it, you can become fairly good at this trade in a short amount of time.
You might even become CEO of your own installation company, just like Lloyd Claycomb did. A giant in the Denver construction scene, he used to be as bad as you are now. Once he used his brain, though, he got so good that he ended up starting a business putting in sheet rock.
Cultivating a reputation for quality in a hurry, United Builders Service quickly rose to the top of the heap in Denver and is now one of the best contractors in Colorado.
Want to install drywall just like a professional does? This post will show you how easy it is to hang drywall, which will make your life much less stressful.
1) Get your hands on the tools and materials of the trade
Before you get started putting sheet rock on your walls or ceiling, know that there are a number of specialized tools and materials you’ll need to get the job done.
Drywall panels are obviously a must, but get them last: you’ll see why in a bit. For now, add a drywall knife, square, and saw to your shopping list.
Don’t forget drywall tape, screws, or mud either, as these supplies are necessary to secure and finish the sheet rock at the end of this task.
You might need a mud pan or a paper taper either – if you can’t find any of these goods, ask a sales associate at the store where you get your home improvement supplies.
2) Measure twice, install once
Got all the stuff mentioned above? Good. Now you’ll need to get all the dimensions of the walls and ceiling where you’ll be placing sheets. This is vital, as we don’t want to buy supplies we don’t need, as it is difficult to do returns on these items.
Before you put up the panels, though, install some fasteners to the joists/studs if you can. This will hold the drywall in place as you install them, so try to do this first.
Do you have walls/ceilings that are awkwardly shaped? Take the time to get the measurements right some you can make the cuts to help make them fit.
3) Put the drywall panels in
Go with the ceiling first, then the wall. While you are installing these plates, ensure the edges align with the midpoint of the studs/joists. This will secure them properly, improving the strength of the surfaces you are working on.
Use drywall bits to secure them, but go slow, as they can damage them if you go too fast.
4) Layer mud on the drywall
Once all plates have been put into place, layer the mud evenly across the surface, as this will make painting and texture application much easier. Finally apply tape over the joints, but do it before the mud has a chance to dry.
