The task of hanging drywall requires some patience, good measurements and quality finishing in order to have an excellent finished product. If the following tips on installing drywall are used the results will produce an excellent smooth finished wall. It is important to use the proper tools and do the work right the first time as going back for repairs can be extremely difficult.
The measurements are an important part of the process to avoid buying to much or having to make trips to the home improvement store for additional materials. Drywall can be purchased in several sizes and types. The basic size is four feet in width and either eight, ten or twelve feet long. For the individual not familiar with the drywall hanging process it is easier to use the eight foot boards. The thickness for walls is 1/2 inch and for ceilings should be 5/8 inch. If a bathroom or other area prone to moisture is being done there is a style known as green board which should be used for these areas.
The easiest way to determine the amount of supplies needed is to measure the entire area for the square footage, this is length times width. Divide the total by thirty two and the amount will be the number of four by eight sheets needed to complete the project. The other necessary supplies include screw gun, screws or nails and hammer. A drywall knife, drywall compound, keyhole saw, mud pan, drywall tape, and three mud knives in sizes six inch, eight inch and twelve inch as well as sandpaper.
There should be an inspection completed on the framing, electrical, plumbing and insulation prior to hanging any drywall. A ceiling is done first and will require the use of a lift or a jack to hold the sheets in place while screwing in. The screws should be recessed and place approximately one every twelve inches. Remember to screw the drywall into a stud for strength and it will not hold otherwise.
Once the ceiling has been completed the walls will be hung from the top down. There will be a sturdier result if the drywall sheets are slightly staggered while putting up. When all boards have been hung there should be a 1/2 gap from the sub flooring. For electrical boxes and other cuts that require precision, use the keyhole saw.
After the drywall has been hung you will need to do the finishing work. Start with any corners and put up the corner bead. This can be done either by applying joint compound in the corner and adhering the beading to this or by screwing into place. There are different varieties of beading so it will depend on which you have chosen to use.
Using a six inch knife put a layer of mud over the seams. Do not spread the mud out during this step. Put the drywall tape over the seam and pull the knife almost flush to the wall, with light pressure, along the length of the tape. This will spread the mud from the center of the tape out to the sides and cause it to adhere to the wall. After seams are done, fill in the screw holes. Allow the mud to completely dry overnight.
The next day will be when you fill in to make the wall even. Using the eight inch knife and mud, start from the bottom and pull the mud up over the tape. Avoid putting extremely thick layers of mud, the goal it to cover the tape without causing extra thickness on either side. After all seams and nail holes have a second coat on them allow to dry. After all mud is completely dry, lightly sand until smooth. On seams that have bubbles or indentations, use the twelve inch knife to apply a skim coat over the second coat. Wet sand or dry sand very lightly. Vacuum up dust, remembering to remove all dust from walls as well. These tips on installing drywall are easy to follow and will produce a smooth wall and ceiling. Finally, paint to desired color.
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