Are you thinking about installing your own drywall? All you need is some patience, a little enthusiasm, the right tools, and a friend or family member to help you. Here are some basics.
Step 1: Deal With Dust
Cutting and installing drywall creates a lot of dust. You can make cleanup easier beforehand by placing plastic sheeting at each entrance and exit to trap the dust. Also, it is a good idea to shut off your air conditioning to keep dust particles from entering the ductwork and spreading throughout the house. Lastly—and this is important—wear a dust mask and safety goggles to protect your eyes and lungs.
Step 2: Gather your supplies
You’ll need:
- A dust mask
- Safety goggles
- Drywall panels
- A utility knife
- A drywall router and/or hand saw
- A spiral saw
- Drywall screws
- A power drill
- A tape measure
- A sawhorse
- A drywall lift or a willing helper
Step 3: Measure Twice, Cut Once
First, you will want to measure the wall (width) and then cut the drywall/gypsum to be approximately ¼ of an inch shorter than your measurement. Have your helper help you prop the drywall up and position it tight against the ceiling.
Step 4: Drive Screws Into the Drywall
Next, begin in the middle of the panel – at a height that’s convenient for you and drive screws into the drywall, placing them 16 inches apart and into all of the studs. These will hold up the drywall sheet so you can finish putting in screws at the top and bottom of the panel.
Step 5: Add Additional Drywall
Hang drywall horizontally rather than vertically to lessen the amount of taping required and to keep the seam at a convenient height. Using a drywall lift makes things even easier, but if one isn’t available, your helper can step in.
Step 6: Deal with Doors, Windows, Outlets, and Other Fixtures
To cut around a door:
- Remove the door trim.
- Place the drywall against the opening and draw a line to mark the top of the door. Then, mark the locations of the studs.
- Make the cuts for both doors and windows with a drywall router or hand saw.
- Screw the panel(s) in place with drywall screws, placing them 16 inches apart and in all the studs.
To cut around a window that has not been installed yet:
- Place a drywall panel over the window and insert a few screws to mark where the corners of the window will be once it is put in.
- Use a drywall router or handsaw to cut into the center of the window and then cut vertically and horizontally until you find the window’s edges.
To cut around a window that is already in place:
- Remove the window trim.
- Measure the cut for the window by positioning the drywall sheet along the floor and marking the place where it meets the bottom edge of the window. Then measure from the ceiling to the top of the window to determine the top side of the cut.
- Follow your markings to cut out space for the window opening before hanging the drywall sheet.
To cut around outlets or other wall fixtures:
- Determine the height of the outlet or fixture and mark the floor to show where it is.
- Remove the wires and screw in just enough screws to keep the drywall in place, covering the outlet box or fixture.
- Using a spiral saw, cut into the box and cut sideways to the edges, going counterclockwise.
Step 7: Install the Final Drywall Sheet
Cut a piece of drywall ¼ of an inch short to fit between the corner and the last previously installed panel. Screw it in place and cut a V-groove into the short, non-tapered ends where the panels meet to make hiding the joint easier when you’re taping later.
Step 8: Install Drywall to Reach the Floor and Frame the Outside Corners
Use a shorter piece of drywall to begin the bottom row; this will prevent the seam in the top row from being directly above the bottom row seam. Using a drywall lift or with a partner’s help, move the drywall into position and screw it into place. After installing the small piece, you can install the longer piece.
Pro tip: Leaving a slight gap (around ½ an inch) between the drywall sheet and the floor will keep the drywall from jamming against bumps on the floor. You can easily cover it later by adding a baseboard.
To frame outside corners, cut a piece of drywall long enough that it hangs over the corner, and then use a spiral saw to trim it once it’s in place. Hang the abutting panel (cutting it long too) and trim it carefully to create a tight, well-fitted corner. You can use a metal corner bead to protect the corners, but be aware that a long bead can kink up when you fasten it. Thus, use tin snips to cut the bead until it’s about ½ an inch short. Hold the bead tight against the ceiling and nail it in place (screws can distort the bead), spacing the nails 9 inches apart.
Want to know more about drywall (gypsum) and some DIY ideas? Reach out to us on social media or call any of our East Tennessee locations. Builders FirstSource is proud to be the top drywall (gypsum) supplier in the region.