Drywall installation is a fairly easy process. Installing drywall can be done by most do-it-yourselfers. Whether you choose to do it yourself completely or hire a professional for some of the steps along the way, understanding the process will help get the job done smoothly and more affordably.
1. Getting the Supplies you need
Any project starts with making sure you have all the necessary supplies.
The materials you will need
- The drywall board. You can use regular 1/2″ thick 4′×8′ sheets on ceiling and most walls though drywall does come in larger sheets, such as 4′x12′, however for a Do-it-Yourself homeowner these larger sheets can become unwieldy and maybe difficult to bring into your home. For bathrooms or other moist areas moisture resistant drywall should be used.
- The screws for installing the board 1 ¼” drywall screws work in most situations
- Tape for the joints this could be paper or fiberglass. I prefer paper and it is what all the professionals use.
- Outside corner bead obviously for the outside corners
- Joint compound sometimes called mud to apply the tape and level the walls. It comes in premixed pails or boxes for larger jobs.
Tip: Make sure you order enough of each item as it is a pain to have to go back when you find out in the middle of the project that you need a little more.
2. You will also need the right Tools
Installing drywall requires some tools that are specific to the job, which you may or may not already have but the job is always easier when using the right tools.
The tools you will need 
- A drywall screw gun, if you are using screws, and I recommend you using screws.
- A hammer
- A utility or carpenter’s knife
- A drywall saw
- Tools for mudding and taping
– A 6” taping knife for applying the tape and feathering out the edges of the mud
– A 12” taping knife for filling and smoothing the joints
– A corner taping knife for doing inside corners as it makes this job a lot easier
– A mud tub to carry to mud in that you are working with
- Sanding tools
– A hand sander
– A pole sander for the walls and ceiling
– A foam sander for corners and touch ups
Optional
- A T-square to help cut the sheets square though you can just measure and use a straight edge.
- A drywall lift which can be rented, to help put sheets up on a ceiling though this job can usually be done by two people and a couple T supports instead of the lift.
Though this sounds like a lot of tools most are relatively inexpensive and the power tools can be rented if you can’t borrow them or you can’t afford to buy them.
3. Cutting and installing the Drywall board
Installing drywall can get quite messy so be sure to cover anything in the room that you don’t want to get dirty! Assuming the room is all ready for the drywall (all electrical, insulating and vapor barrier is done), you are now ready to begin installing the drywall board.
Safety is always first: Drywall installation is dirty, heavy work.
- Lift properly.
- Wear eye protection as the Gypsum in drywall can irritate the eyes.
- Wear a mask, to avoid breathing in the dust.
If you are installing drywall on the ceiling, do it first as this will allow the sheets on the walls to help hold the sheets on the ceiling. The drywall should be applied in a staggered pattern. This creates a tighter and stronger installation and also makes it easier to get a good job of the taping. Drywall should also be applied with the sheets hung perpendicular to the floor joists or studs and from the top down on the walls. Your goal should be to install drywall in such a way that there are as few joints as possible. The screws should be installed every 12 inches on each stud or joist and so that they are slightly recessed without breaking the paper. You may have to adjust your screw gun to give you this setting but the adjustment is easily done.
Drywall is easy to cut using a carpenter’s knife. Cut through the paper and into the core only, you don’t have to cut completely through the board. Once you have done this, the board will easily break where you cut it. Then simply cut the paper on the back side and you will have two pieces. For cuts that are irregular or curved and for cutting out for electrical outlets and any other holes prior to placing the drywall your should use a drywall saw. This will require you to carefully measure where these holes should be. Once your drywall has been cut, you are ready to install it.
Installing drywall begins with placing the board in place and then securing it with the screws. The sheets are heavy so it is usually best done with two or more people. For ceilings you can make a couple T support out of 1 x 4 by nailing a 2’ piece to the end of a piece that is cut so it goes from the floor to the ceiling to support the sheet after you have it in place so that you can apply the screws.
Tip: Don’t forget to mark your joist so you know where to screw before you get the drywall over your head and in place, and then go searching for them.
It is best to fasten the screws around the perimeter of the drywall first and then fill in the center afterwards. After the ceiling has been completed its time to move on to the walls. Again the rows should be staggered with a goal of as few joints as possible and from the top down. The bottom piece should end up about ½ inches from the sub-floor.
continued next post