A Beginners Guide To Hanging Drywall

     If you are currently thinking about a home or business remodeling project, then you might want to consider that hanging and finishing drywall takes a little know how.  Of course, experience is always the best teacher, but getting a little information before you start could save you a significant amount of time and money on your next project.  The first decision you must make is what type and thickness of drywall will best serve your particular situation.  If you are installing drywall in an area where water or dampness might be an issue, then you will want to use what is often referred to as green board.  This is the type of drywall that is most often used in tub and shower surrounds.  If moister is not a concern, then the next question would be, what thickness of drywall will best serve your needs?  Thicker sheets of drywall like ¾ inch are often used to provide insulation or increased stability and security once installed.  For most interior applications, ¼ or ½ inch dry wall will suffice.

     The next step will be cutting the drywall to the needed dimensions.  It is very important to keep in mind that, in most residential and commercial construction, the studs will be 16 inches on center.  When measuring a 4 foot by 8 foot drywall sheet, you will need to measure to the center of the stud and not to the edge.  This is because you will almost always be butting another sheet up next to the one you are installing.  Both sheets must meet in the center of the 2x4 in order for there to be enough space to secure the two sheets.  Once you have made your measurements, cut the board on the outward facing side using a box knife.  It is not necessary to cut all the way through the drywall.  This can cause pieces of the board to crumble or break off prematurely.  Once the sheet is scored, it will easily snap apart along the line when pressure is applied.  Sometimes laying the scored edge along a flat surface is helpful to those with less experience.

     Once the sheet is cut to the desired dimensions, hold the drywall against the studs and use a screw gun to secure it.  Depending on your application and the thickness of your drywall, usually a 2 inch drywall screw will securely attach the sheet to the stud.  One screw about every 12 to 16 inches is common.  Again, using galvanized screws will be to your advantage if weather or moister will be present.  When fishing drywall, you will usually need at least two mud knives.   A small knife, usually around 2 inches, is most often used to cover the recessed screw heads.  A larger knife, usually around 6 inches, can be used on the seams.  It usually is a good idea to purchase a mud tray with sharp edges for cleaning your knives during use.  Most premixed drywall mud dries quickly and will cling to your knife causing clumps and streaks.  Keeping your knife clean is the key to smooth finishing. 

     That being said, drywall finishing is more of an art than a science.  There are many styles and techniques used by professionals.  Most of which do not come easily to the novice drywall hanger.  This is why I always recommend hiring a good drywall contractor to complete the finishing of a project.  The initial hanging of the sheets is easily mastered and will save you some money if you can do it yourself.  But the headaches you will avoid by hiring someone that knows how to finish the job will be worth every penny you might spend.  If you are looking for a good drywall contractor in your area, try using the link listed below.