Installing drywall is a great way to improve the look of your home and increase its value. Whether you’re installing new drywall to redesign your indoor space or you are replacing existing or damaged drywall, it’s important to do the job right. Here are some tips and best practices for installing drywall in your home.
Choose the Right Type of Drywall
The type of drywall you choose will depend on where you’re installing it and what purpose it serves. The three most common types of drywall are paper-faced, greenboard, and cement board. Paper-faced is the most popular type of drywall and is suitable for most interior walls and ceilings. Greenboard is designed for wet areas like bathrooms, while cement board is used in areas that may be exposed to water or moisture, such as kitchens and laundry rooms.
Prepare the Wall
Before installing your new drywall, make sure that you prepare the wall correctly. First, remove any old plaster or paint from the wall, if necessary. It’s also important to check that the surface is smooth and even before beginning installation. You should also check for any nails or screws sticking out from the wall that could cause problems during installation. If necessary, use a hammer or drill to drive them into the wall so they are flush with the surface.
Attaching Drywall Sheets
Once your sheets have been cut, it’s time to attach them to the walls. Start by securing one corner of the sheet with screws placed about 8 inches apart along each stud (the vertical or horizontal pieces of wood behind the wall). Make sure that these screws are driven into each stud so they won’t back out over time. From there, use long screws spaced 12 inches apart along each stud until all four corners have been secured. If you find yourself struggling with this part, consider using a drill or screw gun for easier installation. Finally, double check that all screws are securely in place before moving onto the next step.
Drywall Joints & Finishing Touches
Once all of your drywall sheets have been attached, you will need to cover up any gaps between them with joint compound (also known as “mud”). This helps create a seamless look between sheets and should be applied evenly with a taping knife after every few feet of wall space has been covered. Once dried completely, sand down any rough patches and apply additional coats, if necessary, until everything looks smooth and even across all surfaces before painting.
Measure Carefully
It’s critical that you measure each piece of drywall accurately before cutting it to size. Measure twice and cut once! When measuring for length or width, keep in mind that there should be about 1/8 inch gap between each sheet of drywall to allow for expansion due to changes in temperature and humidity levels in your home over time. This will ensure that there aren’t any visible gaps between sheets once they are installed.
Installing new drywall can be a daunting task but following these tips can help make it easier and ensure that your project looks professional when finished. In case these tips lean too far into professional territory, you can always consult a drywalling expert to help you complete the job. Make sure to choose the right type of drywall for your needs, prepare the wall properly before beginning installation, and measure carefully before cutting each sheet so there aren’t any visible gaps between them when finished. With these tips in mind, and whether you DIY or hire a professional, you’ll have no problem installing new drywall in your home.