| How to Drywall | | | | Hang sheets from the top to the bottom, |
| Whether you are refurbishing an existing room or | | | | perpendicular to the framing. Check your local building |
| creating an addition, adding drywall is a great | | | | codes for fastening requirements as these may vary. |
| do-it-yourself project. Proper drywall techniques can | | | | Use screws every sixteen inches along the frame |
| make the difference in how a room looks, but with a | | | | and fill in with nails so fasteners are found every |
| few tips you'll be able to make your room look great. | | | | seven inches. Countersink both screws and nails for a |
| Most materials and supplies can be found at your | | | | more secure fit. Make sure to position joints properly. |
| local home improvement center or hardware store. | | | | Hand cut joints should meet other hand cut joints |
| You will be able to save a lot of money by doing the | | | | and natural edges should meet natural edges. |
| project yourself plus you'll have the satisfaction of | | | | Finishing |
| accomplishing your home improvement project. | | | | Once all the sheets are in place, you will start applying |
| Materials and Supplies | | | | joint compound to the seams. Don't be concerned |
| The first part of starting a drywall project is to | | | | about using too much. Run the knife along the seam, |
| ensure you have all the materials and supplies needed. | | | | pressing it into the space. Next, use tape, lightly |
| Supplies and materials should be purchased based on | | | | pressing it from one edge to the end, centered over |
| the amount needed. Calculate this by determining the | | | | the seam. Working from the center to the end, |
| total square footage of the room plus ten percent to | | | | press and smooth the tape out. Apply a thin layer of |
| allow for waste. Divide this total by thirty to in order | | | | compound over the tape so you can still see it. Fill in |
| to use 4' x 8' drywall sheets, and round up to the | | | | all the countersunk nails and screws with compound |
| closest number. You will then need joint tape, joint | | | | also at this point. Allow this to dry at least twenty |
| compound, screws and nails. For each 1,000 square | | | | four hours before starting the next process. The |
| feet purchase 370 feet of joint tape, 140 pounds of | | | | next process involves more compound to smooth |
| joint compound, 700 screws and 700 nails. This will | | | | out all the edges from the previous step including the |
| provide all the supplies and materials needed to | | | | nails and screws. Allow this to dry another twenty |
| complete your project. | | | | four hours. The final coat will take some patience as |
| Tools | | | | here is where you want to make the edges |
| Having the proper tools is also necessary in | | | | completely smooth. Take care to ensure all edges |
| successfully completing a drywall project. You will | | | | are smooth and filled. Finally, you will sand the walls. |
| need a utility knife for cutting the drywall plus a | | | | Make sure to wear protective masks as there will be |
| T-square for making properly aligned cuts. A saw is | | | | a lot of dust generated and vacuum often to |
| also handy for cutting out places for electrical outlets | | | | remove particles. |
| or other obstacles. A rasp can be used for shaving | | | | Once you are finished with the drywall project you |
| slightly over cut pieces but it is not necessary. | | | | will be ready to prime the walls. Priming will help hide |
| Fastening screws and nails will require a hammer and | | | | any imperfections and will give you an even surface |
| screwdriver. It is recommended a power screwdriver | | | | for your final product. You may now choose to paint |
| be used. A taping knife is essential for finish work | | | | or wallpaper the walls to your taste. The entire |
| and helps spread joint compound. You will also need a | | | | process will take several days including drying time |
| sander to smooth all the seams. | | | | and labor. |
| Hanging and Fastening | | | | |