Hang Drywall sounds easy, by following these 3 simple rules will minimize waist and provide the best surface ready for taping.
Read right to the bottom to see bonus rule, the most important!!
Drywall is not a project on it's own but part of almost every project, get great ideas here!
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#1 Drywall order is important
Ceiling First
Hang Drywall on ceiling first. Try and rent a drywall lift as it is cheap and more reliable than friends. Many DIYer’s have broken boards or damaged backs trying to hang drywall without a lift.
Top of Wall
After ceiling, hang drywall at the top of wall next, this will ensure a tight joint and support edges of ceiling board. Small blocks put at 48” or 54” depending on board width will aid in holding the board until screwed.
Lower Wall
Fill in the lower wall sections leaving board ½” off floor.
#2 Don’t line up Drywall!
Wherever possible stagger the seams so that there are no running seams horizontally or vertically. Think of a brick wall when you hang Drywall.
#3 Big to Small
Move down the walls or through the project installing full boards first moving your way to smaller sections using off cuts. This will minimize waist.
Bonus Rule...
...Sub-TRADE!
Drywall boarding and taping is a dirty and dusty work. It looks easy however if it is a big project in a key area of the home than it may be an item you subtrade. The quality of workmanship by professional boarders and tapers can really make a difference.
Additional Drywall nice to knows
1. Resilient channel
This low cost option reduces sound transmission and is particularily useful on the ceiling of basements. The design of resilient channel also eliminates uneven joist by suspending the drywall creating a very flat finish.
Take a look at this video from Bailey Metals
2. Sharp knife
Nice straight edges without paper bures is the result of a sharp blade.
3. Drywall T
Great tool for speedy measuring and cutting
4. Score n snap
Drywall is meant to be scored then snapped, don’t try and cut all the way through, you will hurt your wrists.
Take a look at this video from ChuckOrChuckit on how to use a T square efficiently.
5. Screw Pattern
Ceilings take all the weight of the board on screw heads therefore spacing needs to be tighter and care not to puncture paper taken. Check with local building code however generally ceiling pattern is 7-8" around perimeter and 12" On Center through the field.
Walls board is opened up to 16" On Center through the field.
Always install screws indenting head however not puncturing paper. A drywall gun/driver can be rented which ensures perfect placement.
Use these technics plus turn on some old 80’s rock and you will be done in no time.
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