When re-doing a room in your home or office or building an entirely new structure, hanging drywall is an essential construction step.You may be doing this job on your own.Don't worry, there are only a few additional steps to successfully install drywall by yourself.You can complete this job by yourself with proper preparation and strategically placed wood blocks.
Step 1: Measure the length, width, and height of the ceiling and walls.
Measure the length and width of the ceiling using a tape measure.Take the length and height of the wall.You don't want to forget these measurements.The location of the measurements is always known by contractors because they write them on wall studs or sheets.Follow this practice so you don't lose track.
Step 2: Determine the square footage.
The calculation tells you how many sheets you need.Length x width is the formula for square feet.This formula can be used to calculate the square footage of the ceiling and wall.80 sq ft (7.4 m) is the ceiling if it is 10 ft 8 ft.Simply divide the measurement by 12 to convert it to feet if you took it in inches.If you measured 84 in, that's 7 ft.The average is 8 ft by 4 ft or 32 square feet.Divide the square footage of the ceiling and each wall by 32.You need to know how many sheets you need for each section.If your ceiling is 8 ft by 10 ft, then 80 sq ft is 2.5, so buy 3 whole sheets for that section.If you make any mistakes, buy more sheets than you need.
Step 3: If applicable, remove all ceiling and wall fixture.
Light or smoke detector sockets are installed on some ceilings and walls.The fixture will get in the way when you attach the drywall.Carefully remove the fixture using a screwdriver.You should store them safely so that they can be reinstalled later.All light switches in the room should be turned off.If you want to be extra safe, turn off the circuits in this room.After you remove the fixture, make sure to remove wires that are sticking out.Tucking them behind the rafters will keep them out of the way of screws when you install the drywall.
Step 4: Measure and mark the distance from the wall to the ceiling.
This will allow you to cut holes in the light fixture.To find their exact location, use a grid pattern.Take the distance from the closest wall to the center of the fixture.Measure the distance from the next wall to the center.You need to write down the measurement so you remember.Measure the distance from the fixture to you.That way you know the size of the hole to cut.It is best to cut the holes after you hang the sheets.You might have to redo the job if you make a mistake while cutting the installation.
Step 5: There is a wood block below the ceiling.
If you are doing this alone, you can rest the drywall on this block when you begin installing it.Take a block of wood from the wall you're working on.Press this block below the ceiling and then drill it into the wall studs.You can use a longer screw for this job.If your wood is 2 in, use a 5 in screw.If you want to do this, you will have to stand on a step stool or small ladder.If you don't have a long block, use a smaller piece and move it around as you please.
Step 6: You can drill a block of wood to a ceiling rafter.
Another trick is to do this job alone.Take 4 feet from the wall you're working near.The wood block should be screwed to the ceiling rafter with a 5 in (13 cm) screw.The rafter should be left a 4 inch gap between it and the block.The block should be able to move in all directions.While you install the sheets, you can spin the block around and let them rest on it.You are able to install as many blocks as you need.If you need some extra support, drill a hole in the block and rotate it so the wallboard rests on it.Remove them after you are done.When you need both hands to drill into the wall, these blocks are useful.
Step 7: Start at the corner.
Before cutting any sheets, it is important to install as many complete sheets as possible.If you want to cover the entire ceiling, hang the first sheet in the corner.From this first sheet, move forward.If you start in a different location, you will have to do more cutting than you would normally.If you make mistakes when cutting, you'll have to buy more drywall.
Step 8: Place the block on the wall while resting the end of the drywall.
Lift the drywall sheet up to the ceiling by grabbing one end.Rest the far edge on the wooden block that you attached to the wall.You will need some strength to do this on your own.You will need to support the weight above your head for a short time.
Step 9: The ceiling needs to be pushed firmly onto it.
Climb the ladder and guide the drywall to the ceiling while the wood block supports it.Put the sheet in the corner of the ceiling.It is much easier to have one end on the wall.While you slide it into place, it will support some of the weight.If you want to support it, drill more wood blocks to the ceiling.
Step 10: Each rafter has a screw through it.
Measure 2 in from the edge of the sheet and drill through it.The rafters are marked so you can drill the rest of your screws later.Use your free hand to hold your power drill while you hold the end of the drywall on the wood block.Attach the ceiling with 1 screw in each rafter from the edge.It's important to keep your screws 2 inch away from the edges.You should avoid any of the ceiling fixture that you looked at before.Coarse-threaded screws are used for drywall installation.There are many screws.A good rule is to divide the width of your wallboard by 1.5.You get 4 in, which is 1.9 cm.For your screw length, add 2 inch and 4 inch together.
Step 11: Attach 4 more equally-spaced screws to the drywall for each rafter.
You must follow a straight line from the first screw to the next.For a total of 5 screws, you can drill 4 more into each rafter.The width and length of the drywall sheet will affect the distance between the screws.If you placed the sheets width-wise, place your 5 screws 9 in 23 cm apart.If you placed your sheets length-wise, place your 5 screws 19 in (48 cm) apart.To help you follow the first screw in a straight line, use a yardstick.Draw a straight line back from the first screw if you push this onto the ceiling.Attach your other screws to this line.
Step 12: Cut holes in the wall.
Measure from before to find any ceiling fixture after the drywall sheet is fastened.Use a drywall cutter to cut through the wallboard.Instead of saving it all for the end, cut the holes after placing each sheet.If you make a mistake, you only need to replace one sheet.
Step 13: Make sure to install as many sheets of drywall as possible.
From the first sheet you hung, continue working in a straight line.There is a 8 in gap between the sheets.This small gap will make sure the sheets are not too far apart.Don't cut any drywall sheets at this point.To keep the sheets straight and pressed together, drill down as many complete panels as possible.There are screws in the first sheet.You don't have to guess where the ceiling rafters are because the first screws show where they are.
Step 14: The drywall should be cut.
The sheets may not cover all of the room.Measure the dimensions of the remaining area carefully if you have leftover space.Cut the remaining sheets to fit the spaces.Measure twice and cut once.You don't want to ruin a piece of drywall by cutting it.
Step 15: There are leftover wood blocks on the wall.
The wood blocks you drill to the wall are only meant to make the job easier.They will get in the way when you hang the wall board.You should remove them when you're done.Run your drill in reverse to remove screws.This allows you to take down wood blocks.You can reuse the wood throughout the project.Re-attach a wood block to another area if you want more support.
Step 16: Make a mark from the ceiling to the wall stud.
It's a good idea to start from the top.Measure the distance from the ceiling to the drywall sheets using a tape measure.There is a mark on the wall.It's a good idea to put this on every stud in the wall.
Step 17: Just below the 4 ft mark is where to drill a wood block.
Depending on how long this wall is, the length of this block will be different.You can rest a drywall sheet on a wood block from any point along the wall.Remove the short block if you only have it for a short time.Keep the block straight.Your drywall could be crooked if it is crooked.If you're having trouble keeping the block straight, use a level tool.
Step 18: The wood block needs to be lifted onto the sheet of drywall.
Place the sheets vertically for wall installation.Left the sheet up to the wood block when you grasp it from the top end.Rest the bottom of the sheet on the block.Lift with your legs.The heavy weight could hurt you if you focus all of it on your back.The block needs to be moved along with the drywall to get it in the proper position.
Step 19: Attach the sheet to each stud.
While pressing the sheet down, drill a screw at the bottom of it and into the stud that covers it.To avoid cracking it, drill at least 2 in from the edge of the sheet.If the sheet covers 8 studs, drill 8 screws.
Step 20: There are 4 screws above the first screw.
Attach 4 more screws to the first screw to keep the sheet secure.The width and length of the drywall sheet will affect the distance between these screws.If you place the sheets width-wise, the 5 screws should be about 23 cm apart.If you're installing the sheets length-wise, the 5 screws should be about 19 in (48 cm) apart.If you can't follow the first screw in a straight line, use a ruler.Draw a straight line from the first screw after pushing this onto the wall.You need to drill your other screws on this line.
Step 21: Make sure to install as many sheets of drywall as possible.
From the first sheet you hung, continue working in a straight line.The gap between the sheets should be 8 in.This small gap will make sure the sheets are not too far apart.The first sheet has screws in a straight line.You don't have to guess where the wall studs are because the first screws show where they are.Remove the wood block from the wall and drill a new one in order to install it further.
Step 22: After installing the top row of drywall, remove the wood block.
This will prevent you from installing the next sheet below.It is not necessary because you can rest the drywall on the floor for this row.The wood block needs to be removed with a power drill.The block will be removed from the wall studs.
Step 23: Cut the wallboard.
Complete sheets may not cover the entire area.Measure the dimensions of the remaining area carefully if there is any leftover space on the wall.Cut the remaining sheets to fit into the spaces.Double-check your measurements before cutting so you don't ruin a piece of drywall.You'll need a new piece if you cut too much.
Step 24: There is a 1 in gap between concrete and drywall.
If you're working in a room with an unfinished floor that goes all the way down to concrete, don't let the concrete touch the drywall.This will cause mold in the wallboard.Leave the 1 in gap to prevent mold growth.If the floor is finished with wood, it's okay for the drywall to touch it.
Step 25: It's time to finish the drywall.
There are some steps that need to be taken after you've cut and hung the sheets.Tapes and compound are used to fill the cracks between the sheets and prepare the wall for painting.