Installing Drywall

What are Drywall / Sheetrock?

Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is used to make interior walls and ceilings.

Drywall construction became prevalent as a faster alternative to traditional lath and plaster.

In many places the common term is a trademark term such as gib, sheetrock or gyproc.

Tools & Materials Needed

-          Tool belt

-          Tape Measure

-          Pencil

-          Carpenters square

-          T-square

-          Utility unite & blades

-          Chalk line

-          Keyhole saw & hand saw

-          Hammer

-          Screw gun / Drill & Paddle bit for mixing mud

-          Ladder

-          Extension Cord

-          Drywall mud

-          Drywall Hawk & Pan

-          Sandpaper & Sanding pale

-          Screws & Nails

-          Drop Cloth

-          Corner Bead

-          Drywall sheets

-          Some timber to make a t-brace to help hold drywall to the ceiling

How many sheets will I need to panel my room?

To estimate the number of sheets required you need to start by getting your measurements for the ceiling (easiest way to do this is by measuring the floor) and the walls (measure the length & width of each wall independently).

After you have your simple / basic room measurements you can submit them to your supplier. They will determine exactly how much drywall, tape, nails and screws you will need.

Getting started

Now you have all the tools and materials necessary for the job it is time to start hanging some drywall.

1)     Start with you ceiling

Mark out where your joist are on the stud or track below, this will help you locate them later.

Check for any prodding objects

Using a level or chalk line check to make sure your ceiling joist are in line.

If the ceiling is seriously warped you can use some long strips of wood or shims to even out.

Start in a corner of the room, measure for your sheet making sure your ends falls on the center of the joist (cut if needed).

2)     Putting into place the first sheets

With some help or the use of a brace or lift, position your first sheet of drywall.

Hammer in some nails along the perimeter of the sheet to hold in place.

Once the sheet is held in place you can now secure the rest of the sheet with screws.

Note: It is important to countersink all nails and sink your screws joist a little below the drywall surface without tearing the paper. This will ensure a smooth finish when applying the drywall mud (remove any screws that will only pop out over time)

Now that your first sheet is firmly in place you can now start on the second sheet of your first row.

Measure and cut first before you raise and secure into place.

Now move onto the first sheet of your second row. It is important to stagger the joints here this gives you a stronger and smoother finish. So start your second row with half a sheet and then move onto a full sheet.

When measuring for outlets always measure from the pieces you have already installed or from a fixed location (eg. wall) towards the opening. Mark out on the sheet with your square and cut with the keyhole saw before you raise and secure into place.

Once your ceiling is up you can now begin on the walls.

3)     Installing drywall on the walls

Using the same principles as above always measure and cut first before you raise and secure into place.

Before you start hanging the walls you should mark out the locations of studs on your ceiling and floor.

This will help you locate them easier. Start with your top piece, making sure its snug to the ceiling.

Nail to keep in place and use screws to secure.

Continue hanging the top section of the wall before you start on the bottom section.

When hanging the bottom section remember to stagger the joints as you did with the ceiling.

4)     Don’t forget

Carefully measure, mark and cut out your holes for the outlets before installing. Remember always measure from the pieces you already installed towards the opening.

For areas like windows and doors you can completely fasten the sheet of drywall around the edges of the opening.

5)     Last notes

The pieces you have left overlapping you can remove with a handsaw using the framework as your guide.

To finish secure your corner bead to any outside corners you might have.

Now that you have finished installing the drywall you can move onto the next part – typing the drywall

Things to remember about this section:

1)     Plan before you hang

2)     Have as little joints as possible

3)     Carefully measure, mark & cut before you install

4)     Stagger your joints

5)     Countersink nails & screws