A Handyman’s Guide to Drywall Installation
Drywall installation is the process of hanging drywall panels on your walls. Drywall is a durable and inexpensive material. It is easy to install, and it can be quickly repaired if it is damaged. But it’s important to make sure you do it right. You could end up with unsightly lines or shadows if you don’t.
Besides drywall, you’ll need a paper tape and joint compound. You may also need to add blocking to your walls to allow your hammer to go up and down. This is especially important if you are doing drywall installation around doors and windows. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a handyman to do the work for you. You should look for a handyman with a reputation and a proven track record. You can check online or in the yellow pages for a local company.
Once you have your materials, you can start hanging drywall. The first step is to find your studs. This can be done by using a stud finder. If your studs are not marked, you can mark them with a high-visibility marker. You can also use a T-square to mark the location of your cuts. This will help you determine the exact distance between the stud and the joist.
Next, you’ll need to cut the drywall sheet to fit the space between the framing components. It’s best to cut the sheet a quarter inch smaller than the wall width. This allows you to get a straighter cut without having to use a corner tool. Once you have all the cuts made, you can place the drywall sheet over the studs.
If you’re not sure about whether or not your framing is in proper alignment, you can use a long straight board to confirm that it is. Then, you can trim the ends of the framing members so that they’re straight. You can also use a power planer to trim the edges of the framing members. You can also use a rotary saw to cut the drywall.
After the framing is in place, you should install drywall screws. The screws should be driven below the surface of the drywall, not through it. They should be placed a few feet from the first row of drywall. You can use a cordless drill with an adjustable clutch to control the depth of the screws. This will help you avoid breaking the gypsum core or the paper.
After the drywall is installed, you can finish up the job by securing the drywall to the studs. You’ll want to place the drywall boards perpendicular to the studs. This will increase the strength of the wall.
You can also use a drywall knife to apply a generous amount of mud to the seam. Then, hold the blade flat against the drywall and pull in smooth but firm strokes. You’ll notice that the mud will not be visible on the edges of the drywall once you have finished screening. This is a good sign that you’re ready for another coat of drywall.