Installing drywall isn’t that complex of a job, but it does take time.
A little information about drywall goes a long way, as does having a helper. If you’re new to installing drywall or don’t feel confident in your skills, your best bet is to hire a professional who knows the process.
These tips will help make installing drywall a breeze on standard walls or ceilings.
Start with a clean floor
Sometimes, you must lay drywall sheets on the floor to measure or cut them. If there’s a single screw in the floor, it will make a dent in the drywall. Even if it’s on the back side of a sheet, it will cause a weakening of the sheet. Keeping your work area clean is good practice at any time, especially when installing drywall.
Put drywall on the ceiling first
The hardest part of the job is installing drywall on the ceiling. If you install the ceiling first, the drywall on the wall may overlap it when it’s installed. You can attach the drywall from the wall until it meets the ceiling, leaving a gap in the floor. The gap in the floor will be covered by a baseboard, so it’s not a problem.
Additionally, installing drywall from the wall to the drywall will help hold up any unsecured ceiling drywall.
Consider getting a second set of hands
A helper can be indispensable, especially when it comes to the ceiling. Sometimes, working around someone else’s schedule can be challenging. However, if it’s just for the ceiling part of the job, it will reduce stress levels and allow you to get better results.
Start placing screws before lifting a sheet into position
This tip is handy when you’re working alone and can also be helpful when the area where you’re installing a specific sheet is tricky for whatever reason. Working on a ladder around windows or ceilings can make placing and securing a piece of drywall difficult. If you already have 3 or 4 screws set into the drywall before you lift it into place, you won’t have to worry about fiddly screws or where to place them.
Perfection Isn’t Necessary
Some tasks require strict tasks. Drywall work isn’t one of those jobs. You rarely have to be too precise, and doing so will only slow you down. Being too exact also leaves the door open to scraping 1/8″ of material off a piece of drywall to make it fit properly. Tape, drywall compound, and other drywall accessories allow you to cover any small gaps later in the project. Knowing how precise you need to be is the difference between constantly being frustrated by having to re-cut something and having the project move smoothly.
