How To Install Drywall By Yourself
Drywall is one of the most common of all wall coverings in the world. Since its inception it has revolutionized the housing industry. Before drywall was invented, plastering was the norm. This was a long, and very expensive process. Plaster hangers were some of the highest paid laborers in the construction industry due to the labor intensive process.
Thankfully that is no longer the case. Using drywall will create a very attractive finished room in a short period of time. Thanks to all the information that is available anymore those who wish to save money can hang their own drywall with great results.
The first step in drywall hanging is to make sure that you have the wall properly prepared. The studs should be bare and free of all nails, screws or other obstructions that could damage the sheets of drywall.
The thickness that you wish to use is the next determination you must make. The most commonly used thickness is ½ inch. It is also available in ¼ and 1 inch thicknesses. For the purpose of this article we will go with ½ inch drywall as an example.
Now that you have selected the thickness you will need to pick up some supplies. For this project you will need joint compound, also known as mud, mesh joint tape and a good tape knife. A box of drywall screws and a cordless drill with the proper bit is also necessary as well as a drywall sander and razor knife.
Start by measuring the walls where the drywall will hang. You will want to be able to run as many 8 foot sheets as you can before having to make cuts. You will need to make sure that you are hitting studs all the way across so the drywall can be secured easily.
When you are ready to hang a sheet place it against the wall and screw through the drywall into the stud. You will want to inset the screws a small amount so they can be covered with mud.
When you need to cut the drywall you will want to measure, mark and then score one side with the razor knife. Once you have scored the one side simply apply pressure and it will snap along the score and cut the paper from the other side.
Once all the drywall is hung you will need to tape the joints and cover the screws.
Begin this by adding a thin layer of joint compound to the joint. You want this to be smooth with no lumps are lines. Now you will apply the tape.
Once you have applied the tape you will cover it with joint compound. You will repeat this for all of the joints. While this is drying you can start covering all of the screw holes with joint compound as well.
You will need to allow ample time, preferably overnight, for the joint compound to dry. Once the joint compound has dried you will begin sanding to remove the excess from the walls and ensure a smooth finish. You may have to apply more joint compound to certain areas and sand again to achieve the desired finish.
Now that you have completed these steps you can prime then paint your new walls.
