How To Install Drywall

By Tim Carter
©1993-2008 Tim Carter

Summary: How to install drywall the right way is a common question. Some people think there should be a gap between pieces when they install drywall.

Related Articles: drywall in wet location, quality drywall, drywalling tips

DEAR TIM: What is the proper way to drywall? Should I butt the pieces of drywall very close together or leave a space between pieces of drywall? Anne S., Tampa, FL

DEAR ANNE: The proper way to install drywall is to butt pieces together tightly. Do this on all flat surfaces such as walls and ceilings. But in corners, I always cut the drywall so there was a one-eighth to one-quarter-inch gap between the two pieces as they meet in a corner. If you try to cut drywall so it fits tightly in corners, you will get frustrated in a big hurry.

The frustration is caused by the rough cut edge of the drywall. When you score a piece of drywall with a razor knife and then snap it in two, the resulting edge is rough. These bumps often stick past your pencil line or razor cut line making the piece of drywall longer than what you want it.

The rough bumps can be quickly removed with a special, small rasp. Professional sheetrock hangers always have one of these in their tool belt. This is a secret trick not often seen by do-it-yourselfers. But rasping off the edges does create additional dust, so keep this in mind.

 



Comments:

bob
05 Apr 2008, 17:31
I have sheet rock that has one side white, the other side is yellow with black writing. Does it matter which side is spackled and painted.


Thank you, Bob
AsktheBuilder
09 Apr 2008, 17:06
Bob,
The white side faces out. You finish the white side.
chuck
30 Apr 2008, 15:59
Tim

I am installing a corner moulding how do you attach the corner piece to the drywall.,I tried drywall screws. Are there nails I can use. The screw head seems to high

thanks
Joe
13 Jun 2008, 20:45
Tim

I am going to assume that beacause the green side is the waterproof side of the board it should always face out?

Joe
Peggy Rock
23 Jul 2008, 15:27
We need to sheet rock the third floor of an 1850s brick house but the stairs up there turn and are very narrow. How do we get the drywall sheets up the stairs? Cut them in half? Take down the wall? Is there something other than drywall that we could use?
Thank you. I am stumped on this one as there is no window big enough to bring it through either.

Peggy

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