How To Install Drywall
Installing drywall isn’t exactly a task for beginners, but the skills required are easy to learn. Here we run through the procedure of outfitting your home with drywall.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a comprehensive guide by any means. However, these drywall installation steps should give you an idea of what you need to do.
1. Measure the ceiling drywall
Measure your first panel from the corner to determine where it will end. If it isn’t wide enough to cover the entire ceiling, make sure it reaches the center of a joist or strapping piece. Otherwise, mark the center of the support piece farthest from you so that you can cut off the excess paneling.
2. Install the ceiling drywall
Mark the top plate where the joists meet the wall, so you know where to place the screws. Get someone to help you lift the first panel onto the ceiling corner, ensuring that one end is snug against the wall.
Drive your screws in at even intervals throughout the panel, centering each on the joists. Do the same for each beam and install the other boards in the same way until you reach the farthest wall.
3. Cut out sections with a rotary tool
Use a rotary tool to cut out a section of the ceiling drywall for the electrical box. You will need to measure the distance from the box’s center to the next closest panel’s end.
Place the panel over the box and mark the spot over the box’s center. Insert the rotary tool into this spot and ease it outward until it comes into contact with the box’s inside. Do the same for the outside, this time working your way in. Cut all around the box and secure the panel with screws.
4. Install wall drywall
Mark the locations of the studs on the ceiling panels. Measure your wall panel so that the edge is positioned on the center of a stud. If it is too broad, you will have to cut the board to align correctly.
Position the panel flush to the ceiling with one end securely against the abutting wall. Screw the panel into place along the stud marks.
Install the other panels in the same way. Don’t worry about covering the doors and windows; you will be trimming the excess drywall off later.
5. Trimming
The next step is to trim the drywall around the windows, doors, switch, and outlet boxes.
For switches and outlets, use the same procedure as when you cut out the drywall for the ceiling’s electrical box. Ensure you measure them out correctly before screwing the drywall in and cutting around the boxes with a rotary tool.
With the doors and windows, trim the panels so that they are flush with the inner studs. Afterward, you could screw the panels into place.
6. Finishing
Finally, check every part of the drywall for screw heads protruding above the surface. Drive any that you find into the panel, taking care not to drive them too deep.
Do you need professional help installing drywall in your Indiana home or business? Then be sure to contact our team for immediate assistance!
