Drywall, sometimes called gypsum board or Sheetrock, covers the framed portions of walls and comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. The key to installing drywall is locating the wall studs and securely attaching the drywall to them. Keep in mind that drywall is surprisingly brittle, breaking easily when dropped, and that any corner is easily damaged if the full weight of the drywall rests on it.
Instructions
Putting the Panels in Place
1. Measure and record the distance between the center of two or more studs within the framed wall with a measuring tape and a pencil. This measurement is necessary to ensure that the edges of the drywall will be located on a stud. Studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart, so a typical 4-by-8-foot drywall panel can span four studs.
2. Measure the recorded distance on a piece of drywall with a measuring tape, then cut the drywall if it is too long. To cut drywall, first score the surface with a utility knife, then snap the drywall along the cut. Slice through the paper backing with the utility knife.
3. With a caulking gun, apply construction adhesive along the vertical length of each stud that the drywall will span. The adhesive will create a stronger bond between drywall and stud than nails or screws alone can provide.
4. To install the drywall, lift so that the top of the piece rests firmly against the ceiling. Attach to the studs with either drywall nails and a hammer or drywall screws and a power drill. Drive the fasteners through the drywall and into the studs, referring to the recorded distance between them from Step 1 to ensure that the fastener enters at the correct area.
5. To install the drywall to the bottom of the wall, place it onto a panel lifter, an angled, fulcrum-and-lever-type device designed to make installation easier. The edge of the drywall rests on one side of the device while the installer lifts the panel by stepping on its other side. Stepping on the free end of the panel lifter raises the drywall. The top of this drywall piece should butt up against the bottom of the drywall piece installed in Step 4. To complete the installation, secure the drywall into place with either drywall nails or drywall screws in the same manner used to secure the upper drywall piece.
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