A professional look that will last is what many homeowners are after as they tackle do-it-yourself projects. But the proper hanging of drywall can be one of their biggest challenges. A crucial decision has to do with the type of fastener you use to complete the job - nails or screws?
Tools Required
Drywall nails require nothing more than a hammer to install. Drywall screws, on the other hand, require a power tool of some variety for installation.
Cost
Drywall screws are more expensive than drywall nails, but they are the more secure fastener, which means that you'll have to use fewer of them to get the same result. Many people also find that once they've mastered their drill or screw gun that they can install the drywall screws faster than they can hammer in nails.
Appearance
The overall appearance of a drywall job completed with drywall screws is often a lot cleaner, with fewer flaws than a job completed with nails - especially if the person installing doesn't have a whole lot of experience. Drywall screws are easier to countersink without doing damage to the drywall and they are easier to hide with joint compound.
Security of Installation
Though it's very unlikely that, if the proper number of fasteners is used, a piece of drywall will come crumbling down, there isn't really denying the fact that the bite of a drywall screw is more secure than a drywall nail - even the variety with the ringed shank.
Final Thoughts
Just because driving screws requires power tools and is loud, that doesn't necessarily mean it's possibly more destructive - think about what could happen to that piece of drywall if your hammer swing isn't exactly where it should be. Driving screws is also much more friendly to the surrounding areas - there is no pounding or rattling of the studs or ceiling joists that could damage adjacent plaster walls or ceilings. Screws can also be quickly and easily removed if necessary, which could prove helpful in the event of a repair or problem within the wall in the future.
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