Drywall shims level uneven wall studs.
Drywall panels are large and flat, but wall and ceiling framing isn't always level. Wood, being a product of nature, can bend or warp, making framed stud walls uneven. Drywall contractors know this, and they usually keep an ample supply of drywall shims on hand to level out the framing for the best finished wall results. Drywall shims are simple to install, requiring only a couple of staples or drywall nails to hold them in place before hanging the drywall panels on top.
Check for Level
You can use a long carpenter's level or a straight edge to determine if wall studs or ceiling joists are irregular and will require shimming. By placing the level across the tops of the studs, as well as along the length of individual studs, you can find spots where the studs recede. Drywall shims offer a small extension to the stud or joist, which reduces the wavy look that can occur if you install drywall panels over uneven studs.
Drywall Shims
Drywall shims are available in bundles and are manufactured from stiff cardboard. The shims are thin, less than 1/8-inch thick for most applications. The studs come in standard 3-foot and 4-foot lengths, and you can cut them with a utility knife if you need a shorter length, or staple them together if you need more depth.
Butt Joints
The most common use for drywall shims is to reduce a bow over butt joints. A butt joint is where two drywall end panels, or cut panels, meet on a stud. While the sides of drywall panels feature bevels that allow the taper to apply mud and tape without creating an extended seam, the ends of the panels or cut edges do not have these bevels. When a butt joint occurs, the drywall contractor will staple drywall shims to the studs on either side of the butt joint. This extends the sides studs, which then creates a slight depression over the butt joint. The taper will feather out the joint compound widely over the butt joint to make the wall appear flat and smooth.
Considerations
While drywall shims can be very helpful in adding depth to studs, they aren't appropriate in all situations. If you're trying to level an interior partition wall, remember that a stud that curves away from one side of the wall will bow outwards on the other side of the wall. Shimming out the wall on one side won't eliminate the problem on the other side. In this situation, it's often better to replace the curved stud with a new straight one.
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