Follow these tips and your drywall can look like this
Hanging drywall isn't the difficult project most people imagine it to be. The tools are inexpensive and, once you get the hang of it, you can finish off a room fairly quickly. Most of your time is spent waiting for the drywall "mud" to dry. Here are some step-by-step tips for any DIYer looking to tackle a drywall project.
Measurements
Using a measuring tape, measure the wall where you are going to hang the drywall. Cut it about 1/2 inch shorter than the height you need. Mark the cut with a straight edge and score this several times with a utility knife. Then snap the board apart. If you're working outside and don't mind the mess, you can also use a lightweight jigsaw or a rotary saw with a drywall blade. Sawhorses make this job much easier.
Floor spacing
Set a few pieces of scrap drywall on the floor next to the wall where the drywall will be hung. Take the measured and cut drywall and set it on these scraps. This will give you space at the bottom to work with floor covering like tile, carpet or laminate.
Fastening The Drywall
This part is easier with a helper, especially if you're using larger pieces of drywall. Ask your helper to hold the drywall in place, its edges covering up only half of the studs on either end. Fasten the pieces to the studs with 1 1/4-inch drywall screws, starting on the studs in the middle and working your way out to the edges. In most American homes, studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart, so every four studs support a 4-foot-wide section of drywall.
More Drywall
Repeat the process to add another piece of drywall to the first. Make sure that the two pieces of drywall meet together at the stud, and that you've provided enough room to fasten each one to the same stud. This will give you a nice, clean, tight surface.
Plugs and Outlets
Make allowances for electrical outlets if you're hanging a piece of drywall where there will be plugs or light switches. Before you hang the wall piece, measure how far the outlets or switches are from the ceiling and cut an opening for them with a drywall saw.
Corners
For outside corners, cut the drywall about 1/4 inch longer than you need so that the drywall sticks out beyond the corner. After the piece is hung, go back and trim off the excess with a saw. This will ensure that the corners have a tight fit.
Mud
Make sure the drywall screws are all fastened securely and don't protrude by dragging your drywall knife over them and listening for any tell-tale clicks. Spread a thin layer of joint compound, known in the trade as "mud," over the joints where the boards come together. Apply drywall tape on top of this layer and smooth it out with the drywall knife. You can use another drywall knife or a rag to wipe away the excess mud as you smooth out the joints. Allow the mud to dry for 24 hours. Apply another thin layer and let this dry for 24 hours as well. Repeat this process again, sanding the mud down as necessary to achieve a clean, smooth surface.
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