| The hardest part of hanging drywall
(sometimes called by the brand name "Sheetrock" or just plain
"rock") is getting it from the store to your basement! If you
don't have a helper available, see if the store will deliver!
It will be worth it- even if there's an extra charge!
Drywall installation tips
- Although most pros install drywall horizontally, it's better
for many DIYers to install it vertically. This will allow you
to use the tapered edges of the board for your seams, and will
make it much easier to finish than if you butt the short ends
of the board (which are not tapered) together.
- If you decide to hang the drywall horizontally, use the longest
sheet you can fit in your basement. This will minimize the number
of seams. Also, be sure to stagger the joints between the top
and the bottom rows.
- If you're drywalling the ceiling, make sure you do it first.
Then hang the drywall on the walls.
- Make sure you use the correct length and type of screw to
secure the drywall to your framing. For ½" drywall use
1 ¼" coarse thread drywall screws.
- If you're using metal studs make sure you get "self tapping"
screws made for metal framing.
- Make sure you sink the screws slightly below the surface of
the drywall- WITHOUT ripping the paper.
- Unless you have a drywall drill, buy a drywall dimpler (about
$2.50 at Lowe's) to attach to your regular drill. This will
help you sink the screws to the proper depth without ripping
the surface paper.
- Carefully plan the layout of your drywall so the edges of
the sheets will hit the studs. Otherwise, you'll have to add
studs at the ends of the sheets, or cut the drywall to hit the
studs.
- Don't install drywall with the tapered edge of a sheet on
an outside corner of a wall. It will make it more difficult
to finish the corner when it comes time to mud and sand.
- If you decide to use screws and glue, make sure you open all
the windows! The glue produces harmful vapors, and is pretty
nasty stuff!
I'll provide step-by-step instructions for hanging drywall soon.
In the meantime, check out these additional resources for tips
on how to hang drywall:
Easy2DIY - www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_print.asp?page_id=35720188
eHow - www.ehow.com/how_4143_hang-drywall-wall.html.
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