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Finally! A step-by-step guide to hanging drywall! This section will guide you along as you hang sheetrock on your newly framed walls!
Drywall tools:
- 1/2" or 5/8" Drywall sheets
- Carpenter's knife (with plenty of spare blades)
- Drywall rasp (to smooth rough edges)
- Drywall T-Square
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- Drywall lift
- A smooth, flat surface
- Drywall screws (for ½ inch drywall and wood studs use 1 ¼" coarse thread screws.)
- Power drill (with Philips head driver or drywall dimpler)
- Several sharp pencils
- Red lipstick (Don't worry, I'll explain this in cutting around outlets & openings)
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How to install drywall: Step-by-step
1. Before you start, walk around the room and mark the floor at the center of each stud. This will help you hit the studs when you're sinking the screws.
2. Measure the length of your wall and plan your layout so the seams will hit the studs when possible. You may need to toenail additional studs when necessary.
3. Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling joists, and subtract about ¼ inch. Cut the drywall to that height. (See how to cut drywall.)
4. If you need to cut any openings for outlets, switches, etc., see cutting around outlets & openings before continuing.
![Diagram of how to add drywall screws to secure the board to the framing. [Click to enlarge]](images/how-to-attach-drywall.gif)
5. Raise the drywall about ¼" off the floor using a drywall lift or other spacer, and begin inserting screws while holding the board firmly in place. This part is much easier with a helper.
6. Using an electric drill and dimpler (or a drywall drill if you have one), begin to secure the board with screws spaced about 12" along the perimeter, and along each stud. It's best to start at one corner, and 'fan out' in both directions toward the opposite corner.
7. Use a level to draw a vertical line along each stud location. This will help you avoid missing the studs as you move up from the floor.
8. Be sure that all screws are sunk slightly below the surface. Carefully rub a small scraper over each screw head. If you can feel the screw, carefully use a screwdriver to tighten it (without ripping through the paper).
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![Here are some common tools you'll need as you install sheetrock in a basement. [Click to enlarge]](images/drywall_tools.jpg)
![Buy a drywall dimpling tool for your power drill. It will ensure that your screws go to the perfect depth every time! [Click to enlarge]](images/drywall_dimpler.jpg)