Basement Remodeling
Drywall is one of the easiest-to-use and cheapest construction materials in the world. Even a serious mistake will make you chuckle, knowing you’ve wasted little time and probably less than five bucks. And the money you save handling the task yourself will come in handy for furnishing that new room.
Hanging “rock” (short for “Sheetrock”) doesn’t require a lot of finesse, but it is heavy work. But if you have a strong back and you can climb four steps without wheezing, don’t be afraid to tackle one, two or even three rooms on your own. It’s sometimes hard to interest a pro in hanging just a room or two, or even get on the schedule. And you’ll pay hundreds of dollars for the privilege. Besides, defining and covering the walls with a finished material can be satisfying.
This how to install drywall article will demonstrate the basics of hanging drywall. If you do a good job of hanging it, the drywall can be taped and finished smoothly and easily. “Taping” refers to the process of filling fastener holes, applying joint tape and three layers of taping compound to seams and corners, and then sanding. Poor hanging techniques make it difficult for even a seasoned taper to deliver a flat, uncracked surface that’s free of nail pops and ready for paint. We’ll show you the techniques and tools the pros use to get the how to install drywall job done fast and in a way that makes taping as painless as possible.
Follow these relatively simple steps for how to install drywall and enjoy that new bedroom, family room or, if you’re really lucky, billiard room!
The pros never secure drywall with nails anymore, and neither should you. Screws anchor the rock solidly to the framing, do less damage to the paper face, and are less likely to cause fastener pops down the road. Nail pops are a nuisance to fix and generally won’t appear until after you’ve applied the final coat of paint.
A drywall screw gun is a high-speed, low-torque drill specifically adapted for installing drywall (Photo 11). With an adjustable nosing, it sets screws very quickly at precisely the correct depth. It may be worth buying if you’re planning to hang a lot of drywall. If you decide to rent, plan to tack up all the drywall with as few nails as possible, then screw off all the rock at the same time to save rental fees. There are various styles of adapters and attachments for converting conventional drills into screw guns, but the results aren’t as good. There is no substitute for a drywall screw gun.
