Install or Repair Drywall
After structural framing and electrical rough-in are complete, drywall creates the smooth wall surfaces you'll paint and decorate. Good drywall work is invisible. Bad drywall work shows every flaw under paint and light.
Time Required
3-5 days
Cost
$1,000-$3,500
Difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Drywall Installation Process
Hang ceiling sheets first
Use 5/8-inch sag-resistant drywall for ceilings. Hang sheets perpendicular to the joists. A drywall lift ($40/day rental) makes this manageable. Screw every 12 inches into each joist with 1-5/8 inch drywall screws.
Hang wall sheets horizontally
Use 1/2-inch drywall for walls. Hang the top row first, tight against the ceiling sheets. The bottom row gaps at the floor (covered by baseboards). Stagger vertical seams. Cut around outlets and switches with a drywall saw.
Tape and apply 3 coats of mud
Apply paper or mesh tape over all seams. First coat: embed tape and fill screw holes. Second coat: feather out 6-8 inches wide. Third coat: feather out 10-12 inches for invisible seams. Sand lightly between coats with 150-grit.
Final sand and prime
Sand the final coat smooth with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Use a work light held at an angle to reveal imperfections. Vacuum dust thoroughly. Apply PVA drywall primer before painting for even absorption.
Drywall Finish Levels
- Level 3: Tape and two coats of compound. Acceptable for surfaces that will be textured or covered with tile.
- Level 4: Tape and three coats of compound. Standard for most painted walls. Suitable for flat and eggshell paints.
- Level 5: Level 4 plus a skim coat over the entire surface. Required for glossy paints and areas with critical lighting. The highest quality finish.
Pro Tips
- •Drywall finishing is an art: Hanging drywall is straightforward. Taping and mudding to an invisible finish takes skill and practice. Hire a professional taper for the best results.
- •Patch where walls were removed: Where a demolished wall met the ceiling or adjacent walls, cut back to the nearest joist or stud and patch with new drywall for a seamless blend.
- •Use corner bead on all outside corners: Metal or vinyl corner bead creates sharp, durable outside corners. Paper-faced metal bead is the easiest to finish smoothly.