Removing a Sheetrock Ceiling to Expose a Joist Ceiling

Ceiling joists are usually hidden behind drywall.

Ceiling joists run the length of a room. Workers attach boards of Sheetrock, or drywall, to the joists, using drywall screws or nails. Removing an installed drywall ceiling entails pulling the drywall away from the joists. The process is messy, so lay drop cloths on the floor and wear protective gear. Throughout the process, remove large sections that are easy to bag and throw away. If you bash the drywall to pieces, you’ll waste energy and create a bigger mess. Buy contractor’s bags for the removed drywall. Its thick material resists tearing better than regular bags.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Brimmed hat
• Hammer
• Contractor's garbage bags
• Screw gun

Instructions

1. Don a dust mask, work gloves, safety glasses and a brimmed hat. Drywall dust isn’t dangerous, but it can irritate your eyes and throat.

2. Remove light fixtures, electrical outlet covers, wood trim or anything else resting on or attached to the drywall.

3. Hit the ceiling with a hammer to create a hand-sized hole.

4. Pull down on the edges of the hole with your gloved hands. Use your body weight to pull carefully and deliberately. The goal is to remove as large a piece as possible.

5. Place the removed drywall in garbage bags. Don’t overfill the bags, or they might tear when you lift them later.

6. Continue pulling off the drywall until the joists are relatively bare.

7. Pry out the drywall nails, using the claw of the hammer. Back out drywall screws with a screw gun.

8. Brush off any drywall crumbs that remain on the joists.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you install new drywall, closely examine the joists. Any protruding nails, screws or debris you leave behind can damage the new drywall installation, so leave the joists as smooth and flat as possible.

References

• "Basements, Attics and Garages: Plan, Design, Remodel"; Creative Homeowner; 2006