How to Replace a Ceiling

Removal of the old ceiling and stripping of all nails and drywall tape from the edges will take care and must be done before the new ceiling can be put in place. You will use standard drywall techniques and will probably require the help of someone else to lift the sheets of drywall to the ceiling and hold it in place while it is nailed into the ceiling joists.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drywall sheets
• Drywall tape and spackle
• Hammer and nails
• Sandpaper

1. Remove the wallboard from the ceiling that needs replacing. Clean the joists of left-behind nails or screws. Make sure the seams along the walls are square and ready for taping later on.

2. Measure the total dimensions of the ceiling. Determine which direction your sheets will be placed to generate the fewest seams. Also take into consideration the placement of outlets, power couplings and lights that need holes and cutouts. Make the inclusion of the holes for these as easy as possible.

3. Determine the placement of all the holes or cutouts that are required by existing wiring and fixtures. Arrange the panels as they will go up and cut the holes and cutouts for the fixtures. Remember to work from the side that will be facing the floor and not the side that will be facing the ceiling joists.

4. Position the first panel in a corner of the room. Have a helper assist you in lifting and bracing the panel as you nail it into the ceiling joists. Make sure the corner is firmly in the corner before driving the first nail. Continue to secure the panel until all nails are in place.

5. Continue to place each section of wallboard onto the ceiling, making tight joints with the sides and other panels. This will minimize the job of taping before paining. Once the panels are all in place, place drywall tape over the seams and secure them with drywall spackle.

6. Allow the spackle to dry, and sand lightly or go over it with a damp sponge to remove any excess spackle. The ceiling is now ready to paint.