How to Install and Finish Drywall

Installing drywall is not a difficult task although it is time consuming and is better done if there are 2 people. It is usually used when adding walls, building rooms or repairing damaged walls. All drywall comes 4 feet wide but can be purchased in different lengths. It can be easily cut and installed but finishing takes a little more time.Following these instructions on how to install and finish drywall will give you a professional look to your completed wall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drywall sheets
• Drywall nails
• Hammer
• Outside drywall corner
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Drywall tape
• Keyhole saw
• Drill
• Joint compound
• Finishing knives
• Sand paper
• Primer
• Paint

Installing Drywall

1. General Information. Use either 8', 10' or 12' drywall depending on the height of the wall. Measure the length or width that is needed for each piece. Use a keyhole saw to cut holes for electric outlets, switches and light receptacles. Carefully measure and mark the location on the drywall. Drawn an outline of the opening and cut with the keyhole saw.

2. Put a piece of drywall in place along the length of a wall stud and covering only half of the width of the wall stud. Using drywall nails, hammer a nail in place every 7 inches down the whole length on both ends of the dry wall. Do the same in the middle of the drywall piece where there is another stud. This will hold the drywall securely. Do this on each wall.

3. When you get to the end of a wall, measure the width of drywall that is needed to complete the wall. Mark this on the drywall. With a utility knife, cut along the marking. If the marking is straight, use a straight edge ruler as a guide. Once you have cut on one side, crack the drywall along the cut. Turn it over and score the backing with the knife so that it easily comes apart. Nail in place on the wall.

4. Continue these steps for all of the walls and ceiling. Make sure all nails are dimpled just below the surface. For outside corners, if any, nail metal corner strips over the corner. Nail in drywall nails 7" apart.

Finishing the Drywall

5. Once the drywall is installed it is time to finish it. Stir the joint compound until it is smooth and creamy. With a 4" finishing knife, apply a layer of joint compound down the seam between to pieces of drywall. Place the drywall tape on top of the compound pressing it into place. Do this for the whole length of the drywall. Go back with the 4" knife and place a coat of joint compound over the drywall tape that is in place. Make this layer smooth down the whole length of the wall. Do each seam throughout the room and let it dry.

6. Using a 10" finishing knife, go over each taped seam with a thin coat of drywall compound smoothing it out to the sides as you go along. Feather this coat out to the sides about 1 1/2" on both sides. Let this dry for 24 hours.

7. Drywall tape is not needed for outside corner metal strips. Apply a coat of joint compound with the 4" finishing knife along the whole length of the strips completely covering it. Keep the joint compound smooth. Let is dry for 24 hours. Apply a second, thinner coat of compound with the 10' knife making sure to feather it out on both sides.

8. With the 4" finishing knife, cover each nail and dimple with joint compound smoothing it out as you go.

9. When completely dry, sand along each seam smoothing out the dried compound. Do this with each drywall nail also. Wipe away all of the dust to prepare the wall for painting.

10. Apply a coat of primer to each of the walls. When dry, paint the desired color.

Resources

• Drywall Installation