How to Prepare Walls for Drywall Installation

Once your drywall is hung on the walls, it's a real hassle to get back inside to make changes or repairs. Here are some things to do before you hang drywall to make your life easier down the road.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vapor Barriers
• Drywall Metal Plates

1. Check studs and joists, making sure all are straight and spaced properly. If studs are not properly spaced it is easiest to just add in additional studs at the proper interval (16 inches on center); warped and twisted studs are best removed and replaced with good lumber.

2. Make sure there are nailers or double studs at every corner and on both sides of vertical corners and headers.

3. Insulate all exterior walls and do any soundproofing of interior walls before you add drywall.

4. Add vapor barriers. In cold climates the barrier goes between insulation and drywall, while in warm climates the barrier goes between sheathing and insulation.

5. Check to see that all boxes for electrical outlets, light switches and light fixtures are in place.

6. Get all cable television, telephone and in-house communications wiring in place.

7. Be sure that all electrical wiring and plumbing are roughed in to their proper positions.

8. Look over the heating and cooling plan and be sure that all fresh air returns and duct work are in place.

9. Place metal protective plates on studs where a pipe or wire goes through. These plates will prevent you from accidentally nailing into pipe or wire.

Tips & Warnings

• No edge of drywall should be unsupported for more than 2 feet.
• After the walls are prepared, you can begin measuring and cutting the ceiling drywall.