How to Hang Drywall on a Ceiling

Putting up a new drywall ceiling is similar to hanging walls - just more strenuous and awkward. But even strain and awkwardness can be eased with the right rental equipment.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Drywall
• Drywall
• Utility Knives
• Drywall Hammers
• Drywall Jack
• Drywall Screw Gun
• Drywall Screws Or Nails
• Safety Glasses
• Stepladders
• Variable-speed Drills With Screwdriver Bit
• Safety Glasses

1. Gather your equipment. You'll need a hammer and drywall nails or drywall screws and a drill with a screwdriver bit, not to mention enough drywall to do the job.

2. Rent a drywall jack from your local rental center or drywall supply house. This equipment has a large rack to support the drywall in a flat position while it's positioned and raised with an easy-to-operate cable jack mechanism.

3. Mark the ceiling joists, or rafters as they're commonly called, on the top plate (the two 2-by-4s or 2-by-6s that cap the wall studs) of the wall. This will make it easier to find the joists as you fasten the drywall to them.

4. Measure and cut any light fixture areas from the drywall as needed (see "How to Cut Drywall," under Related eHows).

5. Place a sheet of drywall onto the drywall jack (make sure you always put the drywall on the jack with the finished side facing downward), and lift to the ceiling.

6. Position the drywall sheet in the correct location. Make sure the end of the drywall is in the center of the joist.

7. Nail around the edges and remove the jack. Nail about 1/2 inch from the outside edge to prevent breaking the edges.

8. Complete nailing the drywall in place with nails or screws approximately 7 inches apart along each joist. Remember to dimple, or countersink, the nails or screws slightly so they can be hidden with drywall compound. (When using a drywall screw gun, this countersinking action can be adjusted so that it's the same with each screw put in.)

Tips & Warnings

• Always match factory edges and cut edges together when adding the next piece of drywall. Stagger the joints from row to row of drywall.
• After hanging the drywall on the ceiling, you can tackle the walls.
• Even with the drywall jack, this can still be heavy work. Getting help from a friend is a good idea.
• Wear safety glasses to prevent nails, screws or dust from falling in your eyes.

[millerhuz]

on 4/6/2009 What is the difference in hanging the wall horizontally or vertically? Is there a right or wrong way? What about the ceiling, should it be staggered?If so, why?

[ddbird]

on 2/21/2009 WE finished the ceiling today and it looks fantastic- no need to worry if you all make this same goofy mistake with patience and perfection you can complete the job -

[ddbird]

on 2/19/2009 we started a 12X18 room by starting the drywall at the floor and working up - WITHOUT the ceiling installed - now we have heard both install ways from people - we have a lift machine for the board and we know we now have to measure to make sure it fits due to the 1/2 wallboard on all sides - we have liguid nail and screws ready - are we going to be disappointed with the finish look?? Can we truly pull this off without having to tearout the upper walls-wallboard to get the ceiling lined inplace first?? Help!! We have a crew of friends coming Saturday to help - I need to know now!! Opinions Please!!

[tommmm2]

on 2/8/2009 also!!!!! yes I can hold up a sheet on the ceiling and nail or screw it! Knottbuyint i can use my head .or palm it or use the brake on the machine. but its a trade that you learn on the job not in any book or site how too!! to teach some one that wants to learn takes 6 mo to a year at least!!!

[tommmm2]

on 2/8/2009 I have been hanging for 26 yrs and a machine makes my day !!!!!in homes with a few mods you can fly! 40 to 75 sheets a day or more takes alot of the heavy lifts out of your work day and the big plus is no partner , the check is all yours ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!!!!!