How To

How to Hang Drywall on a Ceiling

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(42 Ratings)

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:

  1. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 4

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

  5. Step 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. Step 6

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

  7. Step 7

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

  8. Step 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.

Comments  

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millerhuz said

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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 said

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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 said

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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 said

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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 said

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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 !!!!!!!!!!!!

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