How to Install Drywall Backwards

Installing drywall is a process that most homeowners have to deal with when they are building a new home or remodeling their existing one. While most contractors would never think of installing drywall backwards on the walls, there are many that will do so for different reasons. Drywall installed in the normal fashion has a beveled edge; if it is installed backwards it will give you a completely flattened surface to work with, which can be helpful for many applications. If you are planning on putting up very thin wallpaper or installing paneling over the drywall, not having the beveled edge to work with can be very helpful. Installation of drywall in a backwards manner is done the same as if it were installed in the normal manner. This article will walk you through the steps to drywall installation.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall
• Tape measure
• One box of 1 ¼” or 1 1/2” Drywall nails
• Hammer or nail gun

Instructions

1. Drywall, even if installed backwards, can be installed either horizontally or vertically, however, horizontally is most often the preferred method. Remove any paper or tags from the drywall. Have each piece set out in the area that you are getting ready to install it.

2. Measure the pieces of drywall to make sure that the vertical seems will hit the studs that are in the wall. You will be nailing the drywall to the studs, so it is important that the edges will be hitting the studs.

3. Remember, you will be installing the drywall backwards, so make sure that the brown paper side is facing you during installation.

4. Butt the drywall sheets against the drywall sheets on the ceiling. You will want there to be no gaps between the sheets of drywall, as this will cause a crack or crevice to appear and it will be hard to cover. Raise the drywall sheets up to meet the ceiling pieces. Be sure that the fit is tight.

5. Nail the drywall to the studs using the hammer or nail gun and the drywall nails. Different construction codes will dictate how far apart the drywall nails should be place. However, a good rule of thumb is every 6 inches on the sides of the drywall and every 12 inches when nailing in the middle of the pieces.

6. As you put up each piece, make sure that you are butting the edges both up against the ceiling pieces and each other. If you have gaps between your sheets, once you begin applying your finishing surface, either paint or wallpaper, the seams will be very visible. Making sure that there are no gaps is a very important step.

7. Once all of your sheets are up, you may see that you will need some filler pieces to finish the job. You will need to measure and cut each piece exactly to size and then follow the same procedure above to install it.

8. Once you have nailed the drywall, you will be ready to finish the job with drywall tape, drywall mud and then your final surface.