How to Hang Double Drywall

Hanging double drywall in the proper way is an effective means of creating a "firewall" barrier between two spaces. In some localities it is mandatory to create a firewall in certain circumstances. To double-hang drywall, you need some time, a helper, a few standard drywall tools, and a little know-how.

Things You'll Need

• Razor knife
• Tape measure
• 4-foot carpenter's T square
• Caulking gun with fire-resistant caulk
• Carpenter's pencil
• Keyhole saw
• Screw gun with 1 1/2-inch and 3-inch drywall screws
• Fire tape
• Drywall tape
• Drywall pan
• 6-inch drywall knife
• 12-inch drywall knife
• Drywall mud
• Dropcloths
• Drywall boards (4-foot-by-8-foot-by-1/2-inch)

Instructions

1. Measure and install your first layer of drywall boards as you would in any other room. Cut around your fixtures with your keyhole saw. Measure the top and bottom measurement to the center of the end stud. Attach the drywall to the stud using your screw gun and 1 1/2-inch drywall screws. Place your screws at 20-inch intervals along each stud behind the wall. Make each screw is flush with the face of the board.

2. Load your caulk gun with fire-resistant caulk. Cut the tip of the tube at the angled mark labeled 1/2 to get a 1/2-inch opening in the tip. Slide a 3-inch drywall screw into the opening and press to break the diaphragm inside of the tube. Slide the rear of the tube into place and drop the tip into the slot on the gun. Caulk around the entire wall. Everywhere drywall touches another surface should have a large bead of caulk. Smooth each bead as it is placed by rubbing your finger lightly along the bead.

3. Load your drywall pan with mud using your 6-inch knife. Smear a light coat of mud across each screw head in the wall. Tape all of the joints with fire tape. This tape has an adhesive back and the joint will not require drywall mud. Tape your vertical joints first, then your horizontal joints.

4. Lay the second layer of drywall boards over the first. Cut the boards so that the second layer of joints is at least 16 inches from the first. Fasten the second layer of boards through the first and into the studs with 3-inch drywall screws and your screw gun. Install a screw into the drywall so that it it's every stud at 16-inch intervals.

5. Cover the screw heads and joints with a thick coat of drywall mud. Apply a strip of drywall tape to the mud on the joints and smooth it by dragging your 12-inch knife along the tape. Allow the mud to dry for one hour. Coat the screws and joints with a light coat of drywall mud and allow to dry for one hour. Your wall is now ready to be sanded and painted.

Tips & Warnings

• Razor knives and keyhole saws pose cut and puncture hazards. Use caution and common sense when using these tools.

• Screw guns are an electric power tool. Read and follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations before and during use of this tool.

• Always wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses and leather work gloves, when working with tools.

References

• More Information on Drywall Installation