How to Fix Drywall That's Cut Too Short

You don't need to start over if you cut your drywall incorrectly.

Cutting drywall to the wrong length requires an immediate fix, and if it's done incorrectly, you risk the poor repair job showing even after you finish the job. The drywall tape might reveal the repair job, or cracks could appear. Done correctly, fixing drywall that's been cut too short won't show at all. The wall will appear as if one continuous sheet covers the area.

Things You'll Need

• 48-inch by 96-inch sheet of drywall
• Carpenter's razor
• Drywall hammer
• Drywall nails
• Drywall mud
• Putty knife
• Drywall tape

Instructions

1. Cut the drywall even shorter, to a length --- or height --- of 32 inches, using a carpenter's razor. Studs usually measure 16 inches apart, so a 32-inch section will span two studs.

2. Cut a second section long enough to fill the remaining gap, making sure the distance equals a total divisible by 16. For instance, most sheetrock comes in widths of 48 inches by 96 inches, and the studs measure 16 inches apart. As long as your second panel evenly divides by 16, it will cover the gap.

3. Nail the panel in place, using a drywall hammer and drywall nails.

4. Apply mud over the nail heads, using a putty knife and drywall mud.

5. Mask the mud, using the drywall tape. Make sure not to wrinkle or tear the tape.

6. Apply a second layer of mud over the tape.

7. Allow the mud to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

8. Sand the dried mud, using the drywall sander and making sure to sand just hard enough to smooth any rough or raised spots. Don't try to sand deeply or hard, and try not to expose the drywall tape.

9. Patch any imperfections or cracks that appear as a result of the mud drying, using a putty knife and drywall mud.

10. Allow the patched mud to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

References

• Yourself Home Repair: Basic Drywall Repair
• Ask the Builder: How to Drywall