How to Hang Sheetrock on a Ceiling by Yourself

Safely hanging drywall alone requires the correct equipment.

The size and weight of Sheetrock panels makes them difficult to install on a ceiling by yourself. One missed step and you can strain your back or drop and break the drywall sheet. To avoid injury or breaking a piece of Sheetrock, you need a tool designed to support and hold the sheet in place during installation. Homemade tools do work but they can slip and allow the Sheetrock to fall, causing damage to both you and the Sheetrock. A drywall lift will not allow a piece of Sheetrock to slip and fall.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall lift
• Sheetrock
• Drywall square
• Stepladder
• 1 1/2-inch drywall screws
• Screw gun

Instructions

1. Assemble the drywall lift per the manufacturer's operating instructions. Tilt the rack of the lift to the side. Pull the two lower hooks away from the rack frame.

2. Place a pencil mark on the finished side of the Sheetrock for each stud that will sit behind the installed sheet. Extend each mark to create a line at each mark with a drywall square.

3. Set the piece of Sheetrock on the rack with the finished side of the sheet facing toward the rack. Adjust the rack until it sits parallel to the ceiling. Slide the drywall lift into position. Turn the winch wheel clockwise to raise the sheet to the ceiling. Lock the winch wheel in place.

4. Set up a stepladder below the drywall lift.

5. Run 1 1/2-inch drywall screws through the drywall and into the ceiling joists with a 10-to-12-inch spacing. Lower the drywall lift when the Sheetrock is secure. Move the lift to another location to ready it for installing another piece of Sheetrock.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the floor of your work area clean to allow drywall to roll without getting stuck.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Hang Drywall: Use a Lift
• "Fine Homebuilding"; Hanging Drywall Overhead; Myron R. Ferguson; October/November 2005