How to Install One Man Drywall

Standard drywall sheets measure 4-by-8 feet. When a home remodeling project requires new drywall installation, the job is made harder if you are working by yourself. But installing drywall when you do not have a helper is accomplished with the correct tools and a straightforward procedure. A drywall lift is invaluable when hanging drywall by yourself. A drywall lift is rented from a tool rental store and is well worth the modest rental fee.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Drywall lift
• Drywall
• Electric drill
• Driver bit
• 3/4-inch drywall screws

Instructions

1. Hang full sheets of drywall starting at a corner and working your way across the wall. Standard stud spacing is 16 inches, so one sheet of drywall measuring 48 inches (4 feet) will span four studs.

2. Lower the drywall lift to its lowest setting and tilt the top so it is horizontal.

3. Place a sheet of drywall on the drywall lift and tilt the top of the lift so the sheet of drywall is almost at a 90 degree angle to the floor.

4. Roll the lift to the location on the wall where the sheet of drywall is being installed. Tilt the lift until the sheet of drywall is against the studs. Raise the lift to fit the drywall properly at the bottom of the wall. Move the lift sideways until the drywall is in the correct location. The drywall may need to be trimmed to cover only half the last stud so the next sheet of drywall will have half the stud in which to insert the screws.

5. Insert screws along each stud, spaced about every 18 inches. Use an electric drill with a driver bit installed to fasten the screws. Continue to use the drywall lift to install full sheets of drywall. Use a tape measure to find dimensions of areas where a partial sheet of drywall will be needed. Cut the drywall to the dimensions using a utility knife and fasten it to the studs using an electric drill and drywall screws.