subject: How To Install Drywall [print this page] Installing drywall is not a complicated process by any means, but does require you do it a certain way if you want the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you do the job right.
Step 1 - Hanging
To begin with, along the length of a sheet of drywall you'll notice bevelled edges. Where two of these edges meet is called a seam. The bevel allows the recessed area of the seam to be filled with joint compound and smoothed flat. Where two horizontal edges meet is called a butt. The butt joint has no recess, so it's harder to fill and smooth.
When you begin hanging drywall, start in a corner and place the first board perpendicular to the studs. If a single sheet isn't long enough to span the entire wall or ceiling, cut a piece from another sheet to make up the difference. When you move on to the next row, start at the opposite end so as to stagger your butt seams.
In the home environment, walls should be hung horizontally. Hanging walls vertically increases the risk of cracks and should be reserved for commercial buildings with aluminium studs.
Step 2 - Taping
Use standard joint compound diluted with a formula of two parts compound to one part water. Apply a modest coat of compound to the seam, place the paper tape over the compound, then gently but firmly squeeze the excess compound out by running a trowel or drywall knife along the length. Use the same process for butts and corners. Fill all your nail divots and coat your metal corners as well.
Step 3 - First Coat
Once the tape has completely dried you're ready for the first coat. Using straight joint compound and a trowel or knife, apply a layer just thick enough to fill in the seam recesses. For butt joints, build your own recess by applying a layer of compound on either side of the dried tape. You'll fill in this recess the next day. Lightly sand your metal corners then coat them again along with your nail or screw divots. Also, apply a coat to one side of your corners using a 4 drywall knife
Step 4 - Skim Coat
The fourth step is the skim coat. Lightly sand your seams and metal corners then coat them a final time with diluted compound similar to what you used for taping. Don't try to go over the same area multiple times, as it will only dig it up and ruin what you've already done. Butt joints need to be filled during this step; skim them when they are dry. Do the other side of your corners now, too.
Step 5 - Sand
The final step is to sand out all the imperfections. It's best dry sand with a block and a medium-grade sanding paper; wet sanding can damage your work if you don't know how to do it. When the sanding is complete, you're ready for primer and paint.
