5 Tips to Help You Hang Drywall Like a Professional

Installing drywall in your home isn’t extremely difficult, but there are certain guidelines you need to follow if you want your DIY job to match up to professional standards. The flooring and design experts at CMA Flooring in Carrollton have 5 tips to help you get started on this job.

1. Keep the Drywall Clean

Any foreign substance that gets on your drywall can make the job harder later on in the process. Cover your stack of drywall as soon as it arrives. When you’re hanging the drywall, avoid the temptation to write measurements and notes on individual sheets. Grease, dirt, pencil marks, and other markings tend to bleed through finishes. The single exception to this rule is carpenter’s chalk.

2. Hang It Horizontally

Homeowners taking the DIY approach usually hang drywall vertically, they same way they would hang paneling. However, professionals install drywall horizontally, creating a butt joint between the first sheet and the ceiling. Hang the first row of drywall around the entire room, then come back and hang the second row beneath it, and so on.

3. Pay Attention to the Joints

If you look closely at a drywall sheet, you’ll notice some of the edges are slightly tapered. This is to allow room for tape and drywall mud so the finished project has smooth seams. It’s fine to cut drywall to fit, but don’t try to save money by piecing cut edges together. Make sure all joints have factory edges on both sides.

4. Use Screws

Nails may be cheaper than screws, but they also have a tendency to loosen and pop out through the finish over time. Save yourself a lot of headaches by using drywall screws for your installation, and make sure you use enough screws. Trying to save a few pennies now can cost you a lot later when you realize the drywall wasn’t installed correctly.

5. Follow Directions

Carefully read the manufacturer’s directions for the mud and tape you use. Some steps may seem unnecessary to a DIYer, but they are crucial if you want a professional finish. For example, adding a second layer of mud too soon can lead to sagging and cracking.

Don’t forget to keep your floors protected when installing drywall. If you’re thinking about replacing your floors to match your new walls, get in touch with CMA Flooring. We offer a wide variety of flooring options, including the hand-scraped wood, Berber carpet, and porcelain flooring Carrollton homeowners love. Stop by our showroom or give us a call at 972-418-6606 for a free quote.