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Which way do you run drywall on a wall?
On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. However, on residential jobs, the drywall on the walls is typically hung horizontally. For walls 9 feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits.
Why do you hang drywall from the top down?
When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. This is the hardest drywall to hang, so get a partner and go slow. Large cracks due to misaligned sheets are hard to repair because the extra mud required to fill them will constantly fall out and drop to the floor (or worse, down the back of your neck!).
How thick should sheetrock be for walls?
Most drywall measures 1/2-inch thick. It’s the most common choice for interior walls because they are easy to carry and hang. If weight is a concern, consider ultra-light half-inch drywall.
How hard is it to drywall?
With patience, the right tools and a friend to help you, hanging drywall is not very difficult. Once you’ve learned how to hang drywall, learn how to tape and finish the installed drywall for professional-quality results. The joint work is really easier than it seems and provides very satisfying results.
How much gap should be between sheets of drywall?
Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods.
How many screws go into a 4×8 sheet of drywall?
Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.
How far should edge drywall be from screw?
Push the tip of a drywall screw into the drywall at a stud location. At the edge of the panels, the screw should be no less than 1/4 inch from the edge. Any less than this and you run the risk of crushing the edge of the drywall. The sharp tip should stick firmly into drywall, enough to hold it in place.
What’s better drywall nails or screws?
While nails tend to be more flexible and hold up better against shear pressure—or lateral force—screws have much better grip and tensile strength, which ultimately keeps drywall from pulling away from the studs. When it comes to holding power, screws simply can’t be beaten.
Why do you drywall the ceiling first?
Doing the ceiling first means you can lift the wall sheets to make a tight joint. By contrast if you do the walls first you would have to sculpt every edge to make it seat tightly, and/or end up with lots of voids to fill before you tape.
Can one person install drywall?
How to hang Drywall on walls By Yourself Drywall is easy to work with: it comes in large sheets, cuts with a utility knife and nails or screws directly to the framing. You don’t need professional skills. Plan to use the longest sheets possible to minimize joints. Proper nailing and screwing technique is critical.
Do you drywall ceiling or walls first?
Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. Check the ceiling for bowed joists using a 4-ft. level.
Can you use a drywall lift for walls?
Lifts work for walls, too sheets. A lift works on upper wall sheets just as well as it does on ceilings. After loading the drywall, push the lift to the wall, position the sheet, tip the top edge against the wall and crank it snugly against the ceiling.
Should drywall be staggered?
It’s not necessary to stagger seams on ceiling drywall. However, because these joints are relatively difficult to finish—and tend to be noticeable in the finished product—it’s a good idea to stagger the drywall panels to make the joints less visible.
Is drywall supposed to touch the floor?
Drywall should never touch the floor. Allow for a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) space between your new wall and your old flooring, so there is room for expansion of both materials without cracking the drywall.
Do drywall seams have to be on a stud?
Drywall Is Not on a Stud All edges of all sheets of drywall must land on a solid surface such as a stud. A hanging drywall edge may work in the short-term, but in the long-term it can result in cracks and other serious wall issues. Sometimes, the drywall does not horizontally reach a stud.
What side do you cut drywall?
In most cases, drywall is cut by scoring through the paper on the finish side (the one with white paper) using a sharp drywall knife. As soon as you notice the blade dulling, turn it around or replace it.
Should I drywall or floor first?
When you’re hanging drywall and installing new flooring, it’s usually best to hang the drywall first and then save the floor for last.
