The key to doing any job right is to use the right tools. That’s the most important step in how to hang drywall.
It sounds easy enough: Buy some drywall at the local home improvement center, use that drill you got for Christmas a few years back to drive a few screws and you’re done in no time.
But that is a recipe for ruined drywall, trips back to the store and eventually a “good enough” job, as in, “That’s good enough.”
For years, that lousy drywall job will stare you in the face, a testament to your lack of handyman skills.
Know Your Drill
But if you assess your tool inventory and rent what you need, you’ll have that project done right.
The first thing to ask is: “Do I own a drill or a drywall screw gun?” The answer is likely the first. A drill is a versatile tool, but can be difficult to use in drywall installation. Unless you become adept at releasing the trigger just right, you may end up with a screw that punches all the way through the drywall.
Drywall screw guns countersink the screw head just enough into the drywall and then stops automatically. Of course, you have to set the depth, but it’s a straightforward process.
It takes a little getting used to because you have to “trust” the gun and not ease off the pressure. Once you get the hang of it, however, it becomes a whole new world.
But let’s say you don’t want to buy a drywall screw gun. You can always rent one. For a few dollars more, you can go semi-automatic with an auto feed mechanism.
Getting the Wall Up
Depending on the size of the job, drywall should be installed from the top down. If you need to cover a ceiling, start there then move down the wall. Install the drywall sheets vertically on the walls using drywall screws place about 12 inches apart.
Once the drywall panels are up, spread a light coat of joint compound on the seams and apply drywall tape. Spread a second layer of compound over the tape to cover. Apply compound over the screw heads as well. Once the compound is dry, apply a third coat over the seams with a wider spackle knife. Sand the joints and screw holes. That’s how to hang drywall.
One Stop Rental has the tools and equipment for all your home project needs. Contact us today for information about our services.