The tricks of the trade for hanging drywall are basic. They consist of working with the material (vs fighting with it), the right tools and patience. If you're shaking your head right now and muttering "I don't have patience!", then stop reading immediately and go find yourself a contractor. DYI drywall is no place for you.
This job will take longer, cost more and be more likely to have less than optimum results if you're short-tempered and try to manhandle the board. Worse yet - someone is more likely to get hurt trying to help you.
Ceiling height
The height of the ceiling determines a lot. If your job has 8' ceilings, hang the board on the ceiling first. If it's above 8', you'll want to start on the wall first. Take note here: I don't mean 8' 1". On a quality new construction job the walls are 8' 1". This allows for 1/2" drywall on the ceiling and 1/2" of finish flooring and gives the end result of an 8' ceiling. We'll deal with odd heights in a later post.
Set yourself up with a workable (and safe!) mini-scaffolding system. For most people that's in the area of 18" to 24" high. Please don't be overly creative. A rolling platform of just the right height will not, I repeat will not make your life easier.
Why not? I'll tell you why not - because the second you push or reach slightly off center of your balance point, the rolling platform will shoot out from underneath you and your partner. The two of you will find yourselves on the floor with a sheet of drywall literally broken over your heads.
Getting started
Starting on an exterior corner is usually preferable. They tend to be the most square. Each room layout is different so make your own call on where to start. Try to use as close to full sheets as possible. It sometimes works out that the best move you can make is to move off the wall 2' to 4' and hang a full 8' sheet from stud center to stud center.
Afterward, add the smaller piece in. Although it is possible to just start out with a smaller piece it can throw off the entire ceiling if it isn't perfect. Hanging a full sheet covers more area and sets the tone for the rest of the sheets to follow. Don't try this with less then 3 people. Someone has to be able to check each end to see if it's centered on the stud while two people are holding the sheet like Atlas holding the globe. This is a moot point if you're using a panel jack, of course.
Take two measurements if you are working on old house, or you suspect the room is out-of-square. Do not try to stay tight!!! This is nothing like a 2X4 that you can beat into place with a framing hammer if it's a tad tight. If you cut drywall too tight it will have to be shaved, and shaved, and shaved... until it fits right. I always allowed for a full quarter inch of play. Remember you are coming up the wall with 1/2".
Ideally, one person cuts the board while the other is preparing the work area. Make marks on the walls at the end of every ceiling joist and glue up. If you're worried about your 'eye' following the line of the stud once it's covered with the board chalk lines can be used. Just bear in mind that the lines are likely to be off, i.e use a light touch with the hammer until you find it.
Apply panel adhesive to every stud this sheet is about to cover except the ends. Aim for the center third of the area the sheet will cover and apply a healthy bead.
Providing there were no wall offsets to deal with and no electrical boxes to cut out the sheet itself is a simple straight cut using the T-square. Cutting board is easiest when it is leaning against a wall (slight lean only). Secure the bottom of the square with a toe and using a fresh utility blade score along the square. Now stand the board upright and snap the cut piece back and score the other side. Snap back towards the original position.
A word of caution here - score deeply enough even if it takes running the knife more than once. The smaller the piece being cut off, the more likely it is to break unevenly instead at the score point. In some cases the best solution is to score both sides before the snap.
Click here for further reading on installing drywall.
Next up - staggering joints, circles and angles.
Questions? Post in the comment area.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Job Preparation
The board has been delivered and you're ready to go... at least, you think you are. Lets go over the basics of final site prep. If this is an addition (or perhaps you've been really ambitious and this is an entire new construction project), there shouldn't be much to prepare.
Your site should be as free of clutter as possible with broom swept floors. It doesn't take much to make you turn an ankle or stumble when you're looking up over your head!
Give your walls and ceilings the once over. Ensure any protruding nails are removed. Many times nails may be used to hang temporary lights, tools and the like during construction. You don't want to find them by having them come through a new sheet of drywall. A
ll insulation and vapor barriers should be in place. Check for electrical boxes accidentally covered by insulation. This is a common occurrence. It's much easier to uncover them now than to have to dig through new drywall once you see an unsightly lump in your new wall.
If your project is a remodeling job the procedures are much the same. Just take extra care to ensure all old materials have been completely removed, everything is in alignment, and all the nails have been removed from the previous wall covering installation. There are many times in an old house that you will need to add material of various sizes to one wall stud or ceiling joist to bring into level with the others.
Old school plasterers were noted for 'floating' corners with brown coat. Often, an entire new corner must be built to accommodate new board; albeit paneling, drywall, hardkote or what have you.
Having a checklist is the best way to go. We're human and mistakes happen to the best of us. How about wires? Wood backing in any areas you plan on hanging heavy mirrors and the like? Telephone, cable and speaker wires? Now is the time to add and hide those things if you haven't done so already.
Refer back to your material and tool list. Have you remembered everything? Do you have appropriate extension cords for power tools, panel adhesive, screws and/or nails?
Everybody has an opinion. From the customer service personnel at the lumberyard or home center, to Bob Vila, and your second cousin who just finished an addition of his own. Trust me on this - that's why you're here reading this isn't it? Don't spare on the panel adhesive and do spare on the fasteners.
Everyone will tell you not to use drywall nails but to use screws instead. They aren't wrong but they aren't right either. I only use nails on the perimeter of the board and screws out in the field. Unless you're a professional drywall hanger, the relative ease of using nails to tack the board into place is the way to go. Even the majority of professionals do this when working on wood studs.
Okay, now we're certain we're ready to go, right? Line up your help and schedule your weekend or vacation time. Next up - hanging board!
Your site should be as free of clutter as possible with broom swept floors. It doesn't take much to make you turn an ankle or stumble when you're looking up over your head!
Give your walls and ceilings the once over. Ensure any protruding nails are removed. Many times nails may be used to hang temporary lights, tools and the like during construction. You don't want to find them by having them come through a new sheet of drywall. A
ll insulation and vapor barriers should be in place. Check for electrical boxes accidentally covered by insulation. This is a common occurrence. It's much easier to uncover them now than to have to dig through new drywall once you see an unsightly lump in your new wall.
If your project is a remodeling job the procedures are much the same. Just take extra care to ensure all old materials have been completely removed, everything is in alignment, and all the nails have been removed from the previous wall covering installation. There are many times in an old house that you will need to add material of various sizes to one wall stud or ceiling joist to bring into level with the others.
Old school plasterers were noted for 'floating' corners with brown coat. Often, an entire new corner must be built to accommodate new board; albeit paneling, drywall, hardkote or what have you.
Having a checklist is the best way to go. We're human and mistakes happen to the best of us. How about wires? Wood backing in any areas you plan on hanging heavy mirrors and the like? Telephone, cable and speaker wires? Now is the time to add and hide those things if you haven't done so already.
Refer back to your material and tool list. Have you remembered everything? Do you have appropriate extension cords for power tools, panel adhesive, screws and/or nails?
Everybody has an opinion. From the customer service personnel at the lumberyard or home center, to Bob Vila, and your second cousin who just finished an addition of his own. Trust me on this - that's why you're here reading this isn't it? Don't spare on the panel adhesive and do spare on the fasteners.
Everyone will tell you not to use drywall nails but to use screws instead. They aren't wrong but they aren't right either. I only use nails on the perimeter of the board and screws out in the field. Unless you're a professional drywall hanger, the relative ease of using nails to tack the board into place is the way to go. Even the majority of professionals do this when working on wood studs.
Okay, now we're certain we're ready to go, right? Line up your help and schedule your weekend or vacation time. Next up - hanging board!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Working with it, not against it!
No offense to any readers who fall in this category but I have never quite understood why so many people are intimidated by materials in a 4' x 8' sheet. This applies to guys and girls, it just is not that heavy! (with exceptions, of course, 3/4" plywood is no joke). Folks, it requires balance!
The key to working with sheet material of any kind is working with the material and with your partner. If you fight the material every step of the way I'm sorry to say the material will win in the end! If your partner is doing battle with the material and with you I'm afraid you'll be looking for a new partner real soon.
When the truck comes loaded with your material, you get your first chance to learn how to work with it, not against it.
Carrying drywall 101
1) Stay on the same side of the sheet!
I can't begin to tell you how important this is. I've seen first-timers do it time and time again. Carrying 8' sheets of drywall is a breeze as long as you and your partner aren't trying to go in opposite directions. The trick is to have the board(s) leaning against both of you. If your partner is trying to lean the board to the right and you're trying to lean it to the left, best case scenario is you're both going to feel like you unloaded the entire truck already. Worst case scenario - somebody is going to end up with a torn muscle or an out of whack back.
2) Have extra help
If your job is larger than a few sheets please have extra help on hand. The professionals do it too. If you can't have help or have minimum help don't schedule the work to start the same day as the material delivery.
3) Weather conditions
Do not expose drywall to rain, snow, and ice. A couple of rain drops won't hurt anything but don't underestimate have much damage can be done with even a brief exposure to water. High winds can be especially dangerous when carrying drywall. I've seen men get blown off the truck on more than one occasion.
4) Bundled or single?
Drywall always comes bundled with two sheets together. Carrying two at a time makes the unload job go faster but that's hardly an important point if you only have a few sheets. Carry whatever makes you comfortable. Single sheets flex more which may be a good thing in some cases and a bad thing at other times.
5) Alone
So you couldn't wrangle any help at all to unload the truck huh? Remember when I mentioned balance? Get your balance right and you've got it nailed. Remember the tip in #4, single sheets flex a lot! Unless you are a very diminutive person carrying a bundle of 4' x 8' drywall shouldn't be a problem.
Next up -
Lets start hanging!
The key to working with sheet material of any kind is working with the material and with your partner. If you fight the material every step of the way I'm sorry to say the material will win in the end! If your partner is doing battle with the material and with you I'm afraid you'll be looking for a new partner real soon.
When the truck comes loaded with your material, you get your first chance to learn how to work with it, not against it.
Carrying drywall 101
1) Stay on the same side of the sheet!
I can't begin to tell you how important this is. I've seen first-timers do it time and time again. Carrying 8' sheets of drywall is a breeze as long as you and your partner aren't trying to go in opposite directions. The trick is to have the board(s) leaning against both of you. If your partner is trying to lean the board to the right and you're trying to lean it to the left, best case scenario is you're both going to feel like you unloaded the entire truck already. Worst case scenario - somebody is going to end up with a torn muscle or an out of whack back.
2) Have extra help
If your job is larger than a few sheets please have extra help on hand. The professionals do it too. If you can't have help or have minimum help don't schedule the work to start the same day as the material delivery.
3) Weather conditions
Do not expose drywall to rain, snow, and ice. A couple of rain drops won't hurt anything but don't underestimate have much damage can be done with even a brief exposure to water. High winds can be especially dangerous when carrying drywall. I've seen men get blown off the truck on more than one occasion.
4) Bundled or single?
Drywall always comes bundled with two sheets together. Carrying two at a time makes the unload job go faster but that's hardly an important point if you only have a few sheets. Carry whatever makes you comfortable. Single sheets flex more which may be a good thing in some cases and a bad thing at other times.
5) Alone
So you couldn't wrangle any help at all to unload the truck huh? Remember when I mentioned balance? Get your balance right and you've got it nailed. Remember the tip in #4, single sheets flex a lot! Unless you are a very diminutive person carrying a bundle of 4' x 8' drywall shouldn't be a problem.
Next up -
Lets start hanging!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Drywall Tools
Drywall tools are an essential part of the job. For drywall repair, or hanging and finishing a few sheets of drywall, you can find everything you need to do the job at your local Home Depot. For more extensive jobs, or if you're planning a professional career, visit the title link.
Drywall hanging -
The tools used to hang drywall are basic carpentry tools, with a few specialty items thrown in. As mentioned earlier, you can really go crazy (and spend a ton of money) buying specialty drywall tools. There are tools to make every step of the job easier and faster; from drywall routers, to panel lifts. For small jobs, you will need the following:
1) Tape Measure - 3/4" x 12' will cover most DIY jobs. If you're using 4' x 12' sheets, up the length to 16'.
2) Utility Knife with extra heavy duty blades - Use only a fixed blade knife. The retractable style are great for keeping handy in a pocket, but you'll have a tendency to accidentally retract them while making cuts.
3) Keyhole Saw - Make sure to have the round handle style. This tool will double as a rasp to shave small amounts off a too-tight cut.
5) Circle cutter - This is a specialty item. It is adjustable with a sharp pivot point to sink in the center of your pending cut and has a sharp wheel to make the preliminary score in the board surface. You will need to make circle cuts for most ceiling light fixtures.
Don't waste money purchasing this tool to make one or two cuts with it. A pencil protractor (like the ones you used back in school) can adequately do the job. I will get more in depth with that in an article dedicated to drywall hanging.
6) T-square - This is one specialty item I do recommend purchasing. The time it will save, and the ease of making a score cut with the help of this tool, makes it worth the price. ( less than $30 on average) Unless, this is a one time thing of five sheets, or less.
7) Caulking Gun - The small one most homeowners have around the house will do just fine. Just make sure to purchase the panel adhesive in that size.
8) Drywall Hammer, or hatchet - This is also a specialty tool and not worth making a special purchase for a very small job. The drywall hammer is designed to slightly dimple the nailhead to sink it below the surface of the board for finishing. Most information out there will tell you not to use nails, use screws instead. That idea is half-right and half-wrong. Once again, my article dedicated to hanging will cover this subject more in depth.
You will need a carpenter's pencil for marking measurements onto the drywall. You may need a chalkbox if you are making angle cuts (For example: many old houses were not square. The cut may differ by as much as an inch within four feet. Stairwells, cathedral ceilings, etc are full of angled cuts).
There are panel lifts available for rental, if you are doing the job yourself. These can be rented at most tool or construction rental stores. Just Google 'tool rental' to find one near you.
Next up: How to do drywall without straining your back, or hurting your helper!
Drywall hanging -
The tools used to hang drywall are basic carpentry tools, with a few specialty items thrown in. As mentioned earlier, you can really go crazy (and spend a ton of money) buying specialty drywall tools. There are tools to make every step of the job easier and faster; from drywall routers, to panel lifts. For small jobs, you will need the following:
1) Tape Measure - 3/4" x 12' will cover most DIY jobs. If you're using 4' x 12' sheets, up the length to 16'.
2) Utility Knife with extra heavy duty blades - Use only a fixed blade knife. The retractable style are great for keeping handy in a pocket, but you'll have a tendency to accidentally retract them while making cuts.
3) Keyhole Saw - Make sure to have the round handle style. This tool will double as a rasp to shave small amounts off a too-tight cut.
5) Circle cutter - This is a specialty item. It is adjustable with a sharp pivot point to sink in the center of your pending cut and has a sharp wheel to make the preliminary score in the board surface. You will need to make circle cuts for most ceiling light fixtures.
Don't waste money purchasing this tool to make one or two cuts with it. A pencil protractor (like the ones you used back in school) can adequately do the job. I will get more in depth with that in an article dedicated to drywall hanging.
6) T-square - This is one specialty item I do recommend purchasing. The time it will save, and the ease of making a score cut with the help of this tool, makes it worth the price. ( less than $30 on average) Unless, this is a one time thing of five sheets, or less.
7) Caulking Gun - The small one most homeowners have around the house will do just fine. Just make sure to purchase the panel adhesive in that size.
8) Drywall Hammer, or hatchet - This is also a specialty tool and not worth making a special purchase for a very small job. The drywall hammer is designed to slightly dimple the nailhead to sink it below the surface of the board for finishing. Most information out there will tell you not to use nails, use screws instead. That idea is half-right and half-wrong. Once again, my article dedicated to hanging will cover this subject more in depth.
You will need a carpenter's pencil for marking measurements onto the drywall. You may need a chalkbox if you are making angle cuts (For example: many old houses were not square. The cut may differ by as much as an inch within four feet. Stairwells, cathedral ceilings, etc are full of angled cuts).
There are panel lifts available for rental, if you are doing the job yourself. These can be rented at most tool or construction rental stores. Just Google 'tool rental' to find one near you.
Next up: How to do drywall without straining your back, or hurting your helper!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Getting Started
The hardest part of any project, for most people, is getting started. There are a few simple rules for any type of project, from creating a blog, to doing your own drywall.
1) Create a plan outline -
You can do this on paper, or in your head, whatever works best for you. I do recommend putting it down on paper. Even professionals work from lists and drawings! Get a idea of what you want to accomplish, and where you need to start. In home remodeling, the starting point often needs to be the demolition of the existing wall. Stay tuned to this site for future tips on demolition, and job preparation.
2) Assess your skills and tools -
Be realistic in your assessment! If you have never held a hammer in your hand, you're probably biting off more than you can chew. If you're handy around the house, you can do drywall and achieve professional results. The tools you will need are fairly basic for hanging drywall. The finishing tools are more specialized, but they won't cost you an arm and a leg, unless you buy every possible tool that's out there. That isn't feasible for one room, or some repair work. Future articles will get more in depth with tool lists and options.
3) Budgeting -
You will need to budget your money, and your time. If you work an average of 60 hours per week, you're only option may be to do your drywall project during a vacation. Only you can make that decision. Professional drywall hangers can hang 200 4' x 12' sheets of board, or more, in a single day in new construction work. That's not going to happen on a remodeling job, and it's not going to happen on your first project. In order to create your financial budget, you will first need a material list. Don't forget to include any tools you need to purchase in your budget amount.
4) Scheduling -
Form an estimate of your start date and the completion of each stage of your DIY project. This will be invaluable when it comes to material purchase and delivery. Make sure to leave a little flexibility in your schedule to allow for inclement weather. Once the materials are in the building, the weather has little affect. (Humidity will play a big part in the time between finish coats!) However; delivery can't be accomplished in anything more than a drizzle. Drywall is not accepting of water.
Once you have your plans in place, you're ready to tackle your DIY drywall project. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to do drywall and get professional results!
1) Create a plan outline -
You can do this on paper, or in your head, whatever works best for you. I do recommend putting it down on paper. Even professionals work from lists and drawings! Get a idea of what you want to accomplish, and where you need to start. In home remodeling, the starting point often needs to be the demolition of the existing wall. Stay tuned to this site for future tips on demolition, and job preparation.
2) Assess your skills and tools -
Be realistic in your assessment! If you have never held a hammer in your hand, you're probably biting off more than you can chew. If you're handy around the house, you can do drywall and achieve professional results. The tools you will need are fairly basic for hanging drywall. The finishing tools are more specialized, but they won't cost you an arm and a leg, unless you buy every possible tool that's out there. That isn't feasible for one room, or some repair work. Future articles will get more in depth with tool lists and options.
3) Budgeting -
You will need to budget your money, and your time. If you work an average of 60 hours per week, you're only option may be to do your drywall project during a vacation. Only you can make that decision. Professional drywall hangers can hang 200 4' x 12' sheets of board, or more, in a single day in new construction work. That's not going to happen on a remodeling job, and it's not going to happen on your first project. In order to create your financial budget, you will first need a material list. Don't forget to include any tools you need to purchase in your budget amount.
4) Scheduling -
Form an estimate of your start date and the completion of each stage of your DIY project. This will be invaluable when it comes to material purchase and delivery. Make sure to leave a little flexibility in your schedule to allow for inclement weather. Once the materials are in the building, the weather has little affect. (Humidity will play a big part in the time between finish coats!) However; delivery can't be accomplished in anything more than a drizzle. Drywall is not accepting of water.
Once you have your plans in place, you're ready to tackle your DIY drywall project. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on how to do drywall and get professional results!
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