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Quick Answer: How To Drywall Ceiling

How do you start drywall on a ceiling?

Step 1: Find the Joists. If you want to hang new drywall over an old ceiling, you first need to find the joists. Step 2: Measure the Ceiling Length & Width. Step 3: Cut the Drywall. Step 4: Label Drywall. Step 5: Pre-Drill Screws. Step 6: Use a Dimple Bit. Step 7: Add Support to the Wall. Step 8: Hoist Drywall to Joist.

Do you drywall the ceiling or walls first?

Tips for hanging drywall Hang Ceiling Drywall First. When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. Hang The Walls Next. When hanging the drywall on the walls, always hang the top sheet first. Measurements. When hanging the bottom sheet, cut the drywall to fit around electrical j-boxes and plumbing rough-ins.

Can you put drywall over existing ceiling?

Things You’ll Need For a ceiling that is cracked and possibly stained, a good method is to re-cover the entire ceiling with a new layer of drywall. By re-covering the entire surface of the ceiling it allows you to basically start over to achieve that nice smooth and even surface you want.

Why do you drywall the ceiling first?

The primary reason that you want to start with the ceiling pieces first in installing drywall is for additional support. When you attach the ceiling sheets first, you can reinforce them with the wall pieces which will serve as a source of stability.

Do you stagger drywall seams on ceiling?

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.

When Drywalling a room where do you start?

Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. Check the ceiling for bowed joists using a 4-ft. level. Irregularities less than 1/8 in.

Is it better to hang drywall vertically or horizontally?

Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%. Keeping the footage of seams to a minimum will result in less taping and a better looking finished job. Hanging horizontally also allows the drywall to flow over the framing so that bowed studs create less of a problem.

Where do you start when hanging drywall?

Hang Drywall Starting with the top row, apply adhesive to the studs. Holding the first sheet horizontally across the ceiling and close to the corner, align both vertical sides with studs. Measure the remaining space, adding 1/4 inch for easier installation. Tack the second piece into place with ring drywall nails.

Can you put two layers of drywall on ceiling?

Install the second layer of drywall on both the ceilings and the walls, with the sheets fitted at a 90-degree angle to the first layer. As with the first layer, cover the ceiling first before the walls. The ceiling screws and wall nails need to be longer to accommodate the extra thickness of the second drywall layer.

What is the best drywall for ceilings?

5/8-Inch-Thick Drywall When installed on ceilings, 5/8-inch-thick panels are less susceptible to sagging between the joists than 1/2-inch panels. Adding popcorn texture or another type of heavy surfacing material can add to the weight problem, making 5/8-inch drywall a better choice for ceilings.

How do you fix a bad drywall ceiling?

Drywall Ceiling Repair for Large Holes Cut a rectangle around the damaged area. Add wooden cleats behind each side for support. Attach a patch piece to the cleats. Place mesh tape over the patch piece and spread joint compound. Apply a second and third coat of the compound over repairs and then sand until smooth.

Does drywall have to end on stud?

Yes, you need to start and stop drywall on a stud. Every edge of the sheetrock needs to be supported continuously. Cut the sheetrock down so it’s edge is in the middle of a stud. Try to put your cut edge in a corner because the factory edges are tapered so when you tape and mud it ends up flat.

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 many screws do you put in sheetrock on the ceiling?

In standard home construction, about 28 screws are needed to properly attach a 4-by-8-foot piece of drywall. That’s if the panel is going on a wall. If it’s going on a ceiling, it’ll take about 36 screws.

How much space should be between drywall and stud?

They’re always spaced either 16 or 24 inches on-center (measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.

Should drywall be staggered on walls?

Generally, yes, sheetrock should be staggered. Most drywall contractors recommend staggering sheetrock boards so that the joints in one row do not match up with the joints in the next row, which adds strength to the wall or ceiling and helps minimize cracks.

Should drywall joints be tight?

Hanging Drywall Vertically: Leave a 1/8-in. Jamming in a piece that’s too tight will crumble the edge or break out a corner (left). And removing a piece to shave a too-tight edge is messy and time consuming. A loose fit avoids this problem.