QA

Quick Answer: How To Sheetrock Ceiling

Do you sheetrock the ceiling first?

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!).

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.

Where do you start sheetrock on a ceiling?

Installation starts in one corner of the ceiling with the length of the drywall panels running perpendicular to the direction of the ceiling joists. If the room is wider than the length of the panels, measure and cut additional panels so the panels meet on the center of a joist.

Do you need strapping for drywall ceiling?

You should never install ceiling drywall fastened directly to the joists above. Without strapping, you’d be attempting to nail the drywall joints on only half of a side of 2x lumber. While this can be done on wall installations, it’s not by any means desirable. You’ll end up with more seams.

How far apart should drywall screws be on the ceiling?

Space screws a maximum of 12″ apart on ceilings, 16″ on walls and at least 3/8″ from ends and edges of panels. Sink screws to just below the panel surface, leaving the paper intact.

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.

Should drywall be hung vertically or horizontally?

On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. For walls 9 feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits. Fewer seams. Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%.

Is it better to paint ceiling or walls first?

If you’re painting an entire room, first paint the ceiling, then the walls. It’s also usually better to paint large areas like walls before repainting the trim; because you’ll work more quickly when covering open areas, this can result in roller spatters, overspray and occasional errant brushstrokes.

Do you tape or mud first?

Apply mud to each side of the corner with a 6” knife (for paper tape) then apply tape to the corner. When you apply the tape, fold it along the lengthwise seam before you apply it, not while you apply it. Next, mud over the tape as you did in step 4 with the horizontal seams.

What order should you tape drywall?

The order of taping is the same: Do screw indentations and beveled joints first, inside and outside corners next, and butt joints last.

Should you glue drywall?

Glue is not needed, but will reduce screw pops by making the assembly more ‘solid’. I always use adhesive when I can (when there is no vapor barrier or insulation covering the wood).

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.

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 do you layout drywall?

Drywall Layout Best Practices 1 – Bound Edges should pair with Bound-Edges and Butts with Butts. The bound edge is the long edge of a sheet of drywall. 2 – Hang Drywall Sheets Perpendicular to Studs. 3 – Stager the Butt Joints. 4 – Ceiling to Floor and Left to Right.

Can you use 1/2 inch drywall ceiling?

1/2-Inch-Thick Drywall Half-inch drywall panels are the standard thickness for interior walls, as well as ceilings. These panels are easy to carry and hang.

Do you stagger drywall?

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.

Can you put drywall over drywall ceiling?

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.

How thick should ceiling strapping be?

Half-inch is the preferred thickness for walls and ceilings; 5⁄8-inch works best if studs or joists are 24 inches apart, where thinner drywall would sag.

Do I need furring strips?

Furring strips offer a secure base for new drywall panels. If you’re hanging drywall on new ceiling joists, you probably won’t need furring strips. If the ceiling is old, however, and you don’t want to remove the existing ceiling finish, furring strips can provide a solid base.

Should I use #6 or #8 drywall screws?

Drywall only, please: Don’t use drywall screws for sub-floors, tile backing or other non-drywall applications. These denser materials can break the smaller #6 screw during installation. Use a #8 or larger for these jobs.