How To Install Drywall - Plasterboard and Drywalling

This article will guide you through on How To Install Drywall.

Installing drywall is a fairly easy and quick task to carry out. Drywall is used to finish the interior of a building and providing a smooth surface on which to work on.

How To Install Drywall

It can be fixed to masonry walls and internal partitions. Although drywall is not used structurally it can provide thermal, sound and up to one hour fire resistance for buildings.

It is used in most new build and remodeling projects which makes it readily available and an economical material which can be bought as individual units from builders merchants.

New homes require quite a lot of dry walling, learning how to carry out the installation can provide you with significant cost savings.

This page will explain some of the basics of dry walling so that you will be able to perform the task quickly and safely.

Step one - Preparation

First task is to measure the area of the walls intended for dry walling so that you have an accurate figure of the amount of material required.

When ordering the drywall you should order approximately 10 per cent more than this figure to account for any discrepancies made in the measurements and also to provide a contingency.

Drywall should be stored in a reasonably clean and dry place to protect it from damp which can cause the boards to deform and warp.

Tools required include a claw hammer, galvanized nails, tenon saw, tape, step ladder, Stanley knife, goggles and a mask.

Step Two Layout and fixing - the drywall in place

Drywall is conveniently sized to enable it to fit easily between floor and ceiling levels. Most architects will size buildings in order to reduce the work load but in some cases boards will have to be cut frequently cut to get them to fit in the space.

Drywall should be nailed to a solid surface either structural masonry or timber frame although it is often used in steel frame construction where it can be fixed using clips.

Step Three - Mudding and creating a smooth finish

Once the boards are up most of the gaps between the wall boards can be covered up in the mudding or plaster.

This process creates a smooth and uniform surface on walls and ceilings. Once the plastering is complete, to finish the job all that is required is some sanding and priming.

The new dry walled walls can then be painted.

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Need more reference?

Drywall: Professional Techniques for Great Results, by Myron Ferguson. This book cover the most commonly used drywall techniques in details and there are additional sections on various types of drywall, tools, and decorative effects.

Black & Decker Working with Drywall: Hanging & Finishing Drywall the Professional Way, by Editors of CPi. This book is very informative. There are plenty of pictures along with the instructions.