Installing drywall is not an easy task, however, for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast who wants to repair or renovate their space, this part of your renovation is important. When it comes to upgrading a space, restoring damaged walls, or finishing your Langford basement suite, having the right drywall installed can save you money and effort.
Drywall Medic is Victoria’s premier drywall installation company and in this blog post we will walk you through every stage of the drywall installation process, from setup to final touches.
1. Understanding Drywall:
Often referred to as plasterboard or gypsum board, drywall is a common building material used for interior ceilings and walls. It consists of a gypsum core sandwiched between layers of paper. Make sure you get the appropriate type of drywall for your project as it comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.
2. Gathering Materials and Tools:
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools:
- Drywall sheets
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound (mud)
- Drywall tape
- Sandpaper
- T-square or straightedge
- Utility knife
- Screw gun or drill
- Drywall saw or rotary tool (for cutting)
- Drywall lift (optional but recommended for ceiling installation)
*Remember to bring your “can-do” attitude and patience. If you’re not familiar with installing drywall, it will test your patience.
3. Preparation:
Measure the area where you will be installing drywall and purchase enough sheets to cover it. Remove any obstructions from the area and cover the floors with plastic sheeting or drop cloths for protection. Using a stud finder, locate and mark the studs on the walls or ceiling.
4. Cutting and Fitting Drywall:
Make sure the drywall sheets fit tightly against the walls or ceiling by measuring and marking their dimensions. You do not want large gaps in between the sheets of drywall. After guiding your cuts with a T-square or straightedge, score the drywall using a utility knife. Using a drywall saw or rotary tool, finish the cut for any complex shapes or corners after snapping the drywall along the scored line.
5. Installing Drywall:
If necessary, begin by hanging the drywall on the ceiling. (It should be mentioned that hanging drywall on the ceiling is extremely difficult, and if you have any back or shoulder issues – we recommend you hire a pro at Drywall Medic.) As you screw the sheets into the ceiling joists, use a drywall lift to keep them in position. In order to secure the drywall to the studs in walls, start at one corner and work your way across the room, placing drywall screws every 6 to 8 inches along the edges and every 12 inches in the field. Make sure to allow for expansion and contraction by leaving a tiny space (about 1/8 inch) between the sheets.
6. Taping and Mudding:
Once you’re done hanging the drywall, it is time to tape the seams. Using a drywall putty knife, lightly apply joint compound along the seams. After covering the wet compound with drywall tape, smooth down any creases or air bubbles. (Note – it’s very important to eliminate all bubbles and air gaps under the tape, otherwise you will have to retape the drywall when the mud dries)
Over the tape, apply a thin second coat of joint compound, being sure to feather the edges so they fit in with the nearby drywall. Let the compound fully dry before smoothing the seams with sandpaper.
7. Sanding and Finishing:
Using a 150 grit sandpaper, sand carefully and pay close attention to the details are necessary to achieve a smooth, even surface. After the joint compound has dried, smooth out any uneven areas or extra compound with fine-grit sandpaper until the seams are smooth and match the surrounding drywall.
When sanding, make sure you wear a respirator or dust mask to prevent dust particles from entering your lungs. It’s not fun cleaning out your nose full of drywall dust. Before adding the final touches, make sure the walls are totally dry by wiping any remaining dust with a damp cloth or sponge.
8. Priming and Painting:
After sanding and cleaning, it is time to prime and paint the drywall to achieve a smooth, professional look. Apply a coat of PVA or drywall primer to the drywall surface using a brush and roller, ensuring full coverage and even application. If it’s a large renovation, you can spray the primer with an HPLV sprayer, but make sure you backroll the primer to ensure even coverage.
Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint color using long, smooth strokes, working from top to bottom for optimal coverage and consistency. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying additional coats as needed for the desired finish. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times between coats.
9. Cleanup and Final Touches:
With the painting complete, it is time to put the finishing touches on your drywall installation project. Clean up any debris or leftover materials from the installation process, including dust, scraps, and packaging.
Remove any protective coverings from floors, furniture, or fixtures, and return the space to its original condition. Inspect the finished drywall surface for any imperfections or touch-ups needed, and address them accordingly with additional joint compound, sanding, and painting as needed.
Finishing
Installing drywall is no doubt a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it is a manageable DIY project that can greatly improve the look and feel of your home.
By following this step-by-step guide, you will be able to tackle drywall installation with confidence and achieve professional-looking results.
Just keep in mind that drywall installation is no easy task and takes a lot of physical ability. So if you want perfect professional drywall finish for your home in Victoria, BC call the experts at Drywall Medic. Contact details for Drywall Medic is as following.
- Victoria, BC: #136 – 2936 Amy Rd, Victoria, BC, V9B 0B2, Contact Number- 250-880-8849,
- Vancouver, BC: 6894 192 St, Surrey, BC V4N 0B7, Contact Number- 604-913-4656
