Drywall Hanging

When hanging drywall, half the work can be figuring out the work practices and tricks that the experienced take for granted. Lifting the board up to the ceiling or wall and then hunting for a stud to fasten to is a common mistake that do-it-yourselfers make. Before hanging the drywall, measure and mark it for stud location before lifting it to the wall and covering up the studs. The next step is to start a few nails in the board before lifting it into place. That way you don' t have to fumble for them while holding the board.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2001

Answers

Nails????

Use sheetrock screws and a drywall bit (perfect dimple every time)and a good cordless drill. If you aren't using a drywall bit, slow the speed down on the drill so you don't push the screw too far into the sheetrock.

Sheetrock screws can be used in place of nails for damn near any construction project. Of course, if you have a nail gun, that's another story :)

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2001

Having done some sheetrocking in our last house, I say panel the damn wall or pay a pro to do it!

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

Walls are easy. Ceilings are hard.

As to the panelling, a lot of people seem to think that they can panel instead of drywall. This is not correct. There should still be drywall behind the panelling, and said drywall should be mudded on seams and nails/screws. sound/temp insulation, for two reasons...

Unless the panelling you're talking about is like 3/4 inch thick tongue/groove, or something similar. Most panelling is 'hardboard' and only 1/8 inch thick.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

I guess I'm thinking more about the mess I had to clean up. A pro would make less mess and clean up most of it--that would be specified in writing! The paneling in this house isn't backed by drywall but there's good fiberglass insulation between the paneling and the brick veneer, although I doubt there's any insulation between the walls; I don't know. The outer wall insulation is surprising, considering it's a 1963 house, built when electricity was dirt cheap.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

I hope you have a good vapor barrier!

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

Having done both, in more than a few times...now it is only barn siding. paneling can warp if not installed properly as mailman says. and the sheet rock.... I am the one doing the cleanup.....and have ruined 2 shop vacs ....the pust is too fine, and was told that if you use a shop vac for dry wall dust, you need a 75.00 filter for it.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

Yes, the pust can be a dain!

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

If you don't have huge amounts of excess mud to remove, you can "sand" the seams with a damp sponge. No dust.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001