ClickCease
Kitchen Remodel Philadelphia, PA

Project #6 – Drywall Installation & Finishing (Part 1)

We talked in the previous job log about sizes of drywall sheets. This is important when it comes to installation and finishing. A rule of thumb to apply to drywall installation is “the least amount of joints, the better”. You will come to appreciate this rule when it comes time to apply the spackling or “mud”. Another rule to keep in mind is “misery loves company”. It is always wise to get help when installing drywall, even someone who is inexperienced can help hold sheets in place during installation.Tools for installation should include a hammer, screw gun, chalk line, drywall rasp/shaver, drywall saw and/or Dremel® tool, level, a T-square and a caulking gun.

Drywall Ceilings Firsts

Ceilings are installed first. You need to make sure that you identify all items that need to be cut out or left protruding through the ceiling. Light fixture and fan boxes, wires, duct openings are just a few examples of what to look for. Sometimes I mark them on the floor below to make sure that I don’t miss them. Mark the ceiling joists on the top plate of wall framing to locate them when you are nailing the sheets up. Prior to installing the first sheet, don’t forget to apply drywall adhesive to the ceiling joists. This product is what holds the drywall tight to the joists. Some folks say that the nails are only there to hold the drywall till the glue dries.

Drywall Walls Second

The walls are installed next. Somewhat the same process should be followed as was described for the ceilings. Mark the studs on the floor for locating later for nailing not only the drywall, but also the baseboard trim as well. Locate any outlets, switches, wires, windows, access panels, ducts, etc. that need to be found later. Apply drywall adhesive to the studs and any other wall framing, only applying as much as the sheet of drywall will cover. Installing the first row of sheets up against the ceiling will allow you to make any adjustment cuts down at the floor later, keeping them as low and out of the line of sight as possible.

We will talk about some things to look out for and some tips in part two of this topic. Until then…

Happy Remodeling!

Next Time… Project Log #7 – Drywall Installation & Finishing (Part 2)

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