How to Hang Drywall

By: Scott Gibson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. DRYWALL

2. 1 1/4-INCH COARSE-THREAD DRYWALL SCREWS

3. CONER BEAD
for finishing outside corners

4. 1 1/2-INCH DRYWALL NAILS
for installing corner bead

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill (for driving screws
- T-square,
  for guiding utility-knife cuts
- Circle cutter,
  for scoring paper to fit around circular ceiling boxes and recessed lights
- Drywall saw,
  for cutting and trimming panels before installation
- Drywall lifter,
  for raising lowest sheet on wall
- Metal-cutting snips,
  for cutting corner bead
- Step ladders and staging planks,
  to stand on when installing ceiling panels
- Utility knife,
  for cutting panels and smoothing ends
- Rotary cut-out tool,
  for cutting around electrical boxes and windows and doors
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
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taking measurements before hanging drywall

Photos by: David Carmack

1. Measure and cut drywall for the ceiling

To determine where the first panel's end will land, measure out from a corner, perpendicular to the strapping, or the joists.

If the panel doesn't span the entire ceiling, its end must land on the center of a strapping piece or joist. If it doesn't, measure to the center of the farthest support piece the panel will overlap. Transfer that measurement to the edge of the first panel and mark it.

Hook a T-square on the panel and place it alongside the mark. Score through the paper on the front with a utility knife, using the T-square as a guide. Stand the panel on edge and snap the waste part of it away from the score line. Cut through the paper backing to remove the waste.

To help locate where screws will go around the room, mark the top plate at all locations where strapping or joists intersect the wall.