Install Ceiling Drywall
Installing ceiling drywall is a very simple process, but can be slightly challenging when working alone. By making a few minor adjustments, almost anyone can accomplish this task on their own. Here are a few steps to help you along as you learn how to install ceiling drywall.
Steps
- Inspect the area for any obstructions, such as electrical wires, ductwork, or protruding pipes. Install furring strips to the framing in order to create a flat, even surface for drywall installation around these obstacles.
- Mark the wall studs to indicate the locations of the ceiling joists for reference during the installation process. You'll also want to mark the placement of light fixtures and electrical boxes.
- Build a T-Brace, if necessary. This will provide the leverage and support needed to raise the drywall panels to the ceiling when you're working alone. Use a 2 foot (60.96 cm) piece of 1 by 4 (2.54 by 10.16 cm) and nail it to a 2 by 4 (5.08 by 10.16 cm) that is long enough to be 1 foot (30.48 cm) higher than the length from the floor to the ceiling.
- Hang the drywall, starting in the corner, where you can use a full sheet. Raise the first sheet to the ceiling so you can get an idea of the placement across the joists.
- Wait until you know where you're placing each sheet before you apply any adhesive to the joists. Drywall adhesive dries within 15 minutes, so you'll want to be ready.
- Using your T-brace, or a friend to assist you, raise the first sheet of drywall to the ceiling and slide it snugly into the corner. Make sure that the tapered edges of the sheet are facing the floor.
- Continue along the first wall, always ensuring that the tapered edges abut one another and are facing down. The tapered edges are designed to make the process of taping and mudding easier.
- Affix the drywall sheets permanently to the ceiling joists using either nails or screws. The heads of the fasteners you choose should come in contact with the paper facing, sinking in slightly without breaking through the paper.
- Drive the fasteners in 3/8 inches (0.95 cm) away from the edges of each sheet, and space them 7 inches (17.78 cm) apart along the perimeter. Along the interior joist, install the fasteners at about 12 inch (30.48 cm) increments.
- Start the second row with a half sheet of drywall in order to stagger the seams. This will enforce the stability.
- Measure and mark the cut line at the vertical midpoint of the drywall sheet. Use a straightedge to help guide your utility knife as you cut. Tip the panel off of the floor or table at a slight angle, then push it down to break it in half. Use the utility knife to cut through the paper backing.
- Trim the dry wall's length by first marking the line with chalk. Score the line with the knife first, then cut deeper with the second pass.
- Install panels over vents or light fixtures loosely at first. Use a rotary drill to cut out a border for the fixture or vent, and then fully attach the board.
- Complete the entire ceiling installation before moving on to the walls.
Tips
- Keep the drywall sheets laid out flat on the floor until you're ready to use them. This will prevent them from bending.
- For the 10 to 15 dollar cost, a drywall T square will pay for itself in a hurry! Lean the sheet almost upright against the wall and use the toe of your left foot(if you are right handed) to hold the bottom of the square. Score the sheet on your mark. Then pick it up just slightly off the floor and snap the sheet. Lean over the sheet and cut through the paper for a foot or two near the middle of the cut. Grasp the end that is to come off, and with a quick movement, push your end of the whole sheet away from you and snap the end off! For quickly marking openings for lights, outlets etc a square is indispensable.
- Drywall is available in a variety of thicknesses. The recommended thickness is 5/8 inch for ceiling installation. Special 1/2 in ceiling board is also available. If the installation is to be inspected, the inspector can tell you what is acceptable.
- Longer does not mean better in selection of screw length. A 2" screw will not hold a 1/2" piece of drywall any better than a one and one quarter inch screw, but it will be very much more difficult to start and to screw in straight.
- Professionals rarely use glue on ceiling joists, partly because of the greater likelihood of ceiling boards needing to be taken down and trimmed. Instead of gluing, we generally use three coarse thread drywall screws(or three sets of two nails) in the "field" in addition to the screw on each edge of the board.
- The joists should be marked on the top "plate," the plate is typically made of two 2x4s on top of the studs
Warnings
- Wear your eye protection!
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