Projects

Drywalling a Ceiling

Project Overview

When installing drywall the ceiling goes in first, in part so that the drywall on the walls will support the edges, and in part to ensure a tight seam at the edges of the room. Apply the drywall in several rows, each made of the longest pieces you can handle. Half-inch drywall comes in lengths of 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 feet. In the best of all possible worlds, you can use a sheet as long as the room, but unless you’re experienced and have lots of helpers the sheet may be too hard to handle. The professional drywallers shown here tripled up to handle a 12-foot sheet. Install the drywall so that the short edges of the sheet will meet in the center of a joist. Generally speaking you can cover utility boxes and vents when you install the sheet and then cut them out once the sheet is in place. Sometimes, however, you’ll need to make a cutout before you install the sheet.

START THE SECOND ROW
FINSIH THE FIRST AND SECOND ROWS
CUT PIECES FOR THE FINAL ROW
INSTALL THE LAST ROW

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Step 1

SET UP THE ROOM

Rent or buy platforms or scaffolding so that you can reach the ceiling easily. If you can’t cover the length of the room in a single sheet, the ends (but not the sides) of adjoining pieces have to meet over a joist. Measure to find the middle of the joist you’ll use. Measure for any cutouts in the edge of the sheet, and for other obstructions such as an air vent, which sticks out and would bend if you tried to cover it.

Step 2

CUT THE SHEET

Measure and cut the sheet to length, guiding a utility knife along a drywall T-square. Lay out any cuts you’ll have to make for obstructions. If there are openings along the edge, like the one in the corner of this sheet, cut along the lines with a drywall saw.

Step 3

MAKE ANY NECESSARY INTERIOR CUTOUTS

Most cutouts on the interior of the sheet are made after the drywall is in place. The air vent in this room, however, extends through the drywall and would bend if you try to cover it without making a cutout. Lay out the cut, punch the nose of a drywall saw through the sheet to start the cut, and then cut along the lines.

Step 4

APPLY ADHESIVE

Adhesive helps hold the panels in place. Put a tube of drywall adhesive in a caulk gun. Cut off the tip, puncture the seal with a screwdriver or nail, and spread a 3/8-inch bead of drywall adhesive along the ceiling joists.

Step 5

PUT THE PANEL IN PLACE

Work with some helpers to put the panel in place so that it’s tight against the studs along both corners. Cover electrical boxes that are mounted on the ceiling. You’ll cut them out later. Screw the panel to the joists wit h1 ¼-inch drywall screws.

Step 6

START THE SECOND ROW

Start the second row before you finish the first row. Start at the end of the room opposite from where you began, and put up a full sheet. This automatically offsets the short seams from row to row, creating a stronger surface. It also keeps an out-of-square corner from creating a zigzag row that makes subsequent rows hard to hang.

Step 7

FINSIH THE FIRST AND SECOND ROWS

Measure and cut pieces to fit in the openings at the end of the first and second rows. Apply adhesive, and screw the panels in place. Continue installing full-width rows, alternation between ends of the room as you start each row.

Step 8

CUT PIECES FOR THE FINAL ROW

The fourth row is the final row in this room, and the pieces are about 22 inches wide. To cut the pieces to width, you can measure and draw a line, or you can guide the knife along a tape measure as shown.

Step 9

INSTALL THE LAST ROW

Put up adhesive, ad screw the last pieces in place.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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