How to Hang Drywall in a Garage

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When you have to hang drywall in your home, you are not faced with a task that is very difficult. The wood frame of the home is already built, and the drywall is placed over the insulation in sections. There are many reasons why you would want to hang drywall in your garage, but it requires extra planning and materials. Hanging drywall directly on concrete is not possible because the drywall sheets would be rendered useless due to the force needed to attach them. The article that follows will share with you the information you need in order to properly and easily hang drywall in your garage.

Measurements

To hang drywall in a garage, you need accurate measurements. Measure the length and height of the wall. The length tells you how many furring strips are needed. Use the measuring tape and divide the wall into 4-foot sections.

Furring Strips

To hang drywall on concrete, you need to use furring strips, which are small pieces of wood that mimic the top and bottom of a framed out wall. Furring strips are attached to concrete using a ramset, which is a type of nail gun, using 22-caliber shells. Once the trigger is pulled, it drives a nail through the furring strip and into the concrete.

Set the ramset against the furring strip and fire. Repeat with the other side, placing another in the center. Repeat for each section on both the top and bottom of the wall. You can also use a drill loaded with concrete bits and drill a hole every 14 inches. The furring strips will then be attached to the wall using a drill and concrete screws.

Adding the Insulation

Use the measuring tape and measure the vertical space between each of the furring strips. You can use this measurement to accurately cut the insulation. The actual size should be as close as possible, as you want the insulation to be tight. Place the insulation along the entire length of the wall. Since you are not using studs, you do not have to worry about the width of the insulation. If moisture is a concern for you, then you can also place a layer of plastic sheeting over the insulation by nailing it to the furring strips. Hard panels can also be used, in which case a saw will have to be used.

Hang the Drywall

This can be tricky, as installing drywall on concrete requires balance and strength, as drywall is very bulky. Trim the drywall as needed to make it fit by scoring the paper side of the material and then snapping along the score. Use drywall screws and drill to attach the sheetrock to the furring strips every foot. Once the Sheetrock is on the concrete walls, you can then apply the tape along the seams and mud it with the trowel, and smoothing it out.