How to Install Drywall in the Garage

Putting drywall in the garage is reasonably easy. Drywall is a product that is primarily made from gypsum with heavy paper on the two sides. It is an inexpensive material that can be nailed or screwed down. Drywall can be painted and have wallpaper put onto it. So here are a few simple instructions on how to install drywall to the garage.

Finishing Necessary Work Before Drywall Installation Begins

Before you can begin the installation of drywall in the garage, you must make sure that all the insulation, plumbing, and electrical work that needs to be done is in fact finished, and inspected if called for.

Marking the Wall Studs

Indicate the location of the individual wall studs by placing a mark on the ceiling and floor at the ends of each stud, and be sure to mark them on center. Having the marks in these places will make it easy to find them when you start installing the drywall. Once the drywall is in place you can use a chalk line to snap lines down each wall stud and finish screwing it down completely. Do not skip the filler screws.

Starting the Installation

Lay some scrap pieces of drywall on the floor. When you begin the installation of the drywall, start in a corner. Sit the sheet of drywall onto the piece of scrap and then butt the drywall in the corner. Make sure the opposite end is in the center of one of the wall studs. You are able to install the sheets of drywall horizontally or vertically. A lot of professionals install the sheets horizontally as this avoids joints along the center of the wall.

Attaching the Drywall to the Garage

Attaching the drywall to the garage is not very hard. First, attach the sheet of drywall with the drywall screws or drywall nails in a few places, just to hold it. Once that is done, it's time to fully attach the sheet of drywall. To do this, start in the corner again and press the sheet of drywall hard into the wall studs. Place the screws or nails into the studs every 6 inches, and the sheet of drywall will be attached securely to the wall.

Finishing the Attachment of Drywall to the Garage

Now that you have the first sheet in, continue attaching the sheets of drywall to the garage around to the lower half of the wall and making sure that the sheets are butted tightly against the one before. Once you have finished the lower half of the wall it's time to do the top half of the wall. This is done the same way, by starting in a corner and working your way around the room.

Doing the Drywall Joints

Use the 6-inch taping knife to apply a light covering of the joint compound to the joints. Place drywall tape over the compound. Press the drywall tape onto the compound and make it as smooth as possible, making sure to remove any air bubbles. Running the knife on the tape will help press the tape into the compound. Now cover the tape with more joint compound. Let the compound dry overnight. Once the compound has dried, you will sand the compound till smooth. This will provide a smooth surface for painting your drywall in the garage.