How to Install Feathered Drywall

Installing drywall onto the exposed studs of a room is something that any homeowner will likely do at some point. Drywall is an easy-to-use covering that is used in all most remodeling projects to cover the walls. Drywall, or sometimes called sheetrock, is available in 8 foot by 4-foot sheets that have a cardboard outer shell with a gypsum product that gives it its strength. Installing the drywall is easily done for any do-it-yourselfer. With some basic tools, you can drywall your entire home without having to hire a professional.

Measure Room for Drywall Sheets

The first step to hanging drywall is to make sure you have enough sheets to cover your room. Measure the entire surface area of the walls. Take this measurement to the hardware center and they will be able to tell you how many sheets you need. A sheet of drywall will cover 32 square feet. So, a room with 320 square feet of surface area will need to have 10 sheets of drywall. You should also purchase a few extra sheets in case of a mistake.

Prepare Studs

It is important to make sure that there are no nails protruding from the surface of the studs. These will dig into the drywall and eventually cause a bump on the surface that is visible.

Hang Drywall on Stud

The first piece of drywall you hang should be a full piece. Start in the corner of the room and set the piece against the wall. Drive in the drywall screws with a drill into each of the studs. You should also place screws in a line vertically down the drywall with 8 inches in between them.

Cut Drywall to Fit

You only need to cut drywall when you get to the end of the wall. In order to cut the drywall, take the measurement of the space that needs to be covered. Mark that measurement on the drywall. Use a chalk line to snap a straight line and cut along the line with the utility knife. The knife is only to score through one side of the cardboard lining and some of the gypsum. Stand the piece on its edge and give it a knock from the other side of the cut. The drywall will then break at the point of the cut.

Install all Drywall

Continue hanging the drywall on the studs by screwing them into position and making cuts where needed.

Apply Mud and Tape

The mud is a mastic type compound that is spread over any screw holes and seams between sheets. Apply to screw holes with a small trowel. Use the 4-inch trowel on the seams. To cover seams you should use a layer of compound followed by a strip of tape. Another layer of mud then goes on top of the tape.

Feather Drywall Mud

An important step for a clean finish to the drywall is to feather the drywall mud. This means that you spread it out so that it blends in with the surface of the drywall. This way when you paint over the drywall there will not be any signs of a seam.

Sand and Paint

With the mud feathered, you can give the drywall a light sanding to smooth out any ridges. Clean off the dust of the compound and paint with the color of your choice.