You can save a considerable amount of money if you drywall a new room yourself. All it takes is some arm work, some knowledge, some time to do it, and an assistant to help. And when you get done, you will end up with a finished room that is ready to paint or paper, and lots of pride to go with it too.
The first step to install drywall is to estimate the number of four by eight foot sheets you will need for the project. To do this, measure the length and width of your room and add those numbers together. Then, multiply that by two. Divide that number by four - the number of walls in the room- and you will have an answer. Now, take that number and subtract three quarters of a sheet of drywall for each door that is in the room. Also, subtract a half of a sheet of drywall for each window to reach your final estimate.
If you haul the drywall sheets yourself, be sure the pieces are laid flat in the back of your truck, van, or on a trailer. And when you store the drywall at your house, be sure it remains flat so it doesn't break or warp. Store it in a cool dry place out of the weather, also.
The next step is to begin to install the drywall in the new room. You will start with a corner of the ceiling. With the help of your assistant, securely grab a sheet of drywall. Place it against the ceiling and position it across the floor joists. Fit it snugly against all sides that meet the walls. Use a cordless screwdriver to insert some drywall screws through the sheet and into the joists; space them six inches apart. Place screws all along the outside edges, as well as down the middle of the drywall sheet. Be careful not to push the head of the screw into the paper coating of the drywall. Continue installing sheets of drywall widthwise across the ceiling. Fit single sheets of drywall together snugly at the joints.
When you reach a place that needs a partial piece of drywall, you can easily measure, mark it with a ruler, and cut it out of the drywall with a keyhole saw. When you reach a light fixture, you will need to measure its location and use a pencil to mark it out on a sheet of drywall. Outline the entire opening in pencil so it will be easier to cut out.
After you and your assistant have completely installed drywall on the ceiling, it is now time to begin on the walls. You will install the sheets the same way on the walls as you did the ceiling. When you come to a place where there is a light switch, light plug, or other obstacle, measure, mark, and cut the opening out with a keyhole saw just like you did with the ceiling sheets.
The next step is to apply the joint compound (also known as "mud") and the tape over every joint. You will also need to use mud and tape on every line of screw heads to cover them up too.
Start in a corner of the room and apply a thin layer of mud over a section of the joint. Then, position a section of drywall tape over the mud and press it into place with a putty knife. Smooth any mud that out oozes out from under the tape. Continue to apply mud and tape over every joint in the walls and in the ceiling.
Follow the manufacturer's directions on the drywall compound container, but you usually have to allow it to dry for twenty - four hours before you proceed to the next step. The next step is to apply a thin layer of mud over all of the tape. Extend the mud out a few inches past the width of the drywall tape; smooth the mud out evenly. When this coat is completely dry, use a fine sandpaper to lightly sand and smooth the mud. Use a hair blow dryer set on "high" to remove the dust on the walls and ceiling before you finish the room.
