Hanging Drywall

Drywall is best hung from the top down. Normal framing is slightly longer than 8' so you want the gap to be at the bottom. It is best to have a helper for this job, drywall is heavy and awkward and trying to screw or nail a sheet up by yourself is all but impossible. There is a device called a "sheet lifter" that can help but another human is generally cheaper. Another tip is to mark the drywall every 16" before you lift it into place so that it is easier to find the studs when hanging the drywall. If you need help cutting drywall, check out the How-To.

Lift the drywall into place. Check either end to make sure that the drywall is in the middle of a stud on either end (an inside corner should be pushed all the way into the corner). Start driving screws or nails. You should use a nail or screw every 6"-7". Make sure that the screw/nail head ends up just below the surface of the drywall. Check your local codes for the distance they require. Butt the next piece into place and screw/nail it into place. Complete the entire course on the wall.

Position the sheet of drywall so that it butts tight against the top course. Screw or nail it into place. If there are any electrical boxes or other obstructions, make sure that you cut them out before affixing the drywall. Use either a hole saw or a utility knife to cut them.