Hanging drywall is a fickle and time-consuming process
DIY drywall installation difficulty increases when you tackle heavy sheets weighing up to 60 pounds, requiring extra helpers and specialized lifting equipment for ceiling work.
Professional drywall installation costs $1,800 on average, so you save money by doing it yourself if you invest in the right tools and materials.
You need to apply two to three thin layers of drywall mud, letting each layer dry for 24 hours before adding the next coat for smooth results.
Hiring a local drywall professional takes the guesswork out of measuring, cutting, and finishing, especially when working with ceilings or handling complex taping and mudding techniques.
Nothing frames out a space like drywall. This homebuilding advancement replaced the labor-intensive processes of plastering and lathing, offering a faster way to create interior home walls. But is it possible for average homeowners to lay down some drywall sheets, or is this project better suited for local drywall contractors? The answer depends on your experience level.
Putting in some drywall yourself is a great way to save some money, as a professional drywall installation costs $1,800 on average.
However, this is not a simple project for newbies. Laying down drywall demands experience and comes with a unique set of obstacles. Here are some of the issues associated with a DIY drywall installation.
This is the (literal) big one. Drywall sheets are large, heavy, and cumbersome beasts. A standard 1/2-inch thick sheet of drywall measuring 4-by-8 feet weighs nearly 60 pounds. This isn’t a huge problem if you are laying a sheet vertically at body-level, but drywall goes everywhere, including the upper sections of walls and even the ceilings.
Make sure you have plenty of ladders, extra people, and even some specialized lifting machinery on hand. The risk of a back injury is high if you don’t take the necessary precautions.
Professionals know what they’re doing, so they lay down drywall quickly and efficiently. In some cases, a pro will finish a 12-by-16-foot room in less than an hour. Experienced homeowners should finish the same project in around a day of work.
But what if you’re not experienced with drywall? Count on spending two days or longer to finish the installation. Laying down drywall is a multi-step process, each step requiring the right tools and plenty of know-how. There’s cutting the sheets, laying down the sheets, affixing the sheets, and finishing the sheets. You’ll also be measuring your walls and taking windows, doors, corners, and electrical boxes into account. It’s a whole thing.
You’ll technically get by with a power drill, the drywall sheets, and a razor knife for cutting, but an efficient installation requires plenty of additional equipment and materials. For ceiling installation, you’ll greatly benefit from a drywall lifting machine. A rotary saw is especially handy for cutting out holes for cables and electrical outlets. Additionally, drywall finishing and taping require their own set of tools and materials.
All of this stuff costs money, depleting any savings you accrue by avoiding a professional. Cutting corners results in problems down the line, necessitating a call to your local drywall repair company.
Installing drywall yourself is achievable, but there’s no substitution for experience. If you are planning a DIY drywall project, consider these simple tips to help with common obstacles.
Go slowly: Take extra time measuring, sanding, and attaching drywall to minimize mistakes. The more mistakes you make, the more likely you’ll need to redo or repair the drywall installation.
Recruit help: With the promise of pizza and ice-cold beverages, ask a couple of family members or friends to help hold the drywall in place while you hang it.
Minimize moisture: Drywall shouldn’t get wet or there’s a risk it could grow mold. Run a dehumidifier while hanging drywall to decrease the risk.
Use the right amount of mud: You’ll need two to three thin layers of drywall mud. Be sure to let each layer dry for 24 hours before applying a fresh coat.
Finish the installation with care: Finishing drywall requires patience and precision as you tape, apply joint compound, and sand down the surface. Cover every drywall screw and seam with mud, smooth out that mud, and always use drywall tape over joints.
Cancelled appointment two hours after they were supposed to come for drywall work.
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Tether HouseExcellent customer service and knowledge. I was recommend to him from my neighbour. My front door and window came in great and were installed beautifully perfectly, I m very satisfied with their excellent work, so decided to order one more big bow window for my living room. I cant wait for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioManuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
Would hire again. Wall looks great. Happy with job.
Central PavingInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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