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You can install backsplash on kitchen drywall, as long as you ensure your drywall is clean and dry before you apply the tiles. Your kitchen walls should be made of green board drywall, which is moisture-resistant. If you don’t have green board where your new backsplash will go, you should swap it out.

The best way to make long, straight cuts is to use a utility knife and a T-square to score the sheet, snap along the score, and then finish the cut by cutting through the paper on the opposite side with the utility knife. If you’re making small cuts, curved cuts, or cutouts for electrical boxes or light fixtures, you can use a manual jab saw to keep costs down, but an electric spiral saw or oscillating multi-tool will get the cleanest, fastest cuts possible.

You can prevent air leaks and sagging by gluing a drywall ceiling. However, not every drywall job is a good fit for Sheetrock adhesive, and many pros say ceilings are one of those cases. When you place them properly, drywall screws make ceiling Sheetrock part of your home’s structural support system. 

Adding glue won’t increase the strength of the drywall, and it can make it much harder for you to remove and replace damaged drywall. Adhesive can bridge gaps, though, and it can keep temperature-controlled air from escaping or entering through the ceilings, making rooms more energy efficient.

Yes, 1/2-inch thick drywall is commonly used for ceilings in residential construction. It provides adequate support and is easier to handle and install compared to thicker drywall sheets. Thicker drywall, such as 5/8-inch, is typically used for ceilings in commercial buildings or areas requiring additional fire resistance or soundproofing. However, for most standard residential applications, 1/2-inch drywall is sufficient and widely accepted.