Get matched with top drywall pros in Hazleton, IA

A nail in drywall cannot hold very much—usually only a few pounds. A nail in a stud can add support and hold around 20 pounds. If you are trying to hang something heavier, get some help from drywall anchors—toggle bolts are very strong and able to withstand more weight.

Yes, it is possible to DIY install drywall, but it is a deceptively complicated process that can be quite frustrating if you don’t have experience. Prepare to cut and screw drywall, leave the proper gap distance for any seams, never leave the end of a piece of drywall hanging off of a stud, and cut out around electrical boxes and switches. Plus, getting the drywall to look good is challenging, especially when taping and spackling. That’s why it’s usually a better idea to hire a professional drywall installer to ensure high-quality results.

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.

The two most common types of drywall are ½-inch and ⅝-inch thick white or gray drywall. Most walls are ⅝-inch thick because the drywall is slightly more resistant to damage and it helps dampen sound considerably. It’s also much heavier, which is why most ceilings are ½-inch thick. There are special use cases where you want to use ⅝-inch thick drywall for ceilings, such as between a garage and living space, and the ceiling above a finished basement.