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You should always work from top to bottom when hanging drywall. There are a few reasons for this. For one, starting at the top makes it easier to create a straight wall between the ceiling and the wall. Plus, moving downward lets you avoid any awkward gaps at the top. It’s easier to deal with gaps at the bottom because you can cut the drywall to fit the space or cover the gap with baseboard trim.

A utility knife is sharp enough to score the drywall and it may work in a pinch for outlet box holes. However, one of the best tools for drywall when you need to make exact cuts for an outlet box quickly is a drywall saw. This handheld tool has a longer blade than a utility knife, so it penetrates the thickness of the drywall easily. The design of its handle and the teeth in its blade make it easier to control while cutting quicker than you can with a utility knife.

You should do a little bit of sanding between adding coats of mud. Knock down any ridges or significantly imperfect areas through sanding, which should help you apply the next coat of mud smoothly. If your first coat of mud is pretty smooth after it dries, a quick sanding is all you’ll need. Don’t forget to wipe away any dust after each sanding process.

Generally, shower walls should not be installed over drywall because of the moisture issues this can cause. If you’re using a direct-to-stud shower kit, you need to remove the drywall before you can do the installation.

However, if you’re using a glue-up shower kit or stall, you can glue the shower walls directly to drywall. Be sure to install a moisture-resistant drywall or waterproof cement board.