Get matched with top drywall pros in Sullivan, ME

Drywall anchors aren’t necessary if there’s a stud behind the wall where you’ll be working. Studs are strong enough to support screws on their own, but they don’t run throughout the wall. If you’re doing a project that involves the entire wall and not just one part (like hanging a small painting or photo), odds are you’ll need drywall anchors at some point in the process. 

You should start looking for a drywall installer by choosing a local company with positive online reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Next, confirm that the professional is properly licensed using Angi’s contractor licensing tool, and ask the installer if they are fully insured. It’s a good idea to ask for recent customer references and call them to get their honest opinion about the contractor and their work. You can also ask the installer if they guarantee their work or provide a workmanship warranty.

There is no way to cut drywall without making dust, but you can reduce the amount of dust and especially the dangerous airborne particles by using manual cutting tools. Using a utility knife to score and snap your drywall will minimize dust production, and a jab saw for cutting cutouts for boxes and fixtures will generate almost no airborne dust. Even if you use these methods, you should still wear a respirator and safety goggles to avoid damage to your lungs and eyes.

It’s a pretty good idea to have drywall corners, also called drywall beading. Drywall is a pretty brittle material and corners tend to be rubbed up against it often. Rather quickly, the edges will start crumbling and you’ll need to replace the entire panel, or add beads on top and repaint the wall. Drywall beads—which are inexpensive—provide long-term support for the drywall and protect your investment.