Whether you’re fixing a wall with water damage, updating an outdated popcorn ceiling, or tackling various other home improvement projects, installing drywall may be a necessary task. Although you’ll eventually paint over the drywall, you still want to avoid mistakes that could leave your wall or ceiling uneven, compromise its structural integrity, or increase the risk of moisture seeping through the cracks. “There is an assumption that installing drywall is pretty straightforward, but I do see a lot of people making mistakes that can be avoided. It comes down to proper preparation,” said Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen’s Buildings, during an exclusive interview with Onions Australia.
One major mistake Keen warns against is failing to properly measure your wall before cutting the drywall. Discover how to avoid this and other common — yet costly — mistakes that Keen identifies as problematic. We’ll also share some of Keen’s top tips to help ensure your drywall installation proceeds smoothly.
Avoid These Mistakes When Installing Drywall
According to Kevin Keen, one of the most critical mistakes you can make when installing drywall happens before you even start cutting or fastening the boards to the wall. In an exclusive conversation with Onions Australia, he explained, “You have to start by accurately measuring your wall. If you don’t, you may end up cutting your drywall too small and will have to start over.” Precision is crucial, and Keen advised, “You need to use a tape measure to determine the exact height and width of the wall so that you know you’re cutting the correct size.” Avoid mishaps with your measuring tape by remembering to account for the length of the housing itself to ensure accurate dimensions. The old adage, “measure twice, cut once,” is particularly relevant here — take the time to double-check your measurements before realizing they were incorrect.
Keen continued: “Not leveling is another mistake that people make all the time. Always remember to use a proper leveler tool when installing drywall to avoid ending up with uneven surfaces.” Uneven walls not only make your space look unbalanced but also complicate tasks like painting, wallpapering, or hanging art.
Lastly, before purchasing drywall screws, ensure you select the correct type and length for the job and avoid the mistake of over-screwing. As Keen mentioned, “You should never drive a screw too deeply into drywall, as this can rip through the paper layer and weaken its grip.”
Key Tips for a Successful Drywall Installation
Kevin Keen also offered some advice to help you hang drywall like a pro during an exclusive interview with Onions Australia. “First, you’ll need to take the wall’s measurements from ceiling to floor and wall to wall,” he explained. “My advice is to shorten the drywall panels slightly, only about 1 centimeter, as this will make it a lot easier to fit. Then you’ll want to position the panels and mark the screw locations with chalk. Do this for the corners and also along the length of the panel.” Selecting the right tool to cut the drywall is also important — Keen recommended using a jab saw or utility knife for clean and accurate cuts.
Once the drywall is cut and ready for installation, Keen suggested using a few nails to hold it in place before securely fastening it with screws. He advised, “Drill the screws in place every 12 to 16 inches, starting from the center, and working your way out towards the edges.”
As you may know, the final steps for installing drywall involve using plaster and tape to seal any seams or gaps. After scraping off any excess plaster and applying drywall tape (first submerged in water) over the seams, Keen said to “Make sure it’s all smoothed out so that there aren’t any lumps or air bubbles. Leave it alone to dry.” Finally, installing drywall isn’t for everyone. Keen recommended, “If you’re not familiar with the techniques and tools discussed above, it’s better to hire a professional to handle things, especially if it’s a more extensive project.”
