Drywall Screws

Drywall Screws

How to do Sheetrock Drywall

In this do it yourself renovation post, we will cover in detail how to install sheetrock drywall.

Installing drywall is a very simple process that just about anyone can do, but mudding drywall (or crack-filling as it is usually called) takes much more skill. If you are interested in learning about Crack filling or mudding Sheetrock Drywall, see the post "How to tape and mud Sheetrock Drywall".

Firstly, we will go over how to install the drywall. The tools you will need for this job are as follows:

• utility knife
• measuring tape
• large straight edge (or drywall square)
• drill (preferable drywall gun/drill)

Calculating the amount of Sheetrock drywall needed

The first thing to think about when starting a job like this is to order the right amount of drywall and drywall screws for the job. To figure out how to find out how many sheets you will need, you have to do a bit of math.

For example: if your room has walls that measure 10 ft + 14 ft + 10 ft + 14 ft, totaling 48 ft of wall space area, and your walls are usually 8 ft in height. Multiply the 48 ft by the 8ft wall, for a total of 384 squared ft. Common sheets of drywall are 4 ft x 8ft, therefore each sheet equals 32 square ft.

All you have to do to figure out how many sheets it takes for this room, is to divide the 384 square ft by 32 square ft, giving you a total of 12 sheets of drywall needed. Most rooms have a window, door and closet, therefore you should have one sheet of scrap left over after the job is complete.

Basic Tips for Working with Drywall

Before you begin to work with the drywall, there are few things you need to remember before one single piece gets hung. Firstly, when measuring drywall to be cut, it must be measured and cut to the center of a securing point; such as a joist or wall stud.

To secure the sheetrock to the wall stud or joist, use proper drywall screws for this application. The length of the screws is dependant on the thickness of the sheetrock, and the material it is securing to. See the pic below for a better understanding.

Also, when cutting the drywall, make your mark with a pencil on the drywall using a straight edge. With the utility knife, score the drywall on the "finish side" first, and then bend the drywall back along the scored line. Once the drywall is bent back and the gypsum is cracked, cut the back side paper of the drywall with the utility knife, cutting the piece off the rest of the sheet.

Installing Drywall on the ceiling

Installing drywall in a room will start with the ceiling, completing the whole ceiling before starting the walls. If you are an inexperienced drywaller, you should have someone help you with holding the sheet up in place while you screw the drywall onto the wood strapping or joist.

Professionals use Drywall Jacks to hold the sheets of drywall up to the ceiling, while they secure the drywall in place. You can build a couple of these holding devices for yourself out of a couple of 2 x 4 spruce boards.

Before installing the drywall on the ceiling, put a mark on the top wall plate where each piece of strapping or floor joist is located, so you will know where to position each screw when securing it to the ceiling. See the illustration for a better understanding.

When you get a couple of screws in the drywall, I recommend using a long enough straight edge to make a line with a pencil from the mark on the top wall plate to the visible joist on the opposite side. This will give you a straight guide to follow when screwing the drywall to the floor joists.

If you have obstacles in the way while hanging the drywall, you must measure from the edge of the ceiling to the obstacle, transferring each mark over to the drywall. Once all the measurements have been made, you can go ahead and cut the area out with a drywall saw.

The drywall can be fulling secured to the joists or strapping by placing drywall screws every 4 to 6 inches apart. This is especially important when hanging the drywall on the ceiling, to prevent sag over time. As stated earlier, each drywall screw should be sunk in the drywall, just under the surface of the outside paper. This indent will later be filled during the crack-filling stage.

Installing Drywall on the walls

When hanging drywall on the walls of the room, the golden rule is to start with the top section of drywall first. Doing this provides the drywall on the ceiling extra support around the edges, where screws are hard to place. You may need an extra person to help lift each sheet in place, while you get the first few screws into the drywall. See the pic below for an illustration.

When hanging the drywall on the walls, each piece of drywall should butt up tight together, without any major gaps. Also, the same principle for spacing and depth of  the screws still applies; every 4 - 6 inches apart and just below the surface of the paper.

After all the sheets are hung on the walls, you will probably notice that the drywall is about a 1/4" to 1/2" off the floor. This is normally installed in this fashion, to keep the drywall off the floor in case there is ever a small flood in the area. At this point, the drywall installation is complete.

Happy Renovations!.

 

About the Author

I started working as an entrepreneur at age 13. After school and during the summer, I was building sheds, roofing, installing windows, doors and siding. Being a Certified Plumber and with 20 years of experience in the DIY renovation market, I thought I would share my experiences with the everyday home owners over the internet. I hope all those who read my articles enjoy them and come back for more. Happy renovating!

SENCO 06A125P 6-Gauge x 1-1/4-in Drywall Screws (1000 pk) $17.99 (1,000) 6-Gauge x 1-1/4-in Drywall Screws - 06A125P

SENCO 06B125P 6-Gauge x 1-1/4-in Drywall Screws (1000 pk) $24.99 (1,000) 6-Gauge x 1-1/4-in Drywall Screws - 06B125P

Mibro Drywall Screw Setter 303331 $21.33 Automatically countersinks screws to the proper depth in drywall particle board and plywood

Prime Source 2s 1.63in. Phillips Head Drywall Screws CS158 $80.35 Drywall screws. Coarse thread. No. 2 Phillips recess. Black phosphate finish. 1.63 length. 6 gauge. 5 000 per box. 23 lbs. Length: 11. Width: 7.25. Height: 11

Prime Source 2s 2.50in. Phillips Head Drywall Screws CS212 $62.91 Drywall screws. Coarse thread. No. 2 Phillips recess. Black phosphate finish. 2.50 length. 8 gauge. 2 500 per box. 23 lbs. Length: 11. Width: 7.25. Height: 11

Prime Source 2s 3in. Phillips Head Drywall Screws CS300 $82.44 Drywall screws. Coarse thread. No. 2 Phillips recess. Black phosphate finish. 3 length. 8 gauge. 2 000 per box. 21 lbs. Length: 11. Width: 7.25. Height: 11

Prime Source 2in. Phillips Head Drywall Screws CS6200 $84.16 Drywall screws. Coarse thread. No. 2 Phillips recess. Black phosphate finish. 2 length. 6 gauge. 3 500 per box. 20 lbs. Length: 11. Width: 7.25. Height: 11

Prime Source 2.50in. Black Coarse Drywall Screws 212CDWS5 $31.17 Coarse drywall screw. Used for many purposes including the attachment of gypsum board to wooden studs. The coarse thread makes it ideal for penetrating and holding into wooden framing studs and subflooring. Black. 6 gauge. 2.50 length. box. Length: 6. Width: 4.55. Height: 5.5

Prime Source 3in. Black Coarse Drywall Screws 3CDWS1 $22.64 Coarse drywall screw. Used for many purposes including the attachment of gypsum board to wooden studs. The coarse thread makes it ideal for penetrating and holding into wooden framing studs and subflooring. Black. 6 gauge. 3 length. 1 lb box. Length: 3.5. Width: 1.75. Height: 4.5

Prime Source 2.50in. Black Coarse Drywall Screws 212CDWS1 $23.19 Coarse drywall screw. Used for many purposes including the attachment of gypsum board to wooden studs. The coarse thread makes it ideal for penetrating and holding into wooden framing studs and subflooring. Black. 6 gauge. 2.50 length. 1 lb box. Length: 3.5. Width: 1.75. Height: 4.5

Prime Source 2in. Black Coarse Drywall Screws 2CDWS1 $23.19 Coarse drywall screw. Used for many purposes including the attachment of gypsum board to wooden studs. The coarse thread makes it ideal for penetrating and holding into wooden framing studs and subflooring. Black. 6 gauge. 2 length. 1 lb box. Length: 3.5. Width: 1.75. Height: 4.5

Metra PST6112 No. 6 x 1.5 Phillips Stinger Drywall Fine Thread Screws 500 per Box $21.94 Stinger Drywall Fine Thread. Phillips Head. 500 Screws per Box. Size: 6 x 1.5. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. Huge selection to choose from.

Metra PST6114 No. 6 x 1.25 Phillips Stinger Drywall Fine Thread Screws 500 per Box $22 Stinger Drywall Fine Thread. Phillips Head. 500 Screws per Box. Size: 6 x 1.25. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. Huge selection to choose from.

Metra PST62 No. 6 x 2 Phillips Stinger Drywall Fine Thread Screws 500 per Box $25.52 Stinger Drywall Fine Thread. Phillips Head. 500 Screws per Box. Size: 6 x 2. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. Huge selection to choose from.

286109 - 1-5/8 Crs Drywall Screws 25 Lb $64.83 [2076651] UPC: 042928124925 12L x 12W x 24H 26.2 LB 2 Cubes

286139 - 2 Crs Drywall Screws 25 Lb $64.83 [1191733] UPC: 042928126981 12L x 12W x 24H 26.2 LB 2 Cubes

286159 - 2-1/2 Crs Drywall Screws 25 Lb $64.83 [6533483] UPC: 042928128527 12L x 12W x 24H 26.2 LB 2 Cubes

286179 - 3 Crs Drywall Screws 25 Lb $64.83 [4737656] UPC: 042928128534 10L x 10W x 8H 26.2 LB 0.46 Cubes

Vermont American Drywall Screw Setter 16622 $22.59 Automatically countersink screws to the proper depth in drywall. Phillips screw type. Universal .25 hex shank. Carded. Length: 1.22. Width: 0.75. Height: 4.5

Usg Usg Drywall Repair Clip 380161 $2.77 Drywall repair clip Faster, easier method to repair large holes (over 2?) in 1/2? or 5/8? thick drywall panels Clips provide instant bracing, eliminating the need to cut back to studs Insert clip, place wallboard patch in hole, finish seams with drywall tape and joint compound Clips should be placed every 8? Fire rated, complies with building codes Includes 6 clips and 12 screws Brand #: USG 380161 UPC: 081099005039 Keywords: clip drywall repair hole patch

Primesource 3gs Primesource 3gs 1m 4 in Crs Drywall Screw 4CDWS1M $50.57 1m 4? crs drywall screw Bulge coarse For attaching gypsum board to wood studs Bulge head No. 2 reduced Phillips recess 10 x 4?, quantity: 1M Brand #: PrimeSource/ 3Gs 4CDWS1M UPC: 764666104334 Keywords: drywall screws bulk screw gypsum board

Vermont American Dimpler Drywall Setter With Magnetic Insert 16627 $31.9 Converts electric drill or power screwdriver into a screwgun . Automatically countersinks screws to the proper depth in drywall particle board and plywood. Magnetic insert eliminates holding screws by hand. Clutch mechanism.25 hex shank. Dimpler. Carded. Length: 5.8. Width: 1.8. Height: 4

Robt. Bosch Tool Robt. Bosch Tool 7.0a Drywall Screwdriver SG45M $112.64 7.0a drywall screwdriver Bosch 7.0A, 0-4500 RPM drywall screwgun provides the optimum speed for drywall installation and metal stud construction with 101 in./lb. of torque. The Posi-Lok nosepiece retains depth setting when removed and eliminates time consuming depth readjustments The compact and ergonomic design minimizes fatigue and increases comfort to drive screws all day Metal gear housing for maximum jobsite durability, belt clip frees up hands for other important tasks, variable speed trigger with forward-reverse and lock-on button for extended use applications The strong magnet bit tip maximizes control when driving long screws Available Only At Cape Brand #: Robt. Bosch Tool SG45M UPC: 000346357660 Keywords: drywall screwdriver

Drywall $27.2 No Synopsis Available

Primesource 3gs Primesource 3gs 2m 3 in Crs Drywall Screw 3CDWS2M $45.22 2m 3? crs drywall screw Bulge coarse For attaching gypsum board to wood studs Bulge head No. 2 reduced Phillips recess 8 x 3?, quantity: 2M No. 312CDWS1M: 10 x 3-1/2?, quantity: 1M No. 4CDWS1M: 10 x 4?, quantity: 1M Brand #: PrimeSource/ 3Gs 3CDWS2M UPC: 764666104099 Keywords: drywall screws bulk screw gypsum board

screws $2.7 screws EXI-31151

Robt. Bosch Tool Robt. Bosch Tool 7.0a Drywall Screwgun SG45 $94.47 7.0a drywall screwgun 7.0A, 0-4500 RPM compact design for increased comfort and control to drive screws all day, ergonomic design contoured grip is designed to maximize comfort and minimize fatigue Posi-Lok Nose Piece design (patent pending) retains depth setting when removed and eliminates time consuming depth re-adjustments 4500 RPM provides the optimum speed for drywall installation and metal stud construction 70 in/lb. of torque is best torque-to-weight ratio in its class 1 hand adjustable and removable nose piece provides for fast and easy adjustments whether working in a variety of materials or tight spaces Unique trigger design improves user comfort for all day use Plastic gear housing provides lightweight design and belt clip frees up hands for other important tasks Variable speed trigger with forward/reverse lever for increased control Lock-on button for extended use applications Strong bit tip magnet maximizes control when driving long screws Brand #: Robt. Bosch Tool SG45 UPC: 000346357653 Keywords: screwdriver drywall screwgun compact design drill driver

Simpson Strong-tie Simpson Strong-tie 1-1 4 in Drywall Screw HCKDWC114PS $26.99 1-1/4? drywall screw For use with Quik Drive fastening system Screws are collated on a plastic strip Coarse thread, black phosphate drywall screw 31 screws per strip Approximately 1000 per box No. 6 x 1-1/4? Phillips Brand #: Simpson Strong-Tie HCKDWC114PS UPC: 746056056911 Keywords: quik drive screw collated

Simpson Strong-tie Simpson Strong-tie 1-5 8 in Drywall Screw HCKDWC158PS $29.29 1-5/8? drywall screw For use with Quik Drive fastening system Screws are collated on a plastic strip Coarse thread, black phosphate drywall screw 31 screws per strip Approximately 1000 per box No. 6 x 1-5/8? Phillips Brand #: Simpson Strong-Tie HCKDWC158PS UPC: 746056056904 Keywords: quik drive screw collated

Walboard Tool 12.5in. Aluminum Drywall Hawk 47002DH50 $33.86 Drywall hawk

DRYWALL CABLE BUSHING 1 25PACK $18.99 DRYWALL CABLE BUSHING 1" 25PACK

ATDIP54SB 54 Width Decorative Drywall Trim $262 Decorative Drywall Trim Kit

ATDIP42SB 42 Width Decorative Drywall Trim $227 Decorative Drywall Trim Kit

American Standard M9180190070A Drywall Anchor Prairie Field $19.67 Drywall Anchor Prairie Field.

Df08-2008-F08-H03 - Deck & Drywall Screws Pop Kit, For Use With Tb-H9 & Tb-H10 Assortments, For Pog Numbers H03011000 & H03022000, Box Contains Aisle Violator W $30.77 [111803] 39L x 12W x 3H 2.6 LB

Bosch SG45 4500 RPM Drywall Screwgun $100 4500 RPM Drywall Screwgun - SG45

Stanley 11-937 Drywall Utility Blades - 3 Pack $3.99 (3) Drywall Utility Blades - 11-937