Mounting drywall is considered a job for strong men. However, with some guidance and information, it is possible for anyone to mount drywall; in fact, it's like sticking wallpaper. The biggest problem lies in the size of the plasterboard sheet and in the quantity of pieces. Not only does a piece of drywall weigh about 20 kg, but its size is bulky and uncomfortable.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Get the Material
Step 1. Buy drywall
Visit local building warehouses. It is sold in various sizes: the most common are 1, 2 x 2, 4 m, 1, 2 x 3 m and 1, 2 x 3, 6 m. The 1.2mx 2.4m one is the easiest to handle and is good for many jobs. You can also find 1.4m wide drywall panels wholesale.
- 1.3 cm thick panels are cheap. This is the average thickness, which is fine for most jobs.
- Transport the drywall panels by laying them flat, for example with a van, so that they do not break or bend during transport. If you have to store the panels for a few days, store them by laying them flat on top of each other so that the corners do not break.
Step 2. Put the tools and material together
Only a few tools are needed to mount the plasterboard. You will need a utility knife with spare bits, a drywall hammer (or a drywall drill if you want to attach it to the wall with screws), a ruler to measure and cut (they sell T-squares for these jobs) and lots of nails. and screws suitable for plasterboard.
- You can install drywall using screws and nails. If you use nails, you may be leaving hammer marks on the drywall. You can easily refill them later, but it requires patience with duct tape. Screws are the first choice of professionals nowadays: no plasterboard installer leaves the house without a screwdriver.
- You can also consider a handle lift for drywall. Normally, drywall is installed 1.3 cm from the floor. You can use a plate lifter, or a drywall hammer with a punch press, to raise the plates while you fasten them to the wall with nails.
Method 2 of 4: Prepare the Place
Step 1. Remove the old panels
Unless you are starting from scratch, you need to remove the old drywall panels instead of installing the new ones on top. Old panels should be detached from the ceiling brackets and supports with a crowbar or something similar (usually your hands), being careful not to damage the connections or electrical wires underneath.
Step 2. Clean everything thoroughly
When you need to install the new panels, the bits of the old ones left on the wall could get in your way and make things more difficult for you. Here is a good time to vacuum along the edges of the walls. A broom is also fine.
Step 3. Remove any nails and / or screws protruding from the brackets and supports in the ceiling
You can remove them or hammer them into the wooden brackets (it is better to remove them, so that they don't collide with the new ones or with the screws you will put in later). Then, with a hammer, make sure there are no more screws or nails along the brackets (if there are still any, as you pass the hammer, you will hear the noise).
Method 3 of 4: Mount the Drywall
Step 1. Measure the panels before mounting them
This applies to the walls and the ceiling. Measure and cut the panels so that the edges rest in the center of the brackets or supports. Panel joints that are not suitable for brackets or supports will break. Sand the cuts with a rasp or file to make the panels line up properly (NEVER use red chalk to draw the lines as it will show when you paint them).
Step 2. Consider gluing the brackets or supports before mounting the panels
Apply glue to the brackets that will be in contact with the panels. Do this immediately before mounting them. There is no need to do this with all the brackets, but it is recommended and done by professionals.
Step 3. Do the hardest part first:
the ceiling. The order in which you mount the panels is important. This is a job for 2-3 people, if you haven't bought a plate lifter, which automatically raises the panels and then you just have to put nails or screws on the supports. If you don't have this machinery, build a T-stand to help you out. Fasten two 3x7 cm pieces together with nails, one for each edge of the panel. Make them a little higher than the height, so you can put the panels in place firmly. When you lift the panels, the T-holder goes under the panel to position it against the supports in the ceiling while you put in the nails or screws. Don't force the panels into place - you'll break them making a lot of dirt.
Mark the centers of the supports in the ceiling on the panel to be placed (to avoid going crazy). Always start from the corners when mounting the panels: never start from the center of a wall. Start at the corner and move perpendicularly. When you have completed one row, continue with the next
Step 4. Mark the centers of the brackets on the panel
Make sure you put screws or nails on each bracket the panel covers. Use the appropriate tool ("find brackets") to find the positions of the brackets - they are usually 40 cm from each other - and then put 4-5 screws or nails on the panel, positioning them at even spaces, to be placed in the brackets.
Be sure to install drywall perpendicular to the structure, both for the ceiling and for the walls. Due to the structure of the panel, its strength is concentrated in length. So it is best to mount it perpendicularly, not vertically, to ensure its solidity
Step 5. Cut the drywall using a utility knife and square
There is no need to force the cut while doing it. As you cut it, mark a line on the front of the panel. Next, break the panel by snapping it along the cut.
You may need to cut it irregularly, perhaps to place it inside an air duct. Use the same procedure, cutting gradually instead of making a large cut. Remember, you can always cut it after, but you can't re-glue it after you cut it
Step 6. Start with the walls after finishing the ceiling
Again, you will need to mount the panels horizontally although it may seem difficult, but it is not. Fix the top piece first. Snap it with the piece in the ceiling and put the nails or screws. Of course, you won't be able to do it alone, unless you're a pretty strong guy.
- Remember to start at the top corner and work the same row before doing the next one.
- Fit the bottom piece with the top row of the wall you just assembled. The panels need to be close to each other, but if there's a small gap that's okay - you'll fill those gaps later using duct tape and putty, so don't worry about getting a perfect specimen the first time around.
Step 7. Continue until you complete the room
Work slowly and continuously, minimizing mistakes and planning ahead. As you assemble the panels, remember to:
- Glue the brackets before placing the panels.
- Screw 4-5 screws into the panel, connecting them to the brackets behind (to screw in the screws with the screwdriver, do not be delicate: force yourself by pushing).
- Cut drywall if there are windows, doors, fixtures, and other obstructions. If there is an obstruction that is making things difficult for you while you work, consult a professional.
- Check the screws or nails with a drywall knife, making sure there are no protrusions (if you forget any protruding nails or screws, you have to put them in place or else you will have to remove them when you apply the duct tape, complicating things).
Method 4 of 4: Finish the Drywall Assembly
Step 1. Read how to use duct tape and putty on drywall panels after mounting them
You need to cover the small openings you left between panels, including the internal and external corners. This improves the insulation and also the aesthetics of the final product.
Step 2. Read how to complete the drywall assembly
The final procedure of mounting drywall includes using putty to level and even out the panels. This process is essential for an aesthetically pleasing product.
Step 3. Find out how to customize the surface of the panels
You may want to add a little playful touch to the walls. Read these little guides to learn about different techniques.
Step 4. Learn how to prepare and paint drywall
Your walls are almost finished. Prepare and paint it for a great new room made of solid plasterboard in your favorite color.
Advice
- Observe the place. Don't forget to make cuts or holes for containers, switches, electrical systems, windows and doors. Measure them as you would for attaching wallpaper, and cut them off the panel (roughly) before mounting. You can finish it after installing the piece.
- Learn the rules. It is important to know the fitting rules according to the country you live in. These are specific to the direction to use for mounting, the distance of nails or screws, the type of drywall to use (water resistant for bathrooms). If you do not do the job according to the rules, you may have problems following an inspection forcing you to have to disassemble everything or change the components that are not compliant.
- Still not sure enough to try? Contact a construction professional and spend an afternoon with him, watching him work with his team. Buy a book. Attend a seminar at hobby stores.
- When mounting drywall panels, it is important to have only a few small pieces to make your life easier. So when you work on windows start with a whole panel and cut to fit the window, don't cut small pieces to test if it fits.
- If you know how to attach wallpaper, then you know how to mount drywall.
- The spaces between the panels can seem huge to you, and you will wonder if you can make them aesthetically beautiful later with tape, putty and paint. Amazingly, everything will work out when you use the tape and putty, thus hiding all imperfections - even the largest gaps or dents from nails or holes caused by screws.
- If in doubt, ask the retailers where you buy the material. Many shop owners like to share what they know and give time-saving tips.
Warnings
- It is a good idea to turn off the light meter while removing the drywall panels, as it is difficult to determine where the electrical cables run behind the wall.
- Be sure to wear a face mask, which you can buy at home improvement or hardware stores. When you remove the old panels, there is a lot of dust and dirt that is not good for the lungs.
