With a well experienced crew new construction drywall jobs can be installed and crackfilled in a matter of days.

Although doing it yourself will probably take a bit longer it is less expensive and very rewarding to see the finished job.

How to apply sheetrock:

Drywall sheets are 48" wide. This is so that the sheet will completely cover two studs and sit half way between two other studs on both out-side edges when positioned vertically on a wall. This allows for the next sheet of drywall to sit side-by-side and also have a stud to nail to. There are many possibilities when it comes to the proper way to hang drywall. As long as there is something to nail to on all the edges you can’t go wrong.

Cut the drywall to desired length and width and carefully cut out necessary holes for the electrical sockets and light switchs. These straight lines can be cut using a sharp utility knife after the precise lines have been drawn and proper measuring has been done. Score one side really well, then bend it backward and cut along the bent edge again. This makes a good clean cut.

Measure twice and cut once! A great rule of thumb for any construction job!

The holes for light switches and plug-ins can be cut out easily by using the keyhole saw. I like to trace around an extra electrical box on the full sheet of drywall and then cut it out.

Attach the drywall to wall or ceiling using drywall screws. Do not use nails- they move and eventually show up on the surface causing havoc down the road.

Once you have secured the drywall to the wall it is time to finish by filling the seams and screw holes with drywall compound. Refer to crackfilling a new wall page for more info on finishing new construction drywall.

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