CertainTeed drywall is sometimes considered the perfect interior surfacing product for use on interior ceilings and walls. Once it has been installed, finished and primed, this type of wall covering can either be painted, texturized or covered with wallpaper to achieve that certain look you want in your home. Often made from recycled materials, this easy-to-install, practical wallboard product can be cut to size easily using a razor knife and features tapered edges that allow for trouble-free finishing.
Instructions
Hang CertainTeed Drywall
1. Plan how you will install the drywall. It is recommended that the drywall be installed horizontally on the wall or across the framing. Also determine what length board you will be using. Try to use the longest length to minimize joints. Do not plan to use "scrap" pieces for main areas---the finished project will look better if full pieces are used.
2. Calculate the total square footage of the area to be covered. To find the square footage, use a tape measure to measure the surface to be covered. Divide that number by the square footage of one panel. For example, if the ceiling area is 12 feet by 20 feet, it equals 240 square feet. A drywall panel of 4 feet by 8 feet equals 32 square feet. 240 divided by 32 equals 7.5, which means you'd need at least eight panels for the job. A calculator helps when computing square footage.
3. Order your materials and have them delivered to the project site. Use the calculation method above to estimate the number of drywall sheets you will need, then add at least 10 percent to account for waste and mistakes. More complicated drywall jobs may require an additional 20 percent. Don't forget to order joint tape, fasteners, corner beading, joint compound and tools.
4. Install the drywall panels to the ceiling first. This may require an additional helper or two, T-braces, and/or a drywall lift (which can usually be rented locally). Secure the drywall to the ceiling framing with screws spaced 12 inches apart. If nails are used, space them 6 inches apart. Fasteners should be slightly indented into the face of the drywall; however be careful not to otherwise damage the surface of the drywall.
5. Install the gypsum to the top part of the wall. Use a lift or helper to make the job easier. Press the drywall securely upon the framing. Make sure the top edges make contact with the drywall on the ceiling. Secure with screws spaced 16 inches apart on each framing member. If nails are used, place 6 inches apart.
6. Install the drywall onto the lower part of the wall. Do not line up joints with the upper row of drywall--stagger the seams whenever possible. Use a wallboard lifter or wedge placed on the floor to help raise the wallboard so that it will be in close contact with the upper row of drywall. Make sure seams are tight and that the board is firm against underlying framing. Secure in place with screws or nails.
7. Tape and finish the installed drywall as recommended by the manufacturer. Taping and "mudding" the first coat typically entails applying joint compound to a seam in a thin layer, laying a piece of tape over the seam, then using the knife to squeeze out any surplus compound by dragging it over the tape. When finishing, do the ceiling first, then the walls. Allow to dry completely.
8. Install the outside corner beading as recommended by the manufacturer. Always use whole pieces---do not use several short pieces or it will make a crooked corner. Secure with screws or nails to hold in place if desired. Apply one coat of joint compound to either side of the corner bead.
9. Add additional layers of joint compound as needed (typically up to three coats) to the joints, seams and corners. Each layer should extend beyond the first at least 3 inches on either side of the first. Try to keep your joint compound as level as possible. Do not apply too much mud. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next. Once all seams have been "mudded," apply at least three coats of joint compound to each screw head or nail to cover.
10. Sand all finished drywall. Be sure to wear protective clothing and a respirator. Do not sand through the facing paper of the drywall. Only sand hard enough to create a uniform surface. Prime all surfaces with a quality primer using a brush and roller.
Tags: joint compound, inches apart, square footage, with screws, ceiling first, contact with