How does drywall come

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To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Drywall contractor Paul Landry's step-by-step method for installing rock. Call it wallboard, plasterboard, Sheetrock, or just plain "rock," like some pros do, drywall revolutionized the way walls and ceilings are covered.

Before the s, when these paper-wrapped gypsum panels came into widespread use, it took days for lathers and plasterers to create a firm, flat foundation for paint or wallpaper. With drywall, it takes a fraction of the time.

Two pros can typically cover a byfoot room in about an hour. To work that fast takes practice and a few specialized tools. But hanging drywall is not just about speed. Doing the job right means using screws of the correct length, off-setting panels so seams don't line up, and making sure wires and pipes aren't vulnerable to puncture.

Installing drywall is easy enough for a homeowner, as long as there's someone to help; the heavy sheets are difficult to lift, particularly when doing ceilings.

Follow the drywalling tips below to learn how to hang drywall like a pro. The light-gray product known as drywall is the type in widest use. When butted end-to-end, its factory-beveled lengthwise edges form a shallow swale for a topping of joint compound and tape. The sheets most commonly available in hardware stores measure 4 by 8 feet, but lengths can reach up to 16 feet and widths up to 54 inches, which speeds the installation and minimizes the number of seams.

These, however, are used only to cover existing drywall. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

How to Hang Drywall. By Scott Gibson. Pinterest Email Pocket Flipboard. Buy one or two extra per room to cover any cutting mistakes. Check that electrical cables are protected from screws or nails. Tuck wires behind receptacles as far as possible into the back of switch boxes and ceiling-fixture boxes. Uncover any electrical boxes concealed by insulation.

Plan ceiling-panel layout so seams are at least 8 inches away from light-fixture boxes. Ceiling fixtures highlight imperfect seams. Stockpile sheets of drywall on edge in an adjacent room.

Whenever possible, place cut edges against corners, where they will be covered by trim or another piece of drywall. Steps on How to Hang Drywall 1. Measure and cut drywall for the ceiling Photo by David Carmack To determine where the first panel's end will land, measure out from a corner, perpendicular to the strapping, or the joists.

With commercial use, manufacturers have programs in place so builders can return scrap drywall to be recycled. For homeowners, recycling drywall is a bit more difficult. Many cities and municipalities have drywall recycling programs in place, but finding them may require a bit of research. USG is scheduled to open a gypsum recycling plant in Washingtonville, Pennsylvania in This plant will be the largest of its kind in the world, and as green building continues to grow in popularity, additional channels for recycling will become available.

Recycled drywall has three major uses. The first is to crush the material and use it to make new drywall. This is currently the most popular choice by far, and all of the major manufacturers have systems in place to do so. Recycled drywall can also be used an an ingredient in Portland cement , which is used to make stucco, plaster, and other building materials. Finally, crushed drywall is growing in popularity in the agricultural world.

It is useful as a soil conditioner, providing calcium and sulfur for plants, which is especially useful when growing peanuts, potatoes, or corn.

Recycled drywall can also be placed on soil that has a high salt content to help neutralize the ground so that crops can eventually grow there. It took some time for the building industry to recognize drywall for what it is - an extremely versatile, inexpensive and sustainable material that has overcome its initial reputation as a cheap substitute for plaster to become something an average person could use to build walls.

Not bad for a quick fix. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Home DIY. DIY Projects. How Drywall Works. Workers remove drywall from a New Orleans apartment damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Drywall has become one of the most versatile building materials available.

See more pictures of home construction. History of Drywall The U. What's in a Name? How Drywall is Made Drywall is made primarily of gypsum. Recent Trends in Drywall. Types of Drywall " ". DIY Drywall Installation " ". Installing your own drywall ceiling. Alternatives to Drywall " ". Once a home status symbol, wood paneling has escaped its retro reputation to become an increasingly popular alternative to drywall.

Traditional Plaster - Some homeowners still prefer the look and texture of traditional plaster installed over a wooden lath system. Improvements in technology have simplified the installation of plaster a bit over the years, with faster drying times and better structural backing.

Certain types of homes, such as those going for a traditional countryside look, will benefit from plaster walls. Veneer Plaster - This is an up-and-coming finishing technique that continues to gain popularity.

It's even faster to install than drywall because no finishing is required. This system is still at least 25 percent more expensive than drywall, so time will tell how eventual price decreases affect its use and popularity. Wood Paneling - This material has evolved from the cheesy form it took at its debut. It's now very easy to install and comes in nearly any wood veneer or finish you desire, though it's still more expensive than drywall.

Fiberglass Reinforced Panels FRP - These panels are used in areas that would normally receive ceramic tile, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and pools.

They are also increasingly used in sterile environments like laboratories, hospitals and doctor's offices due to its resistance to mold, bacteria and other potentially harmful biological agents. Environmental Concerns about Drywall " ". The Cementos Artigas plant near Montevideo, Uruguay, produces portland cement by grinding recycled gypsum and portland cement clinker using rice husk as fuel, per the Kyoto Protocol.

Drywall FAQs What is drywall made of? Drywall is made of primarily of the mineral gypsum. What is the difference between sheetrock and drywall? Sheetrock is simply a brand of drywall. The terms are often used interchangeably, though drywall is the generic term that is correct.

What is drywall tape used for? Drywall tape is an essential part of the drywall process, as it helps cover joints between two pieces. The drywall tape is applied along the joints and then the mud is applied to hold the in place. What are the different types of drywall mud? The three most common are all purpose, lightweight all purpose and topping. Is it better to repair or replace drywall? It totally depends on how much damage there is. If drywall has severe mold infestation or has been soaked by water damage, it should be replaced.

But minor holes can easily be patched. Sources Allen, Mark. November 19, August 25, Gellner, Arrol. Drywall changed the building industry when it came on the scene about a century ago. While it took a few decades for drywall to fully take root in home construction , this pre-sized wallboard eventually meant no more nailing of hundreds of lath boards and troweling of wet plaster.

Along with its many advantages, standard sizing is one of the drywall's best features. With each sheet of drywall , you know in advance its exact size, down to the millimeter. Predictable sizing allows builders and homeowners to plan their projects with complete accuracy. The length and width of drywall sheets are usually in multiples of 4 feet—most commonly, 4-foot by 8-foot, 4-foot by foot, or 4-foot by foot sheets.

Building codes often have specific requirements for the thickness of drywall sheets but not for the width and length. These are determined by the needs of the architect, builder, and client. The most common size of drywall is 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. The 4-foot by 8-foot size allows for either vertical or horizontal installation. Typically 4 by 8-foot panels come attached in pairs—two sheets face to face, with paper strips binding the two sheets.

Most people find it extremely difficult to carry these sandwiched panels by themselves, and they can be difficult to cut. For solo transport, you can pull off the binding paper to separate the panels. For tall or long walls, drywall is available in lengths of 12 or 16 feet. One advantage of these longer sheets is that you can create a smooth vertical surface to meet higher ceilings, creating a smooth surface that is completely unbroken from floor to ceiling.

If you are intending to work with foot lengths of drywall, you need to have several people on hand to help you with the installation. The 2-foot by 2-foot square of drywall is not a stock sheet size. However, cut-down pieces of drywall are often available at most home centers and especially at smaller local hardware stores.