Applying joint compound with drywall knife.
Drywall is a construction product used to finish building interiors in both residential and commercial construction. The material is produced in sheets to meet building codes, and it installs by nailing or screwing it to the studs of a wall. The next step in the process is to cover the joints between the sheets with a special tape and finishing compound commonly referred to as drywall mud. For areas with high moisture content, such as bathrooms, mold- and mildew-resistant materials are required. Aside from this one exception, the bathroom drywall installation is the same as the rest of the building.
Instructions
1. Choose the type and size of the drywall. There are different names for mold- and mildew-resistant drywalls available depending on the brand, but the common name for the type used in bathrooms is green board. During its manufacture, thin, mold- and mildew-resistant sheets of fiberglass replace paper layers.
2. Avoid using paper joint tape when installing drywall in a high moisture area such as bathrooms. The paper tape is prone to mold and mildew growth. Choose a fiberglass or synthetic joint tape for high moisture areas.
3. Install the drywall. With the exception of corners, drywall spans from the center of one stud to the center of another stud. The drywall butts tight in the corners and breaks on the center of an adjacent stud. Use a tape measure to measure the walls of the said area, doing so in a manner that maximizes the efficient use of the drywall. For instance, if using 8-foot lengths of the material, measure from a corner to the stud nearest 8 feet. This will cut down on waste, which will save money.
4. Cut the drywall using a razor knife and drywall square. Score the drywall on the applicable measurement with the razor knife, snap the drywall and finish by cutting on the back. The drywall square is a handy tool that helps to measure and cut straight square lines.
5. Use drywall nails, screws or a combination of both to install the drywall. Use a screw gun to drive in the screws. If installing on metal studs, special self-tapping screws are required. An efficient method when installing on wood studs is to tack the drywall up using drywall nails and a hammer, then finishing the installation off with drywall screws.
6. Tape and finish the drywall. Drywall joints require one layer of tape and three layers of joint compound; the tape prevents the joint from cracking while the compound bonds the tape to the drywall and hides it. Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the applicable joint and cover it with a layer of tape. Fill a mud pan with joint compound and use a drywall knife to apply the mud, then smooth the joint tape flat. Allow the area to dry before applying a second and third coat of just joint compound.
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