Install sheetrock in your home to repair or build walls.
Home building and remodeling often includes the replacement or construction of a new wall. A wall consists of metal or wood studs covered with sheetrock. After the framing of a room or wall is complete, you nail sheetrock to the studs to cover the open spaces and finish the walls. Once the sheetrock is in place, paint or wallpaper application occurs, finishing the wall or room. Proper sheetrock application occurs in a staggered pattern so that the seams between pieces of sheetrock do not coincide.
Instructions
Placement of Sheetrock
1. Measure the wall or ceiling where you will hang the sheetrock. Note on your drawing the placement of each stud or joist. Normal sheets of sheetrock are 4 feet by 8 feet and constructed of gypsum. Diagram the placement of the sheetrock on the wall or ceiling so that none of the sheets are positioned together with the short edge seams running the entire length or width of the room. The edge of each sheet should end at the midpoint of a stud or joist. Offset the sheets from one row to the next by four feet.
2. Cut each of the pieces of sheetrock to size before starting to hang. Use a tape measure to place marks on the edge of the panels where you require cuts. Use a T-square to score the sheetrock on the top surface. Place the sheetrock on its edge and snap it along the scored line, away from the score. Cut away the excess using the utility knife. Place each piece of sheetrock in order along the wall or ceiling to quicken the hanging process.
3. Lift the piece of sheetrock into place with the first piece fitting securely into the corner of the wall or ceiling. Place five screws securing the sheetrock into a stud or joist near the center of the piece of sheetrock. Drive the screw into the wood until the head of the screw passes the surface of the sheetrock but does not break the paper. If you break the paper with a screw, add a second screw next to the first one and move on.
4. Fill in the remaining screws, working from the inside of the panel outward. The first row of five screws will remove much of the weight that you will need to hold. If you are working alone, use T-supports to lift panels for ceiling coverage. Place one T-support at each end of the panel and lift first one then the other end. After lifting the first end, brace it in place with the T-support while you lift the other end. When both supports have the panel in place, screw to the ceiling in the same manner as stated. For the placement of sheetrock on a wall, hang the top row first and work down. Place a screw at each stud along the panel to remove much of the weight and hold the panel in place. After placed, insert the remaining screws into the panel. Once all the panels are hung, the walls and ceiling are ready for you to finish the drywall and paint or wallpaper.
Cutting Holes for Electrical Boxes
5. Cut holes for outlet boxes and electrical boxes before placement of the sheetrock. Measure the distance from the ceiling or wall to the center of the box. Place an X on the top surface of the sheetrock at the point where the box is located on the wall or ceiling.
6. Insert a rotary tool into the center of the box and move it to the outside edge. Remove the tool from the sheetrock, then move over slightly and reinsert the tool on the outside of the box.
7. Cut around the outside of the box until the panel has a hole in it that will accommodate the electrical box.
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