The New Types of Drywall Edging

Metal Corner Bead

• Metal corner bead is the longtime standard for finishing outside angles. Metal corner bead is long and has a 90-degree bend. Tiny holes along its edges allow drywall workers to hang it on an outside corner with nails or screws. After installation, workers apply several coats of joint compound to cover the sides of the corner bead, leaving only the sharp edge visible. Plastic corner beads, similar in form, are also available, but their relative fragility makes them unsuitable for most applications, especially high-traffic areas.

New Drywall Edging

• Drywall edging manufacturers now produce a wide variety of edging materials that use vinyl-paper composites instead of metal or plastic. These might consist of a single type of vinyl-paper composite material or a side-by-side combination of two different materials. For example, a common type of edging features a stiff, plastic central section bonded to paper borders. The paper borders fold around the outside angle, while the long central plastic section protects the fragile edges where the boards of drywall meet.

Function

• To install the new drywall edging, a worker coats the outside angle with a generous amount of joint compound. She lays the drywall edging over the outside corner and wipes the edging flat with a drywall knife. The joint compound adheres to the paper sides of the drywall edging, as well as to the underlying drywall, forming a cohesive bond that can withstand significant battering. After the initial installation dries, the worker applies several more coats to hide the paper sides, leaving a smooth, full-bodied corner ready for paint.

Types

• Ninety-degree edging mimics the look of metal corner bead. Bullnose edging creates rounded corners. Wide-angle edging allows workers to cover corners greater than 90 degrees.

Advantages

• Ease of installation is the major advantage of the new types of drywall edging. Metal corner beads require nails or screws. New drywall edging only requires joint compound. Also, the new edging is safer for children. The risk of serious injury is lower if a child hits her head on a plastic corner compared to the hard edge of a metal-wrapped corner.