How to Finish a Ceiling Using Sheetrock

Calculate how many Sheetrock panels you need for the ceiling by measuring the length and width of the ceiling and multiplying the two numbers together to determine the number of square feet in the ceiling. Calculate the square footage of the Sheetrock panels by multiplying the length and width. The panels are manufactured in 3-by-5 foot, 4-by-8 foot and 4-by-12 foot sizes.

Lift the first Sheetrock panel against the ceiling joists in one corner of the room, placing the long side of the Sheetrock parallel with the ceiling joists. Have a partner hold the Sheetrock in place, but if you're working alone, use a drywall jack. This is a platform that lifts the Sheetrock against the ceiling and holds it in place.

Drive drywall screws through the Sheetrock and into the ceiling joists across the center of the board. When installing the screws near the edges of the Sheetrock, place them at least 3/8 inch from the edge. Drive the screw deep enough that the head of the screw is just beneath the surface of the Sheetrock. This allows you to hide the screws.

Drive more drywall screws through the Sheetrock and into the ceiling joists, spacing them every 12 inches and then at the ends of the Sheetrock.

Install the rest of the Sheetrock onto the ceiling, using the same process. Stagger the boards in each row so the joints do not line up in adjacent rows to make the ceiling stronger. When installing Sheetrock over an obstacle such as a light fixture or vent, measure and mark the location of the obstacle onto the Sheetrock and cut a hole into the Sheetrock with a jigsaw. If you have to cut a panel to fit on the ceiling, measure and mark the cut line and then hold a straightedge against it and score it with a utility knife. Snap the board at the score line.

Apply joint compound to the joints where the different Sheetrock panels meet with a 6-inch putty knife.

Cover the joints with paper drywall tape and press the tape into the joint compound with the putty knife. Allow the joint compound to dry overnight.

Sand the rough edges of the joint compound with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe the dust off with a tack cloth.

Apply a second coat of joint compound and drywall tape, this time with a 10-inch putty knife. Allow it to dry overnight.

Sand the rough edges of the joint compound and wipe it with a tack cloth again and then add a third layer of joint compound and drywall tape. Allow it to dry overnight.

Sand the joints with fine-grit sandpaper again and wipe them off with a tack cloth.