How to Drywall a 10-Foot Ceiling

Installing a drywall ceiling is basically the same process as installing a drywall wall, except that you have to mount the drywall overhead instead of vertically. This makes it a physically challenging project for two people, and virtually impossible for one, so recruit a helper. Your ladders should be almost --- but not quite --- as tall as the ceiling. As with all drywall, the ceiling drywall sheets are melded together with drywall tape and joint compound, which is a form of plaster.

Hammer
Pry bar
Two 8-foot stepladders
Scaffold
Drywall in 1/2-inch sheets
Screw gun
1-1/2-inch drywall screws
Tape measure
Utility knife
Level
Self-adhesive mesh drywall tape
Joint compound
Drywall knife
Drywall pad sander
Assistant
Safety goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the ladders and scaffold. Measure the ceiling from one side that's perpendicular to the direction of the ceiling joists. Measure to the last joist that's within 8 feet of the wall, to the middle of the width of the joist.
- 2
  Mark out the measurement you took in Step 1 on a piece of drywall. Use a utility knife to cut the piece at that point, running it along the level in a straight line to score it and then snapping it in two at the line.
- 3
  Hold the drywall against the ceiling with the help of an assistant. Position the drywall so the cut side is against your starting wall and the factory edge of the piece sits at the middle of the width of the joist you measured to.
- 4
  Drive drywall screws every 6 inches along each of the joists above the drywall piece to secure it.
- 5
  Repeat the procedure, covering the rest of the ceiling in drywall sheets in courses, with the sheets end to end and then side by side. Arrange them on the joists so there are no four-way intersections between the sheets.
- 6
  Set drywall tape on the seams, covering them completely. Cover the tape with joint compound, spreading it on with the drywall knife. Spread compound over each of the screw holes. Get the compound smooth and flat. Let it set for six to eight hours.
- 7
  Apply a second layer of compound on the joints, making them slightly wider than before. Keep them smooth and even. Let them dry for six to eight hours.
- 8
  Add a third layer of compound, again getting it smooth and flat. Let it dry 24 for hours. Sand it smooth. Paint the surface.

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