# DIY: Ceilings
Things You'll Need
- 4-by-8 drywall sheets, 1/2 inch thick
- Tape measure
- T-square
- Utility knife
- Two ladders
- 1 1/2-inch drywall screws
- Screw gun
- Self-adhesive drywall tape
- Joint compound
- Drywall knife
- Drywall sander
Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the ceiling -- perpendicular to the joists -- from one wall out to the middle of the last joist within 8 feet. Note the measurement from the center of the last joist.
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2
Transfer that measurement to a piece of drywall. Cut the drywall to that size by scoring it with a razor knife alongside your T-square, then snapping piece in two.
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3
Set up the ladders. With your helper, hold the first drywall sheet to the ceiling, in the corner. Affix it there with drywall screws every 6 inches along each joist behind it.
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4
Set a full sheet of drywall off the end of the first and affix it in the same manner. Repeat, cutting the last sheet as needed to fit.
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5
Repeat for each row of drywall, hanging them in side-by-side courses. Cover the entire ceiling. Begin each course at the opposite end as the last one to ensure the ends of the sheets don't form any four-way intersections.
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6
Press self-adhesive drywall tape over the seams of the boards. Spread joint compound over the tape with your drywall knife, covering it completely. Let it dry 6 hours.
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7
Spread a second layer of compound over the first and seam wider than the first. Let it set. Apply a third seam, making it slightly wider again. Let it dry overnight.
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8
Sand the seam smooth with a drywall sander. The ceiling is ready for you to paint it.
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