How to Make a Drywall Sheet Lift

Drywall is one of the most important parts of a room. It finishes the look of a room and covers unsightly insulation and wiring. Drywall comes in large sheets that must be lifted into place and then screwed to the wall studs or ceiling joists. Holding these large sheets in place on the ceiling can be difficult for even the strongest do-it-yourself enthusiast. Drywall lifts can be rented, but can cost more than some homeowners are willing to pay. Building a T-shaped drywall lift from 2-by-4 boards is less expensive.

Measuring tape
Pencil
2-by-4 boards
Miter saw
Drill
Screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height of the ceiling with a measuring tape. Write down this measurement.
- 2
  Determine how long the 2 by 4 needs to be cut. The cross beam (the lift will essentially be a T shape) at the top should be about three feet long. The other 2-by-4 board should be the ceiling measurement minus one inch for the cross beam. The finished lift height should be about one inch taller than your ceiling measurement. Mark the measurements on the boards.
- 3
  Set the boards on the miter saw and cut them to size.
- 4
  Line up the longest board so that the end is in the center of three foot board. Have a partner hold the two boards in place.
- 5
  Drill pilot holes for the screws in the boards. The holes should go through the top surface of the three foot board and down into the end of the longer board.
- 6
  Screw the two boards together with screws and a screwdriver.
- 7
  Use the finished T-shaped apparatus to help you lift drywall sheets into place.

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