Tips on Installing Drywall on Vaulted Ceilings

Function

• Vaulted ceilings come in many varieties. Squared ceilings --- ceilings that have the familiar box shape typical to many American homes --- are the easiest to drywall. However, many vaulted ceilings employ complex angles and other complicated features to increase the aesthetic appeal of a room. For example, some homes have high foyers that feature long, obtuse angles that run the length of the room.

Scaffolding

• For high vaulted ceilings, you might need to buy or rent scaffolding. You'll need scaffolding that is high enough to enable you to work over your head comfortably without stretching too much. It's also possible to use ladders and planks, but maintaining your balance on these is more difficult than it is on scaffolding, which has a large, stable base and working area. Note that installing drywall typically requires three people --- two to hold up the board and one to screw it down --- so the scaffolding must be able to support everyone's weight. You can rent professional-grade scaffolding at tool rental stores and some retail hardware stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you set up the scaffolding correctly.

Complex Angles

• Essentially, installing drywall on a vaulted ceiling requires you to cut the board to size and then attach it to the wood frame with drywall screws. If a project has many complex angles, it is vital to measure carefully so you cut each board to the correct size. The goal is to install the boards so they form even and consistent angles. If you install two boards next to each other that are of slightly different sizes, the angle will be jagged. While it is possible to hide some crooked angles during the drywall finishing process, the most effective approach is to measure each board carefully and only install it once you are sure it will form a straight, even angle.

Snapping Lines

• When you're working up close to a ceiling, it can be hard to see the big picture. For this reason, many professional drywall installers snap a chalk line along difficult angles to aid them during installation. To do this, have a friend hold one end of the chalk line at the far end of a difficult angle. Hold your end so the chalk line is taut. Pull on the line and then release it so it snaps against the ceiling, leaving a long chalk mark. During the installation, cut and install the drywall so it meets the chalk line. This ensures a straight and even installation.