Easy Way to Put Drywall on a Beam

Stand on a large, sturdy platform and measure with a tape measure 4 feet from the edge of the ceiling corner. If there is no beam in that position, measure to the center of the nearest beam. Measure in a few places to make sure the beam is parallel with the edge of the ceiling.

Measure from the outer edge of the drywall towards the center of the board and mark the measurement taken from step one on the front face of a piece of drywall. Mark at three places on the board, the two outer edges and in the center of the board. If the beam is not parallel, measure the amount of difference at these three locations.

Use a 4-foot straight edge to mark a straight line from the edge mark of the drywall to the center mark and then from the center mark to the other outer edge mark. Cut the drywall with a utility knife and snap the board, cutting any remaining drywall board paper.

Mark the other beams on the face of the drywall board using the same technique. Measure to the center of each beam, mark the drywall in three places, and draw straight lines showing where the beams are. This time you won't cut the drywall but will use these lines as a guide, so you know where the beams are when you drill it onto the ceiling.

Lean the drywall against the platform, put on your waist pouch with drywall screws inside, and place the cordless drill inside your pouch. Stand with helpers on either side of you and lift the drywall together over your heads; snug it up against the corner and edge of the ceiling.

Screw drywall screws along the lines where the beams are located as your two helpers hold the drywall in place. Screw them 8 to 10 inches apart at edges and 12 inches apart in the center of the board and continue until finished.