Ceiling Drywall Tips

Ceiling First

• Install your drywall onto the ceiling first. This gives you a level and even surface to connect with when installing the walls. If you are installing drywall in several rooms or an entire house, it may be beneficial to install the ceilings throughout every room before even getting started on the walls. This is because some tools and installation methods vary depending on whether you are hanging sheetrock on ceilings or walls.

Work From Outside Walls

• When starting to install drywall on a bare ceiling, it is usually best to start near any outside walls or outside corners. Outside walls are sometimes held to higher standards of construction than inside walls, and may therefore give you a straighter edge to work from.

Reaching the Ceiling

• Depending on the height of the ceiling you are trying to install drywall on, you may need some assistance in reaching it. Metal sawhorses, also known as drywall benches, can be adjusted to various heights in order to accommodate each worker's exact size. Scaffolding may be needed for ceilings that are exceptionally high. A mechanical drywall lift can also be used, which holds the full weight of the sheetrock until it is properly secured to the ceiling. This means you won't have to worry about holding the board in place and nailing it up at the same time.

Marking Hardware

• Hardware such as ceiling lights, electrical boxes and access holes all need to be marked before the drywall is installed. Place your tape measure against the nearest level surface, such as a wall or an adjacent piece of sheetrock, and measure to the inside of the light, electrical box or scuttle hole. Once the drywall has been installed, you can use your tape measure to locate the hardware and cut it out with a drywall router.

Adhesive and Screws

• Apply a generous amount of caulk or drywall glue to each stud on the ceiling before installing the drywall. This handles some of the weight of the drywall and helps prevent sagging, especially in the center of the board. Drywall screws should also be placed through the center of the drywall and into the ceiling's wooden studs to further prevent sagging.