How to Build a Ceiling in a House

Install the Drywall

• 1

  If you are repairing a ceiling that has been damaged by water, be absolutely certain that the water problem is fixed first, even if it means postponing the ceiling job. Cut the damaged area back to the nearest joist, cutting down the center of the joist so that half of the bottom of the joist is covered by the old drywall, and half is exposed for the new drywall to be screwed to.

• 2

  Cut a piece of drywall to a size approximately 1/8 to ¼ inch smaller than the space where you are putting it. Have your assistant hold the piece in place; if you have extending jack posts, put them under the piece to hold it up.

• 3

  Screw the drywall to the joists with 1 ¼ inch drywall screws. Drive the screws in far enough that they are set into the drywall, but not far enough to tear the paper covering on the drywall. Put screws at least every 12 inches.

Tape and Spackle the Drywall Joints

• 4

  Apply a layer of spackle down the length of one joint, then press a piece of drywall tape into it. Run your spackling blade along the tape to press it into the spackle. You should squeeze out most of the spackle, leaving just a thin layer between the drywall and the back of the tape. Apply more spackle over the top of the tape. Make it as smooth as you possibly can and leave it to dry.

• 5

  When the first coat is completely dry, go over the joints again with more spackle and a wider spackle knife, being even more careful to make it as smooth as humanly possible. When you begin sanding, you will understand how important this is.

• 6

  Sand the spackle with a flat sanding block. Don't cheat by using a piece of sandpaper without the block; it will show. Use large, sweeping strokes over big areas to make the whole ceiling as flat as possible. You will probably need to do a third coat, only in the areas where irregularities are still showing.