How to Drywall an Opening

Measure the dimensions of the opening to be covered with drywall, using a tape measure. Measure from stud to stud; if the opening is between studs or similar supports at top and bottom, use a utility knife to cut existing drywall back to studs or braces. Cut the drywall to the center of the board so there is space to fasten the new drywall.

Install studs or similar supports if there are none in the opening, such as space left when a big picture window is removed or a sliding glass door is replaced with a conventional door. If there are boards at the top and bottom of the opening, cut 2-by-4-inch studs to fit vertically and toenail them with framing nails driven diagonally with a hammer.

Cut existing drywall with a knife, using a framing square as a guide, to get the opening with square corners and even edges. Measure the finished opening, once all new framing is completed, to get precise dimensions. Transfer those dimensions to a 4-by-8-foot sheet of drywall and cut the board with a jigsaw or drywall saw.

Set the new piece into the opening and fasten the corners with a screw gun and drywall screws. Add screws to studs or other frame members every foot once the new piece is in place. Drive the screws in until the heads are just below the surface of the drywall.

Fasten self-sticking fiberglass tape over all seams around the repaired opening. Use a 5-inch drywall knife to spread joint compound over the tape, pressing it firmly into the drywall joint and tape. Spread it as evenly as possible and feather the edges of the compound to match the drywall surface. Cover all screw heads with compound and smooth those areas.

Let the compound dry thoroughly, then sand the seams and screw heads smooth with a sander and 120-grit sandpaper. Spread another layer of compound and smooth it to match the adjoining surfaces. Let that compound dry and sand it again. Add a third layer if necessary to get the sealed areas to match the rest of the wall.