The Direction to Install Studs and Drywall on a Brick Wall

Stud Wall Installation

• 1

  Measure and mark the length of the vertical studs on the stud wall every 16 to 18 inches, depending on the length of the studs, with a tape measure and marking pen.

• 2

  Set the framed stud wall against up against the interior of the brick wall. Drill through the studs at the marks and into the brick with a 1/4-inch masonry bit, drilling into the brick to a depth of 1 inch.

• 3

  Drill out all the holes in the front of the stud wall to a depth of 1/2 inch with a 1/2-inch diameter countersink drill bit.

• 4

  Remove the stud wall and coat the brick surface with a waterproofing agent approved for masonry to prevent the brick from absorbing and trapping moisture between the brick and studs. Apply two even coats of waterproofing with a brush, paint roller or spray gun according to the product manufacturer’s instructions.

• 5

  Insert a 3/4-inch long by 1/4-inch diameter machine screw anchor into each of the holes drilled in the brick; tap the anchors in place with a rubber mallet if necessary.

• 6

  Set the stud wall in place against the brick surface, lining the holes in the studs up with the holes in the machine screw anchors. Insert a 2-inch long by 1/4-inch diameter machine screw in each hole in the stud wall. Tighten the machine screws into the anchors with a screwdriver, making sure the screw heads are set below the facing edge of the studs to not interfere with drywall application.

Drywall Installation

• 7

  Place full size drywall sheets against the studs so the vertical edges of the sheets are aligned with the center of the studs. Clamp the drywall to the stud with drywall clamps.

• 8

  Place a level along the top vertical edge of the drywall sheet. Loosen the clamps as needed to adjust the drywall sheet so the top horizontal edge of the sheet is level. Drive drywall screws through the edge of the drywall sheets and into the studs with a Phillips head screwdriver.

• 9

  Measure spaces on the stud wall which are too small to hang a full sheet of drywall with the tape measure and transfer the measurements onto a sheet of drywall with the tape measure and pencil. Score the drywall along the markings with a utility knife. Place the drywall sheet on a solid surface, such as a table, workbench or sawhorse, with the scored line hanging over the edge of the surface. Push down on the unsupported edge of the drywall with your hand; the drywall will snap at the line. Cut through the paper on the back side of the drywall sheet with the utility knife.

• 10

  Trowel drywall joint compound over all seams between drywall sheets. Place a piece of drywall tape over the seam, pressing the tape flat and smooth into the joint compound with your fingers. Allow the joint compound to dry.

• 11

  Cover the drywall tape with a joint compound. Allow the first coat of joint compound to dry and sand the surface of the joint compound smooth with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface of the drywall with a damp sponge to remove dust. Apply a second coat of joint compound over the seams and sand the compound with 320-grit sandpaper when dry.