How to Cut Greenboard Drywall

Straight Cuts

• 1

  Lay the greenboard across two sawhorses or on a flat, level work surface.

• 2

  Measure the section you intend to cover with greenboard. Transfer the measurements to the greenboard and mark the greenboard with a pencil. Hold a chalk line at the first mark and extend the chalk line to the second mark. Grip the middle of the chalk line, lift it and let go. The snapping action leaves a straight chalk guideline.

• 3

  Align a metal straightedge with the chalk guideline. Hold the metal straightedge firmly in place up to the guideline with your hand.

• 4

  Place a utility knife at the end of the guideline. Press the utility knife firmly while dragging it along the line to cut through the green paper covering.

• 5

  Grip the greenboard with one hand on each side of the cut line and snap the greenboard. Turn the greenboard over. Place the utility knife in the fold and cut through the paper on the opposite side.

Obstacles

• 6

  Determine where obstacles such as electrical receptacles or switches will lie on the greenboard. Measure the size of the obstacle and transfer the exact size and shape in the correct location onto the greenboard with a pencil. Use a straightedge to form straight lines.

• 7

  Plunge the tip of a drywall saw through the guideline.

• 8

  Move the saw up and down while moving it along the guideline until you reach the end of the line. Remove the saw from the greenboard. Plunge the drywall saw into another guideline and saw along the line. Repeat for each line until you cut the obstacle section from the greenboard.

Circular Holes

• 9

  Measure and mark the diameter and placement of a round hole on the greenboard.

• 10

  Attach a hole saw to the end of a power drill.

• 11

  Line up the hole saw with the circle on the greenboard, turn on the drill and cut through the greenboard.