How to Finish a Recessed Drywall Pocket

Measure across the bottom of the pocket opening between the wall studs.

Measure and mark a 2-by-4 board to that length, then cut it straight across at the mark with a circular saw. Cut another identical board.

Place one of the cut boards horizontally between the studs, and gently tap it down to the bottom of the pocket opening with a hammer. Before it is in its final position, set a level on top of the board. Continue tapping the board down until it is in the desired location and the level's bubble is centered. This is the bottom of the pocket.

Drill one 3 1/2-inch wood screw at a left-facing angle that lets it pass through the drywall, through the front left corner of the horizontal board and finally into the left wall stud. Drill another screw at a right-facing angle to anchor the right end of the board to the right stud.

Place the other cut board into the pocket at the top of the opening, tapping it into place between the studs with a hammer. Level the board as you make the final placement adjustments.

Fasten the top board to the studs with screws in the same manner as the bottom board.

Measure the depth of the pocket from the front edge to the back wall.

Measure across the edge of a new sheet of drywall to pocket depth measurement; mark it with a pencil.

Place the lipped edge of a carpenter’s square against the edge of the drywall sheet. Align the 90-degree corner of the square with the pencil mark. Trace the perpendicular edge of the square onto the drywall, making a straight pencil line that originates from the first mark.

Align a straightedge with the pencil line and trace its edge to extend the line across the sheet.

Make a shallow cut with a utility knife through the pencil line across the drywall sheet. Press down on the edge of the drywall to break it along the cut. Cut through the paper backing to separate the drywall strip.

Measure across the pocket opening. Cut two strips of drywall to that measurement.

Place one cut strip of drywall into the pocket, resting it on the bottom board. Drive three 2-inch drywall screws, equally spaced and centered on the width, through the drywall and into the board. Fasten the second cut strip of drywall to the top board in the same manner.

Measure the height of the opening. Cut two strips of drywall to that measurement, and fasten them to sides of the left and right studs as you did with the top and bottom sections.

Scoop up drywall joint compound on the edge of a 3-inch putty knife. Spread a thin layer along both sides of every drywall seam in the pocket.

Crease drywall seam tape in half lengthwise. Cover every seam inside the pocket with tape, pushing the creased fold of the tape into the angle of the seam. Drag the putty knife along the tape to remove excess compound and flatten the tape. Spread more drywall compound over every screw depression and scrape off the excess.

Let the compound dry, then apply a finish coat of compound over the tape and feather or blend it into the surrounding drywall.

Sand the joint compound with ultra-fine drywall sanding screen once the pocket is dry.