How to Hang Drywall Witout Taking Down Kitchen Cabinets

Remove the original drywall from around the cabinets. Score the drywall under the bottom edge of the cabinet with a utility knife to create a clean cut, and remove old drywall with a pry bar and break it apart with a sledgehammer. Use a stud sensor to determine where wood studs are located when breaking the drywall with a sledgehammer to ensure you do not damage the wall structure during the removal process.

Measure the length of the cabinets with a measuring tape and transfer the measurements to a drywall sheet with a T-square. Cut the board with a utility knife and break along the scored line with your hands. Measure the distance between the upper wall cabinets and counter to determine the width the drywall should be. Make the appropriate cuts and check for accuracy by placing the drywall sheet against the desired wall before screwing it in.

Hold the drywall sheet in place against the exposed studs, or enlist the help of a partner to hold the piece for you. Screw the drywall sheet to the studs with drywall screws and drill, inserting two to three screws down the length of the stud to secure it to the wall.

Install drywall around the remaining walls in the kitchen. When covering electrical outlets or switches, measure the location of the outlets from the floor and transfer the measurements to the drywall with a pencil. Once you install the boards on the studs, use a utility knife to cut around the utility box.

Tape the joints between each sheet of drywall with drywall tape and then cover the tape with a thin layer of drywall mud. With a putty knife, spread the mud diagonally over the tape at least 2 to 3 inches so it fully covers the edges of the tape. Allow the mud to dry and then sand with a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any bumps in the mud. Paint the walls in the desired shade.