How to Build a Wall Using Drywall

Measure the area where you are going to install the drywall. Determine the location of existing or planned outlets and switches by measuring their distance from the floor and the corner, then transferring these measurements onto the drywall. Orient the drywall sheets so the 4-foot measurement is vertical and the 8-foot measurement is horizontal.

Cut out holes for switches and outlets using a sharp utility knife or keyhole saw. Cut the exterior dimensions of the drywall sheet to match the area you are covering. Always situate the joints between two sheets of drywall over a stud, so the edges of both sheets can be screwed into the stud.

Put lines on the drywall to indicate the location of the studs behind the drywall after it is put in place. Make marks every 12 inches along these lines. Install the drywall by holding it up against the studs of the wall, then driving 1¼-inch drywall screws through the drywall and into the studs, using the marks that you put on the drywall. It’s helpful to have an assistant hold up the drywall while you are driving the screws. Drive the screws in far enough so that their heads are below the surface of the drywall, but not so far that they tear the paper covering.

Cut out window and door openings after you have installed the drywall by cutting through the drywall along the perimeters of the openings with a drywall saw.

Finish the drywall by applying joint compound to the joints between the sheets of drywall, pressing a strip of drywall tape into it, then applying another layer of joint compound, using a 4-inch-wide drywall knife. Feather the compound out so that it spreads smoothly across the surface of the drywall using a 10-inch-wide drywall knife. Cover all of the screw holes with joint compound and feather it out in the same way, using as little compound as possible to fill in the holes. Allow everything to dry for 24 hours.

Sand the surface of the dry compound with 100-grit sandpaper mounted on a sanding block. Make it as smooth as possible, then cover any inconsistencies with another coat of joint compound. Allow this to dry for 24 hours, then sand it smooth.

Paint the drywall by priming the entire surface, then painting with two coats of finish paint over the primer.