How to Hang Drywall on Aluminum CE

Drywall is the typical covering over interior studs to finish a wall. When the studs are wooden, attaching the drywall is a simple process of a few nails through the drywall material into the studs. Dealing with studs made from aluminum CE (which translates to "European Conformity") is not that much different. The drywall is still attached mechanically, but instead of nails you’ll need to use fine-threaded drywall screws. The small threads allows the screws to pass through drywall easily without damaging the surface next to the holes, while the small threads bores through the aluminum, holding the drywall firmly in place. Once a sheet is in place, the extended connection over multiple lightweight aluminum studs adds strength to the studs, making for a strong, sturdy wall.

Measuring tape
Drywall sheets
Chalk
Utility knife
1 1/4-inch fine-threaded drywall screws
Electric screwdriver with screw set
Drywall joint tape
6-inch drywall tape knife

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of the wall being covered with the drywall panels using a tape measure. Measure the length and height of the drywall sheets as well. Plot out the drywall panel placement onto the wall on a piece of paper with a pencil, arranging the drywall sheets so that you have full coverage of the wall with the fewest sheets necessary.
- 2
  Place the drywall sheets against the aluminum studs, beginning at a bottom corner of your wall and following the plotted sheet orientation. Lay the sheets flush against the studs. If the end of the sheet overlaps a stud, mark the center of the stud’s location on the sheet with a piece of chalk and cut the sheet at the marked position so that the sheet ends on the stud's center. This will allow you to begin the next sheet butted tightly against the first, with both sheets attached to the stud. Cut the sheets with a utility knife. Score the surface of the drywall with the sharp blade of the knife, and then snap the sheet along the cut line.
- 3
  Secure the drywall to the aluminum studs using drywall screws. Drive the screws through the drywall and into the studs, spacing them every 8 inches down the stud length at the drywall edges and every 12 inches down the studs in the center of the drywall. Use a drill with a screw set to quickly drive the screws into place.
- 4
  Continue to place sheets of drywall onto the studs in this manner, beginning each new sheet on the same stud as the last. Work along the bottom of the wall and then move upward by rows until you have the wall completely covered. Use the utility knife to cut the sheets to fit the studs as well as to create openings in the drywall where electrical outlets are located.
- 5
  Cover the joints between drywall panels with drywall joint tape. Cut the tape at the ends with the utility knife. Spread a thin layer of joint compound over the tape with a drywall tape knife.

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