How to Cut the Sheetrock on Vaulted Ceilings

The height of vaulted ceilings often makes them difficult to access and cut. If a vaulted ceiling is covered with Sheetrock, which is a brand name of USG Corp.'s gypsum wallboard, then it is secured to joists above the ceiling with nails, just as it would be attached to a flat ceiling. Taking out part of the Sheetrock may be necessary due to water damage or to install lighting. Sheetrock on a vaulted or flat ceiling ranges from 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick, but the thickness is rarely an issue when cutting the material. Moving up and down a stepladder often and in the middle of cutting, however, is necessary to obtain better access to a higher or lower portion of a vaulted ceiling's Sheetrock that you want to cut.

Stepladder
Ruler
Stud finder
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Draw an outline around the portion of Sheetrock that you want to cut. If, for example, you want to cut out a rotted piece of Sheetrock, use a pen and ruler to outline the damaged area in a square. If you want to install lighting, measure and draw the exact length and width the light requires on the ceiling.
- 2
  Place a stud finder flat against the Sheetrock within the outline you drew, and move it from left to right. If a joist or wiring is within the outline, the stud finder will alert you. Remain aware of the joist's or wiring's location when you cut into the Sheetrock.
- 3
  Insert the tip of a utility knife onto the outline. Use medium pressure to cut 1/8 inch into the Sheetrock with the utility knife. Make the cut as straight as possible using the drawn outline as your guide.
- 4
  Cut deeper into the Sheetrock with the utility knife, following the 1/8-inch deep cut you made. Continue to cut deeper into the Sheetrock until the portion you want to remove is completely loose and falls.

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