Do I Need a Special Drywall for Ceilings?

More Difficult Installation

• You don't need a special drywall for ceilings, but it is more difficult to install drywall on the ceiling. Drywall sheets are heavy, and you must hold them above your head while installing them. Many contractors use a drywall jack, also called a drywall lift, to help them install drywall on ceilings. You can put a sheet of drywall on the jack and raise it to the ceiling so you and your helpers don't have to hold it while you are installing it.

Ceiling Fixtures

• When installing drywall on the ceiling, you must consider fixtures such as hanging lights, which you don't have to consider when installing drywall on your walls. Turn the power off when installing drywall around the area where a fixture is supposed to go. Measure the distance from the fixture's location to the sheets of drywall surrounding each edge. Mark the fixture's location and cut out the space for the electrical box using a circular saw.

Direction of Sheets

• While walls sometimes only need one sheet of drywall, ceilings usually require several sheets. Run sheets lengthwise across the ceiling or at right angles to ceiling studs. Glue the drywall to studs as well as screwing in fasteners to each sheet. This prevents sagging. When you are ready to screw in fasteners, mark the sheet of drywall about 3/8 inch from its edge and use a screw gun to attach fasteners.

Install Ceilings First

• Always install drywall on your ceilings before you install it on your walls. When you install on the walls, you must place the drywall sheet or sheets perfectly so they go all the way up to the ceiling. Thus, you have to have drywall in place on the ceiling first so that you can see where to place your drywall on the walls.