How to Install Drywall Ceiling

One of the best way to cover up the electrical, studs, piping, cracks on the ceilings and walls is by installation of drywall. It has other advantages too. Like, it helps to insulate the room and also enhance the interior decoration. One should always hang the drywall on the ceiling first and then on the walls. The only problem with this home improvement job is the overhead position. For this reason, we advise you to take the help of one of your friend or family member when you install drywall ceiling.

Installing Drywall on a Ceiling

Take the measurements of the room and calculate the number of sheets of drywall that you require. Try to keep the size of the sheets as large as possible. Thus the number of sheets to be installed will be less and there will be less number of joints. As a result, you can finish off the work quite fast. The step by step instructions are as follows:

Step #1: Before the drywall is installed, you have to ensure that the surface of the ceiling is well prepared. Check out if there are any obstructions like protruding pipes. Accordingly furring strips need to be installed so that the surface remains flat after installation.

Step #2: Start hanging drywall from one corner of the ceiling. Position the first sheet of drywall lengthwise on the joist. For your convenience, you can use a lift for this purpose or ask your friend to hold the other end of the sheet. Fasten the drywall sheet to the rafter with the help of the screws. There should be a gap of about 6 inches in between two screws. Make sure that the nail head just dimples the surface and does not break the surface paper. Keep installing the sheets in the same manner till the entire ceiling get covered.

Step #3: Once the drywall is installed on the ceiling, it's time to tape up all the joints formed by the ends of the two adjacent drywall sheets. It is advisable to use adhesive based fiber glass tape as it will help to carry out the task of taping at a much faster speed. Measure the length of each joint, cut the tape as per the length and press it gently with a knife along the entire joint.

Step #4: After taping, it's time to apply joint compound or mud over the joint tapes and nail heads of the drywall ceiling. Use a good quality joint compound for this purpose. Prepare the joint compound in a tray and apply it over the taped joint with the help of a knife in such a way that a uniform thin layer is formed. For the each of the screws take a small amount of mud and cover the entire screw hole properly. Do not use excess of joint compound as it will form ridges on the drywall surface. You have to apply at least 3 coats of joint compound. Apply each coat only after the previous coat has dried completely. Usually it takes around 24 hours for each of the coats to dry.

Step #5: The final step involves sanding of the joint compound. Make sure you start this task only after the compound is cured thoroughly. Run your fingers over each of the seams and the screws to identify the rough areas of the drywall ceiling and sand those surfaces to get a smooth surface. If you find any ridges have formed, remove them with the help of a knife. Wipe off the sanding dust with a clean piece of cloth. Wait for another 24 hours before you apply the first coat of primer.

There are different varieties of drywall available. Some of them use special materials that are fire rated while others are insulated or water resistant. In some areas, building codes and regulations permit use of only fire rated material. Check out if your area has any such restrictions before you install drywall ceiling. All the best!