How to Hang Drywall on Ceiling
- 1). Check the area to be dry walled to ensure there is nothing that will obstruct placement of the drywall.
- 2). Mark the locations of ceiling joists on the wall studs just below the joists. This will allow for easy reference when you want to fasten the drywall.
- 3). Start your ceiling in a corner area. Apply adhesive on the ceiling joist where the first drywall sheet will be hung. Do not apply adhesive anywhere other than the place you are working on at the moment. The adhesive dries in about ten minutes.
- 4). Using a drywall lift, or a friend, place the drywall up on the joists where you placed adhesive. Make sure the drywall sheet is right in the corner. Tapered edges of drywall should face the floor and line up right beside the next sheet to go up.
- 5). Use screws or nails to fasten the drywall in place. Ensure you do not push the screws in so far that you rip the paper. A dimple is fine, as that will be filled in when finishing.
- 6). Place fasteners around the drywall sheet. Ensure they are 3/8" from all edges and spaced 7 inches apart along the edge. After the edges are fastened, insert screws into the interior of the sheet approximately twelve inches apart. Use the markings you made on the wall studs to follow the joist line. If you miss a stud, just pull the nail out and replace. The hole can be filled when you're ready for finishing. Continue placing drywall until you finish the first row.
- 7). Cut your next piece of drywall for the second row, using a straightening edge and a knife or drywall saw. Cut it so that it is half the size of the first sheets you hung. This will stagger the seams and allow for greater stability. You can use a chalk line to mark on the board and help you cut a straight line. Continue to hang as before, using adhesive and screws as you proceed. For sections that will cover a vent or light fixture, do not fully fasten the board. Cut a border around the fixture using a rotary drill or keyhole saw. Finish fastening the board once the opening is cut.
- 8). Continue fastening drywall sheets until the ceiling is hung. You are then ready to tape your joints and finish your wall.
