On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. … For walls 9 feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits. Fewer seams. Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%.
Likewise, Is it better to screw or nail drywall?
While nails tend to be more flexible and hold up better against shear pressure—or lateral force—screws have much better grip and tensile strength, which ultimately keeps drywall from pulling away from the studs. When it comes to holding power, screws simply can’t be beaten.
Also, How much gap should be between sheets of drywall?
Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall.
Moreover, Should drywall touch the floor?
3 Answers. Drywall should definitely not touch concrete as moisture will wick (ie flow up the surface as in a candle/lamp wick) into the drywall and encourage mold growth. 3/8″ should be sufficient – your prop up plan is not only appropriate, but a common technique used by drywallers.
Do drywall seams have to be on a stud?
Drywall Is Not on a Stud
All edges of all sheets of drywall must land on a solid surface such as a stud. A hanging drywall edge may work in the short-term, but in the long-term it can result in cracks and other serious wall issues. Sometimes, the drywall does not horizontally reach a stud.
How long should drywall screws be for 1/2 inch drywall?
When working with 1/2-inch drywall panels, use 1-1/4 or 1-3/8-inch nails or screws. When working with 5/8-inch drywall panels, use 1-3/8-inch or 1-5/8-inch screws. To properly secure drywall, the right number of drywall fasteners should be used.
What kind of screws go into studs?
Drywall screws are fully threaded screws for interior projects, such as securing drywall to studs. Coarse-threaded screws are for hanging drywall on wood studs, while fine-threaded screws work with metal studs.
Which drywall screws are best?
Coarse-thread drywall screws work best for most applications involving drywall and wood studs. The wide threads are good at gripping into the wood and pulling the drywall against the studs.
How many screws go into a 4×8 sheet of drywall?
How Many Screws Per Sheet of Drywall. Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.
How big of a gap can you fill with drywall mud?
Another situation that calls for filling is a drywall gap between sheets that’s more than about 1/2 inch wide. If you tape over a wide gap like this without filling it first, the tape will flex, and the joint compound covering it will chip away.
Should you sand between coats of drywall mud?
2 Answers. Yes, knock off any bumps between coats, but there’s no need to get it perfect. A screen sander on the end of a pole is the best tool for this job. And it goes without saying that you should minimize any bumps while the mud is still drying to avoid having to sand it later.
Should I drywall walls or ceiling first?
When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. This is the hardest drywall to hang, so get a partner and go slow.
Do you drywall walls or ceiling first?
Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. Check the ceiling for bowed joists using a 4-ft. level. Irregularities less than 1/8 in.
What happens if drywall doesn’t end on stud?
In situations where drywall is not able to be mounted to studs or other structural members, failure in the joint is likely. If you have no choice but to hang the drywall joints in between the studs, the best alternative is to install a new stud in between.
Is mesh or paper tape better for drywall?
Conclusion. In general, paper drywall tape is slightly stronger and more versatile, but mesh tape has a more manageable learning curve and better moisture resistance. At the end of the day, this contest comes down to personal preference: use the tape that you’re most comfortable with!
Can you use 1/2 inch drywall ceiling?
1/2-Inch-Thick Drywall
Half-inch drywall panels are the standard thickness for interior walls, as well as ceilings. These panels are easy to carry and hang.
Are you supposed to drill into studs?
You should not drill or screw deeper than one inch into a stud since electrical wires are typically run through the center of a stud. Another advantage of drilling a pilot hole instead of running a screw straight in is that if you miss the stud a small pilot hole is quicker and easier to repair.
Can I screw directly into drywall?
Simple Answer: NO – A screw directly into drywall will not hold. You need to use some type of picture hanging hardware to hang a heavy picture securely. The threads of a screw into only drywall, without an anchor, will NOT permanently hold in the drywall. It will just pull right back out sooner or later.
How much weight can a screw in a stud hold?
A screw in a stud can hold between 80 and 100 pounds. Be sure to distribute the weight across as many as you can. The easiest way to increase the amount of weight a screw in a stud can hold is to simply double up. If you have room for a second or a third screw, just add more.
Should I use #6 or #8 drywall screws?
Drywall only, please: Don’t use drywall screws for sub-floors, tile backing or other non-drywall applications. These denser materials can break the smaller #6 screw during installation. Use a #8 or larger for these jobs.
Can you use 1/2 inch drywall ceiling?
1/2-Inch-Thick Drywall
Half-inch drywall panels are the standard thickness for interior walls, as well as ceilings. These panels are easy to carry and hang.
Is mesh drywall tape better than paper?
In general, paper drywall tape is slightly stronger and more versatile, but mesh tape has a more manageable learning curve and better moisture resistance.
Should I use mesh or paper drywall tape?
Traditionally paper tape is used when finishing drywall joints. Most drywall tradesmen will say that paper tape is stronger than mesh drywall tape. Paper tape is better at preventing cracking along drywall seams. Paper tape folds easily and therefore is easily applied to corners to allow for crisp inside 90° corners.