Question 1

How many sheets of drywall do I need?

Accepted Answer

Calculate drywall needs by measuring wall and ceiling area, then dividing by sheet size. Standard drywall sheets are 4×8 feet (32 sq ft), 4×10 feet (40 sq ft), or 4×12 feet (48 sq ft). For walls: Measure room perimeter × wall height. For an 12×15 room with 8-foot ceilings: (12+15+12+15)×8 = 432 sq ft of wall area. Divide by 32 sq ft per sheet = 13.5 sheets, round up to 14 sheets. For ceilings: Measure length × width. 12×15 = 180 sq ft ÷ 32 = 5.6, round up to 6 sheets. Total needed: 20 sheets. Always add 10-15% extra for cuts and mistakes - order 22-23 sheets. Use longer sheets (4×12) when possible to reduce seams and speed installation. For 9 or 10-foot ceilings, 4×10 or 4×12 sheets eliminate horizontal seams. Professional tip: Position sheets horizontally on walls when possible to reduce seams. Account for thickness: 1/2" for walls and ceilings over 16" joist spacing, 5/8" for fire-rated walls, ceilings over 24" spacing, or superior soundproofing.

Question 2

Can I install drywall myself or should I hire a professional?

Accepted Answer

DIY drywall installation is feasible for small projects but professional work shines on larger jobs. HANGING DRYWALL (moderate DIY difficulty): Physically demanding - sheets weigh 50-75 lbs, ceiling work requires helper or lift rental ($40-$80/day), requires basic tools (drill, drywall saw, utility knife, T-square), forgiving of minor mistakes (covered by mud/tape). DIY savings: $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft on hanging labor. TAPING AND MUDDING (difficult DIY): Steep learning curve - visible imperfections after painting, requires 3-4 coats over several days (drying time between coats), proper technique crucial for smooth finish, sanding creates massive dust, professional results difficult to achieve. DIY savings: $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft but quality often poor. WHEN TO DIY: Small projects (single room, closet), walls only (ceilings very difficult), not visible in main living areas, you have helper available, accepting imperfect results okay, and you have time (count on 3-4x longer than pros). HIRE PROFESSIONAL FOR: Main living areas (living room, kitchen, master bedroom), ceilings (professional lift and technique required), large projects (whole house, basement finishing), desire for perfect smooth finish, textured finishes (knockdown, orange peel), complex layouts (vaulted ceilings, angles, arches). HYBRID APPROACH: Many homeowners hang drywall themselves (save $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft) then hire professionals for taping and finishing ($1-$2 per sq ft). This captures easy savings while ensuring professional finish quality. COST REALITY: 1,000 sq ft project - Full DIY $1,000-$1,500 (materials only, 60-100 hours labor), Hybrid approach $2,000-$3,000 (hang yourself, professional finish), Full professional $2,500-$4,500 (done right, warranty included, finished in 3-5 days).

Question 3

What thickness drywall should I use?

Accepted Answer

Drywall thickness affects strength, sound dampening, and fire resistance. Standard residential options: 1/4" (6mm) - SPECIALTY USE ONLY: Curved walls and archways, covering damaged plaster, double-layer applications over existing drywall. NOT suitable for standard walls. Costs $10-$15 per sheet. 3/8" (9mm) - LIGHT DUTY: Repair work, covering old plaster or paneling, walls over 16" on-center studs in low-traffic areas. Adequate but minimal choice. Costs $11-$16 per sheet. 1/2" (12.7mm) - STANDARD RESIDENTIAL: Most common choice for walls and ceilings with 16" on-center framing, adequate strength and sound dampening, meets most building codes, best value at $10-$18 per sheet. Use for: Interior walls, ceilings with 16" joist/truss spacing, most residential applications. 5/8" (15.9mm) - PREMIUM / FIRE-RATED: Required for fire-rated walls (garage walls, multi-family units), ceiling with 24" on-center framing, superior sound dampening (bedrooms, bathrooms, media rooms), more dent-resistant for high-traffic areas. Costs $13-$22 per sheet. SPECIALIZED TYPES: MOISTURE-RESISTANT (green board/purple board): Same thickness as standard (1/2" or 5/8") with water-resistant paper facing, costs $12-$20 per sheet. Use in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements. NOT WATERPROOF - use cement board or fiber-cement board for shower surrounds. MOLD-RESISTANT: Paperless or treated paper prevents mold growth, costs $15-$25 per sheet, ideal for basements and high-humidity areas. SOUNDPROOF/TYPE X: Denser gypsum core, better sound dampening (STC ratings), same 1/2" or 5/8" thickness, costs $15-$25 per sheet. RECOMMENDATIONS: Standard interior walls: 1/2" regular drywall, Ceilings 16" spacing: 1/2" drywall, Ceilings 24" spacing: 5/8" drywall, Fire-rated walls: 5/8" Type X, Sound-critical rooms: 5/8" soundproof or double-layer 1/2", Bathrooms: 1/2" or 5/8" moisture-resistant, Garage walls: 5/8" Type X (fire code).

Question 4

How long does drywall installation take?

Accepted Answer

Drywall timeline depends on project size, complexity, and whether doing DIY or hiring professionals. PROFESSIONAL TIMELINE: Small room (150 sq ft walls/ceiling) - 1-2 days total (hang same day, tape/mud/sand over 2-4 coats with drying time). Average bedroom (400-500 sq ft) - 2-3 days (hang 4-6 hours, finish in 2 days with overnight drying). Whole basement (1,000 sq ft) - 4-7 days (hang 1-2 days, finish 3-5 days). Entire house interior (3,000 sq ft) - 10-15 days with 2-3 person crew. DIY TIMELINE (first-time DIYer): Small room - 3-5 days (8-12 hours hanging, 15-25 hours taping/mudding/sanding over multiple days). Average bedroom - 5-8 days (12-20 hours hanging, 25-40 hours finishing). Larger projects - multiply by frustration factor (mistakes, learning curve). Count on 3-4x longer than professionals. PROJECT PHASES: Day 1: Hanging drywall on walls and ceilings. Day 2: First coat of joint compound (taping coat). Day 3: Second coat (filling coat) after first coat dries (8-24 hours). Day 4: Third coat (finish coat) after second coat dries. Day 5: Light sanding and touch-ups. Final: Prime and paint (separate timeline). DRYING TIME CRITICAL: Joint compound needs 8-24 hours drying between coats (longer in cold/humid conditions). Rushing drying causes cracking, poor adhesion, and visible seams. Lightweight compound dries faster than all-purpose. Ventilation and heat speed drying. FACTORS ADDING TIME: Textured ceilings add 1 day, complex layouts (angles, curves, vaults) add 30-50%, repairing damaged areas before hanging, combining with other work (electrical, plumbing, insulation) - these must happen first, and cold weather (below 50°F compound doesn't dry properly, may need heating).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many sheets of drywall do I need?

Can I install drywall myself or should I hire a professional?

What thickness drywall should I use?

How long does drywall installation take?