
Does it matter if you drywall ceiling or walls first?
Yes, you should install drywall on the ceiling before the walls for multiple reasons: The drywall on the walls can support the ceiling pieces You can create tight and fitted corners more easily The pieces are easier and faster to work with from the top
How do you install drywall on a ceiling?
The Proper Sequence for Installing Drywall on the Ceiling & Wall
- Ceiling Panels. The general rule for hanging ceiling drywall is to install the largest panels you can handle. ...
- Using a Lift. To save your neck, arms and back, use a drywall lift when installing panels on the ceiling. ...
- Wall Panels. ...
- Attaching Drywall Panels. ...
- Minimizing Butt Joints. ...
How do you hang drywall on a ceiling?
When framing outside corners:
- Cut a piece of drywall long so that it hangs over the corner.
- Trim it with a spiral saw after it’s in place.
- Hang the abutting panel, leaving it long, and trim it to create a tight, well-fitted corner.
- Protect the corners with metal corner bead. A bead that is a bit long will kink when you fasten it. ...
What can you use instead of drywall?
What can I use instead of drywall?
- Wood Planks.
- Plastic Panels.
- Plywood.
- Veneer Plaster.
- Pegboard.
- Lath and Plaster.
- Wahoo Walls.
- Textured Wall Panels.

1. Eliminates Mistakes
When learning how to drywall wall to ceiling, you have to know how to start.
3. Easier To Line Up
A common issue with setting up drywall on the ceiling has to do with the alignment.
Why hang drywall on the ceiling first?
Hanging drywall on the ceiling first has been long practiced by contractors because it has proven to produce the most successful results .
What happens when you push drywall up against the ceiling?
When the wall pieces are pushed up against the ceiling drywall during installation, some of the pressure on the drywall caused by gravity is relieved. The wall pieces are kept firmly in place by their own fasteners and taping with less gravity acting against them in their vertical positioning.
Why do you need to put drywall first?
The primary reason that you want to start with the ceiling pieces first in installing drywall is for additional support. When you attach the ceiling sheets first, you can reinforce them with the wall pieces which will serve as a source of stability. The ceiling sheets will be further pushed into place and can put their weight on the wall pieces.
How to make a strong ceiling?
You want to ensure there is as much support as possible to keep the ceiling intact and supported. Reinforcing the ceiling drywall with the walls is one of the best ways to create strong support.
What is the outermost layer of drywall?
The drywall may be the outermost layer in the room where you will want the edges and corners to have clear lines. Inconsistencies and gaps are eliminated when the wall pieces are pushed against the ceiling. While you want these pieces to be tight against one another, making sure the joints are not too tight.
What is drywall foundation?
Drywall is the main component of the foundation of the ceilings and walls in homes and buildings. You want this foundation and construction to be strong and reliable so that it does not get damaged and remains sturdy. The order in which you install this drywall can have a large impact on both its reliability and durability.
How much space between drywall sheets?
Make sure there is enough space between your sheets to prevent these problems. It is suggested that you keep a 1/8-inch space, and this can be done with a guide.
Why do you do the ceiling first?
Doing the ceiling first is for fire safety. Fires go up, if you do the walls first then the vertical gaps left when you do the ceiling allow fires to directly heat the beams. If you do the ceiling first the gaps are horizontal and help control the spread of fire.
What happens if you do the walls first?
If you do the walls first, you can end up with drywall that is unsupported along an entire edge.
Can you float drywall without walls?
You would not be able to do this without the walls holding up the drywall. By allowing ceiling to float you are gaining extra flexibility in the ceiling. Long-term this means less cracks in your ceiling and less cracks in the top corner. This is especially true for ceilings that are unfinished above (has attic above).
Does it matter which drywall you put first?
If you add blocking; or some other framing, it shouldn't matter which you drywall first.
Should I put the ceilings up first?
There are many reasons to put the ceilings up first. I can't think of one not to. Most construction is time tested over years. It is unwise to go against the flow else your jobs become problematic. I have found that out the hard way many times. So stick with the program.
Can you use sheetrock in the wall?
This is usually done by putting a piece on the flat (the larger dimension facing what is going to be nailed to it). I would not recommend using the sheetrock in the wall to support the sheetrock on the ceiling as there is still nothing stopping it from pushing upwards. You must be conscientious of the sheetrockkng and sheathing while framing.
How long should drywall be on a ceiling?
The general rule for hanging ceiling drywall is to install the largest panels you can handle. Standard panels come in 4-foot widths and 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths. The long sides of the panels feature mild bevels, but the ends of the panels are blunt.
How thick are drywall shims?
The shims are thin, less than 1/8-inch thick, but they create a very slight slope toward the joint.
Can you hang drywall before hanging?
You’ll get the best results by following the installation sequence used by the pros. Always install ceiling drywall before hanging the wall panels.
What Type of Drywall is Best for Ceilings?
If you don’t require the room your drywalling to be soundproofed, and it’s not a bathroom, laundry room, or other room where moisture is an issue, using 1/2″ thick lightweight drywall is definitely the way to go for a ceiling.
How Many Screws Do You Need to Hang Ceiling Drywall?
Aside from installing your wall drywall after your ceiling drywall, you also want to make sure that you’re using enough screws.
Do You Need Longer Screws to Hang Drywall on the Ceiling?
As for screw length, the industry standard is to use screws that are 50 percent of the length penetrating the framing members. This is regardless if it’s in the wall or ceiling.
Can You Put Drywall Over an Existing Ceiling?
If you have a ceiling that’s uneven, sagging, loose, or covered in thick, bad popcorn texture and want to fix it, it may turn out that the labor involved in refurbishing that existing ceiling will make the job more expensive than it’s worth .
Do You Drywall the Ceiling Before the Walls?
Yes, the ceiling drywall is always installed in a room first. This is so the drywall panels for the wall can then be pushed up tight against the ceiling panels, supporting the edge of the ceiling panel while also creating a joint that is less likely to crack later.
How to raise drywall panels to ceiling?
Build a T- brace if you’ll be working alone or without a lift. A T-brace will provide the leverage and support needed to raise the drywall panels to the ceiling when you're working alone. Use a 2 feet (61 cm) piece of 1x4 and nail it to a 2x4 that is long enough to be 1 foot (30 cm) higher than the length from the floor to the ceiling.
What to check before installing drywall?
Before you install the drywall, check to make sure electrical wires, ductwork, protruding pipes, and other obstructions won’t be in your way.
How high is a ceiling?
Standard ceiling heights are finished out at roughly 8 ft. precisely with one sole plate (bottom) and two top plates, and an unfinished wall will stand at 97 1/8". Your height could vary slightly based on imperfections in materials or the thickness of the drywall used. Any uncovered wall should exist at the bottom of the wall, and should ultimately be covered by trim/base moulding. This is usually no more than 1/2" to 7/8". Always button the top of your sheeting tight and leave the gap at the bottom if there is one.
What is the best way to cover popcorn ceilings?
Installing ceiling drywall is the best way to cover popcorn ceilings and other imperfections.
How long does it take for drywall adhesive to dry?
Drywall adhesive dries within 15 minutes, so make sure you’re ready to begin placing the drywall as soon as you apply the adhesive.
Why do you need to install furring strips on framing?
Install furring strips to the framing in order to create a flat, even surface for drywall installation around these obstacles as necessary.
How thick is drywall?
Drywall is available in a variety of thicknesses. The recommended thickness is 5⁄8 inch (1.6 cm) for ceiling installation. Special 1/2 in ceiling board is also available. If the installation is to be inspected, the inspector can tell you what is acceptable.
Can you use 4 foot sheets on a 10 foot wall?
Though it varies with situation, generally it's best to install wall sheets horizontally, using as long of sheets as you can handle. When using 4-foot-wide sheets with a 9 or 10 foot wall, opinions vary as to whether the narrow strip should go near the floor or near the ceiling. Placing the narrow strip near the ceiling is helpful if all of your wall switches are below the 4-foot line -- no cutting for switches or outlets is required in the upper sheets.
Can you run drywall horizontally?
I always run drywall on the walls horizontally. That way you can tape and mud it comfortably versus standing on a ladder.
