DIY Network

Redoing the Den: How to Hang Quarter-inch Drywall Hang quarter-inch drywall over existing drywall to save time and money. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-109

The Glenn’s first step is demolition. Host Amy Matthews’s helps the Glenn’s strip their wood paneling and blast the moss off of the fireplace. Instead of removing all the old drywall, contractor Adam Berlin shows Dave how to use a thinner layer of drywall for a fresh look — while saving on materials and labor.

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Materials:

1/4" drywall
tape measure
carpenter’s pencil
power drill with drywall bit
drywall screws
drywall T-square
utility knife
keyhole saw
stud finder

Drywall Hanging Tips:

• Measure, mark and cut each drywall panel as you go as opposed to cutting the panels all at once.

• Always hang your drywall sheets perpendicular to the framing.

• Space drywall screws 12-16 inches apart to comply with building code.

• Quarter-inch drywall is thinner than regular drywall and requires a extra care to prevent breakage.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Safety Alert:

• Always wear protective eyewear when working with power tools.

Hanging 1/4" Drywall:

• With the existing drywall still in place, Dave and Adam measure and mark all the studs. Next, measure existing outlet holes and light switches (figure A).

• Transfer these measurements to the drywall with a drywall T-square (figure B).

• Dave cuts the holes with a keyhole saw (figure C), starting the hole at the corner of the mark with a small drill bit.

  Tip: Starting a pilot hole with a small drill bit in the drywall helps with any needed cuts.

• Dave takes the sheet over to the wall and places a screw at the first stud. Carefully place the new drywall over the thinner drywall to avoid breaking the paper on the existing drywall.

  Tip: The drywall bit for the 1/4" drywall allows you to sink the screws just below the surface without breaking the paper.

• With the drywall T-square and a pencil, draw a line down the drywall where the stud falls (figure D). Place a screw every 12-16 inches along the stud to secure the sheet to the wall (figure E). Dave and Adam cover the whole room in 1/4" drywall.

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

GUESTS :

Adam Berlin
General Contractor
Maverick Home Remodeling Inc.
Website: www.RenewTheHome.com