If you are here to find out if putting drywall on an uneven wall will fix that uneven eyesore, then read on. Here we answer all questions relating to putting drywall on an uneven wall and more!
Drywall can be put on uneven walls. To achieve this, ensure that the surface has symmetrical wall studs. You will also need to slightly level out the unevenness. Interestingly, to do this you wouldn’t need to completely redo the wall’s framework.
In addition to learning how to put drywall on an uneven wall surface like an expert, you will also gain an understanding of what preparatory steps to take. The tools and materials that you may need, and what steps to take when mounting drywall on an uneven wall, will also be up for discussion.
Can You Put Drywall on Uneven Wall?
You can put drywall on an uneven wall without having to do any massive reconstruction on the framework. However, take note that you may need to apply materials like drywall shims and glue on your uneven wall surface before putting the drywall on. This will help achieve a perfectly symmetrical look.
Drywall panels are held up by wall framework, which includes wall studs. Unless you take steps to correct the unevenness, uneven wall studs might cause the finished wall to appear unsteady.
To solve this problem, you have the option of using either:
- Drywall shims
- Drywall glue.
While drywall shims are suitable for correcting wall studs with an unevenness of 0.25 to 0.45 inches, drywall glue is recommended for mild unevenness. It is perfect for surfaces with an unevenness of 0.25 inches or less.
N.B: Using either one of these methods will get the job done. However, ensure you don’t use both shims and glue on the same wall stud, as it can make it more uneven and create a messy job.
Should You Put Drywall on Uneven Wall?
We recommend you put drywall on uneven walls if the unevenness isn’t more than a quarter inch or 5mm. However, when doing so, ensure you follow the right steps to avoid getting unsatisfactory results.
Here are a few things to consider before proceeding to put drywall on an uneven wall:
Check the Framework
The quickest and most straightforward technique to fix an uneven framework is to pound on the planks with a hammer before putting up any drywall. Then, you can tap these into place with some force if they need a little bit of tweaking here and there. To find out where to apply pressure, and by how much, use a tape measure and spirit level to measure against the nearby wall studs.
Check Wiring and Plumbing
Ensure that you shield any exposed electrical wires from nails and screws. You should tuck wires far back into switch and ceiling fixture boxes. Remove any insulation covering electrical boxes. Protect pipes and wires more than 0.75 inches from the edge of a stud with a nail plate.
Make Extra Drywall Panels Available
It is crucial to get the correct number of sheets required and purchase one or two extras for each room to accommodate any cutting errors. Once you do this, proceed to arrange the ceiling panels so that light fixture boxes and panel seams are 8 inches apart.
Ensure you stack drywall sheets on their edges and do not forget to place cut edges against corners; this way they can be hidden by trim or some other drywall sheet.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Drywall on Uneven Wall?
You will need a few key tools for drywall installation on an uneven wall. In addition, if the uneven wall needs to be smoothed down for the drywall to be perfectly flat, there are also tools for that. The list of tools required to install drywall on an uneven wall follows:
- Chalk line
- Drywall panels
- Drywall shims
- Staple gun with staples
- Drywall glue
- Circle cutter
- Drywall screw gun
- Hammer
- Aviation snip
- Drywall screws
- T square
- Tape measure
- Drywall lift (For high areas)
- Drywall saw
- Ladders and staging planks
- Utility knife
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Drywall on Uneven Wall?
The preparatory steps to putting drywall on even walls will depend on whether you opt to even out that wall using drywall shims or drywall glue. Here, we explain the preliminary steps to take for using one of these two wall eveners.
Preparatory Steps When Using Drywall Shims
Step 1: Draw a chalk outline from the furthest stud on one end of the wall to the furthest stud on the other. You may not need to take extra steps to ensure the evenness of the drywall if the chalk line makes contact with every stud, as this indicates that their placement is even.
Using drywall shims also helps to balance the studs if the chalk line only hits a few and completely misses others.
Step 2: Directly above each depressed wall stud, staple the drywall shims. If more drywall shims are required, install them one at a time after stapling the first one to the stud every 12 inches.
Step 3: Use the chalk outline to verify the studs’ evenness. You have enough shims inserted to begin hanging drywall after all the studs are in contact with the line.
Step 4: Hang the top drywall panels first, horizontally aligning them and securely overlapping them. Place drywall screws at 6 to 8 inches spacing along the panel’s corners and 8 to 10 inches spacing in the center. Each screw must contact a wall stud.
Preparatory Steps When Using Drywall Glue
Step 1: Begin by applying drywall glue to the studs at the point where the margins of the drywall panels will meet. Additionally, ensure you allow a bead of one-quarter inch space while doing this.
Step 2: Apply a half-inch bead of drywall glue to the studs below the midpoint of each recessed drywall panel.
Step 3: Place a drywall panel on the wall and attach it with drywall screws spaced at least 16 inches apart from the edge studs. Next, place two drywall screws onto each stud in the middle of the panel. For each drywall panel, follow the same technique.
How to Install Drywall on Uneven Wall
Installing drywall on an uneven wall is a simple step-by-step operation you can carry out on your own. We recommend you request the help of one more person to get the job done safely, especially when lifting the drywall panels and hammering the edges. As long as you have all the necessary tools and materials, mounting drywall on an uneven wall is quite easy.
Here are the steps on how to install drywall on an uneven wall:
Step 1: Measure and Cut Drywall
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Measure out from a corner diagonal to the straps or the joists to estimate exactly where the end of the first panel will rest. It should sit perfectly on a joist or strap piece at the center if it doesn’t cover the complete wall. Next, measure to the middle of the panel’s furthest support piece and mark the edges of the first panel using that measurement as a guide.
Step 2: Cover the Wall
To lift the first panel into a wall corner, you’ll require extra help. With one end tightly fastened to the wall, and the edges diagonal to straps or joists, insert five equally spaced screws into the joist or strap closest to the center of the panel while the help is holding it.
Step 3: Trim Around Windows and Doors
Put the panels in place, pressing the edges closely together. The end joints should be at least four feet away from the joints in the previous row.
The panels should be hung over the base of the window openings, making sure that the seams do not touch the corners. Trim any edges and ends that extend into window or door frames using a cutting tool or drywall saw. You can then fasten the panel onto the framework.
Step 4: Make Outer and Inner Corners
Put the end of one panel on the surface of the panel on the next wall at the inner corners. Set the first panel in the outer corners so that its end is even with the studs of the next wall. To completely sheathe drywall in the corner, you should overlap this visible part with the panel on the adjacent wall.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Inspect for visible screw heads after installing all of the drywall. If you come across any, carefully push them in just below the drywall panel’s surface. Additionally, search for screws that ripped into the paper surface by being driven too far.
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You should place a second screw next to any that have already pierced the paper. The room is now prepared for drywall finishing after you clean the floor and remove any debris.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 7, 2022.