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Can You Put Drywall Over Brick? (How To)

If you want to add drywall to a brick wall, it is possible, but it requires some additional steps and consideration.

Drywall, also known as plasterboard or gypsum board, is a common building material used to create walls and ceilings in residential and commercial construction.

It is made of a sheet of gypsum plaster that is sandwiched between two layers of paper.

To put drywall over brick is possible, but it is important to properly prepare the brick surface and use the appropriate fasteners and adhesive to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. Any dirt or loose brickwork will prevent the drywall from adhering to the wall properly.

Modern living room with brick walls

To install drywall over a brick wall, follow these steps:

  1. Clean and prepare the brick surface: The first step is to clean the brick surface to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the drywall. Use a stiff brush or a shop vacuum to remove any loose material, and then wipe the surface down with a damp cloth.
  2. Install furring strips: Furring strips are thin strips of wood or metal that are used to create a flat surface for the drywall to be attached to. To install furring strips, you will need to screw them into the brick wall at regular intervals. The strips should be spaced about 16 inches apart and should be level and straight.
  3. Attach the drywall: Once the furring strips are in place, you can begin attaching the drywall sheets. Start by attaching the bottom sheet first, and then work your way up. Use drywall screws to secure the sheets to the furring strips, and be sure to countersink the screws so they are flush with the surface of the drywall.
  4. Fill in the seams: Once all of the drywall sheets are in place, you will need to fill in the seams between the sheets with joint compound. Use a trowel or putty knife to apply a thin layer of compound over the seams, and then smooth it out with a drywall knife. Allow the compound to dry completely, and then sand it smooth.
  5. Finish the drywall: After the compound has dried, you can finish the drywall by sanding it smooth and applying the desired finish. This could include painting, wallpapering, or texturing the surface.

To achieve a stable and long-lasting installation of drywall over a brick wall, it is critical to carefully prepare the brick surface and use the right fasteners and glue.

Should You Put Drywall Over Brick?

Modern living room with brick walls

While putting drywall over brick is possible and in some cases desirable, there are several issues that can complicate the job.

While drywall is a common choice for interior walls due to its versatility and ease of installation, brick is a durable and long-lasting material that can add character and charm to a space.

It’s possible to put drywall over brick, but there are several factors to consider, including the brick’s condition, the type of drywall used, and the installation process. Ensure that the brick surface is properly prepared and use the right materials to get a smooth and successful installation.

Here are some potential problems to look out for:

  1. Weight: Drywall is relatively lightweight, but brick is much heavier. If the brick wall is not properly supported, the additional weight of the drywall could cause problems. Make sure that the brick wall is properly supported and capable of supporting the additional weight of the drywall.
  2. Surface preparation: The surface of the brick wall should be smooth and even before installing drywall. Any irregularities or unevenness will show through the drywall, so it may be necessary to use a bonding agent or plaster to smooth out the surface of the brick.
  3. Fasteners: It can be difficult to find suitable fasteners for attaching drywall to brick. Traditional drywall screws may not hold well on the hard, dense surface of the brick. Specialty screws or adhesive may be necessary.
  4. Electrical and plumbing: If the brick wall contains electrical wiring or plumbing, it may be difficult to access these systems once the drywall is installed. Consider the location of these systems before installing the drywall and make sure that they can be accessed if necessary.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Drywall Over Brick

Tools for brick

To attach drywall to brick, having the correct tools helps you to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

To hang drywall on a brick wall, you need construction adhesive applied to the back of the drywall, masonry nails to hold the sheet in place, and a power tool such as a Hilti DX35 shotgun. To screw into brick, you will need screw anchors for concrete, a masonry drill bit, and a hammer drill.

Anchor screws, a socket set or socket bit for the drill, a screwdriver, and a piece of chalk will make your life a lot easier.

You may also need a level and tape measure to ensure that you have a smooth and level finish.

The construction adhesive is used to apply the drywall to the brick wall. For the adhesive to work properly, you will need to prepare the brickwork so that there are no loose pieces of masonry and debris and powder is removed.

The masonry nails are used to hold the drywall in place while the adhesive sets. Without the nails, the drywall would move, and the adhesive would not have enough time to dry.

The power-actuated tool is used to fire concrete nails into the brick to secure the drywall. This is preferable to using a hammer as the tool is far quicker and ensures that the drywall stays perfectly in place.

The screw anchors are used to secure the drywall to the brick wall, and the masonry drill bit is used to drill into the brick.

You can use either a regular or a hammer drill to drill the holes for the anchors, but a hammer drill is much quicker and you’re less likely to break the bits.

Use the socket set or socket bit to drive the anchors into the brick as doing it manually is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort.

The screwdriver is optional but can be used to secure the anchors if necessary.

The level and tape measure are used to ensure the drywall is level and properly positioned. This will help to make the finished surface look professional and requires less effort to skim and paint.

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Drywall Over Brick?

Modern living room with brick walls

If you want your drywall to adhere to the brick wall properly, it is important that you prepare the brickwork first.

Before you begin installing drywall over a brick wall, you should prepare the wall by filling any holes, dents, or cracks with vinyl spackle. This will ensure the surface is even and smooth. You will also need to purchase the right tools for the job, such as construction adhesive, and masonry nails.

A power-actuated tool will make quick work of attaching the drywall,  and you’ll need screw anchors, masonry drill bits, a regular or hammer drill, a socket set or socket bit, a screwdriver, level, and tape measure as well.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 9, 2023.

Additionally, you may need to install furring strips to provide a level surface on which to install the drywall.

Once these preparations are complete, you are ready to begin installing the drywall.

How To Put Drywall Over Brick

confused man standing

To hang drywall over a brick wall, you will need to apply construction adhesive to the back side of the drywall.

After applying adhesive, place the drywall onto the brick surface and press firmly to secure it. Predrill holes into the mortar joints and drive concrete nails into the mortar to secure the sheet. To cover the wall, cut out a hole for a window or door with a rotary cut-out tool.

After cutting the holes, apply drywall joint compound and drywall tape to the seams. Trim around doors and windows with a utility knife, then sand the joints and seams so that they are smooth.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 9, 2023.

Finally, apply two coats of primer and two coats of paint to the walls.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 9, 2023.

Can You Put Drywall Over Drywall? (How To)