Tools and materials checklist
- 4-ft T-square and utility knife for scoring
- Rotary cutout tool or keyhole saw for boxes
- Cordless screw gun with dimpler bit
- 1-1/4 inch drywall screws (coarse thread for wood studs)
- Drywall lift or deadman for ceiling help
- Construction adhesive optional on ceilings
Hang ceiling before walls
Professional layout hangs the ceiling first so wall sheets support the ceiling edge along the top plate. Mark stud locations on the ceiling with a chalk line or stud finder before lifting sheets.
Use a drywall lift for ceiling work — solo attempts without a lift often crack corners or create uneven screw lines. Adhesive beads on joists reduce screw pops long-term when combined with screws.
Wall sheet orientation and seams
On 8 ft walls, vertical orientation places tapered edges on studs for easier taping. Horizontal orientation can reduce seams on long walls when using 12 ft sheets.
Stagger vertical seams between rows — never align butt joints on the same stud column on adjacent courses. Break joints like brickwork for structural stability and crack resistance.
Cutting and fitting
Score the face paper with a knife, snap the gypsum core, then cut the back paper. For outlet boxes, measure from the nearest installed sheet edge, transfer to the new board, and use a rotary tool for speed.
Leave a 1/4–3/8 inch gap at the floor — baseboard covers it. Tight floor contact draws moisture from concrete slabs on basement jobs.
Screw placement basics
Screws every 12 inches on walls, 8 inches on ceilings, 3/4 inch from tapered edges. See our screw spacing guide for field vs edge patterns and code references.