Chapter 1
Drywall Basics

Types of drywall
Wall & ceiling spacing of framing members
Maximum spacing for drywall fasteners

Fasteners
Fasteners selection guide
Panel edges
Nails & screw installation

Types of Drywall

Drywall is typically available in four-foot wide sheets of various lengths, commonly 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet. In some commercial applications, sheets up to 16 feet are used. Larger sheets make for faster installation, since they reduce the number of joints that must be finished. The most commonly used drywall is 1/2 inches and 5/8 inches thick, but can range from 3/8 to 1 inch thick. For soundproofing or fire resistance, two layers of drywall are sometimes used. Drywall in 5/8-inch thickness with a one hour fire resistance rating is also available.

The long edge of the drywall panel is tapered. The tapered edge makes it easier to tape and fill the joint between two pieces of drywall. When filled, taped and sanded, the surface at the joint will be as smooth and even as the board itself.

Drywall is then fixed to the wall structure with nails, or more commonly in recent years, screws. In some applications, the drywall may be attached to the wall with adhesives.

Best Possible Way to Fasten Drywall without Adhesive

Wall Fastener Pattern	Ceiling Fastener Pattern

Three drywall screws in the field	Four drywall screws in the field

When fastening drywall use nails on the perimeter and screws in the field. Screws are preferred because they will not come loose with time like nails. Don't be tempted to use drywall screws on the perimeter because they don't work very will close to the edge. Also it is essential that you drive the screw in straight. Crooked screws tear the facing of the paper and greatly reduces the holding power of the screw.

Avoid "Clickers"

Drywall nails and screw must be driven in the drywall properly so that when the joint compound is spread over them they are concealed. Drywall nails should have slight dimple of about 1/32 on an inch. Screws should be driven just below the surface. When set promptly, you should not hear a clicking sound from your metal taping knife when "spoting" them with joint compound.

Maximum Spacing for Drywall Fasteners

Fastener Type	Application	Maximum Spacing
Nails	Ceilings	7"
Nails	Walls	8"
Screws	Ceilings	12"
Screws	Walls	16"
Staples	Ceilings	7"
Staples	Walls	7"

Chart included for reference

The framing members must be properly spaced to support the drywall. Notice that the installation method effects the member spacing. For example, it you install 5/8 drywall on a ceiling perpendicular to framing members the maximum spacing is 24 inches; otherwise, if you install the same material parallel to the members the maximum spacing is reduced to 16 inches.

Wallboard Thickness & Maximum
Ceiling Spacing of Framing Members

Ceilings	Installation Method	Framing Member Spacing (o.c.)
1/2	Perpendicular	16"
1/2	Parallel	16"
5/8	Perpendicular	24"
5/8	Parallel	16"

Wallboard Thickness & Maximum
Walls Spacing of Framing Members

Walls	Installation Method	Framing Member Spacing (o.c.)
1/2	Perpendicular	24"
1/2	Parallel	24"
5/8	Perpendicular	24"
5/8	Parallel	24"

1-1/4"

6 x 1-5/8"

Use the Correct Drywall Screw

Most residential work requires coarse drywall screws as illustrated. Use the shorter screw for 1/2 inch drywall and the longer screw for 5/8 inch drywall. Fine drywall screws are available for metal stud applications.

Fastener Selection Guide

Drywall Thickness	Nails into Wood	Screws into Wood
1/4, 3/8	1.250	6 x 1.250
1/2	1.250	6 x 1.250
5/8	1.375	6 x 1.250
3/4	1.500	6 x 1.375
7/8	1.625	6 x 1.500
1	1.750	6 x 1.625
1.25	2	6 x 2

Drywall thickness includes multilayer applications

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Drywall Basics

Chapter 1 Drywall Basics

Chapter 1
Drywall Basics