Doing a drywall project? Make sure you have the right supplies on hand to get the job done right. Here are the 7 essential drywall tools and materials to have for your next drywall installation or repair project.
Drywall Panels
The drywall panels themselves are obviously a critical supply. Drywall comes in different thicknesses, with 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch being the most common. 5/8 inch provides extra strength and fire resistance and is required by code for ceiling applications in most cases. For walls, 1/2 inch panels are fine in most residential settings. Drywall also comes in different widths, with 4 foot wide sheets being standard. Calculate how many full sheets and cut pieces you’ll need for the area you’ll be covering. Having extra panels on hand is better than running short halfway through the job. Get the right drywall for your project.
Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are specially designed to fasten drywall to studs or joists while allowing some flexing without loosening. They have sharp points to drive through the paper easily and wide threads to grip the drywall tightly. 1-1/4 inch screws are ideal for attaching 1/2 inch drywall to wood studs or joists. Use 1-5/8 inch screws for 5/8 inch drywall. Having the right size drywall screws is imperative so the heads sit flush with the panel surface without dimpling or popping through. Self-tapping drywall screws are probably easiest to work with. Pick up a few boxes to have plenty on hand.
Drywall Mud
Joint compound, or drywall mud, is used to cover seams and screw holes and create a smooth surface ready for painting. There are several types for different stages of the finishing process. For embedding joint tape, use lightweight setting-type compound. To fill seams and build up layers, all-purpose compound works well. For final skim coats and touch-ups, use lightweight topping or finishing compound. Having a variety will let you complete every drywall phase. Buy large containers for bulk areas, small ones for final touches. Don’t forget drywall mud for your drywall project.
Joint Tape
Used in conjunction with drywall mud to conceal seams, joint tape creates a continuous surface between panels. Paper tape is fine for most applications. Fiberglass mesh tape is stronger but harder to coat smoothly. In most cases, paper joint tape and setting-type compound to embed it is the best option for durability without a lot of build-up. Make sure to have enough joint tape for all the seams you’ll need to conceal.
Drywall Knives and Trowels
Applying joint compound and achieving a perfectly smooth finish requires the right tools. Keep an assortment of drywall knives and trowels on hand. A 4-6 inch knife is good for embedding tape. A 10-12 inch knife spreads wider and reaches seams easily. A 14 inch drywall trowel feathers seams smoothly. Have a few smaller knives for precision areas. A mud pan holds compound for large areas. Don’t forget knives – you’ll need them for every stage from start to finish.
Sanders
Once mud is dry, sanding creates an even surface for painting. Hand sanding blocks are indispensable for final touch ups. For large areas, power drywall sanders speed up the process. A pole sander can reach ceilings and high walls easily. Get a drywall sanding sponge to smooth between coats. Pick sandpaper suited to each job. From hand sanding blocks to power tools, the right sanders can save hours of labor.
Dust Masks and Eye Protection
Drywall dust gets everywhere during installation and sanding. Protect yourself with a good dust mask and safety goggles. Look for a mask with a rating of N95 or higher to filter out fine particles. Clear eye protection keeps dust out of your eyes while letting you see. Proper respiratory and eye protection makes drywall work much more comfortable and safe. Don’t forget them!
With these 7 essential drywall supplies on hand, you’ll be set to take on a variety of drywall installation and finishing projects. Quality materials like drywall panels, joint compound, tools, and safety gear are critical for achieving the smooth professional results you want. By purchasing the items on this list before starting, you’ll avoid headaches and delays from running out of something mid-job. With these drywall essentials, you can hang, finish, and sand drywall efficiently.
Drywall Panel Types
When selecting drywall for your project, you’ll encounter a few different options. Here’s an overview of common drywall types to help choose the right one:
Standard Drywall
The most common and affordable option. Good for walls and some ceiling applications. Comes in 1/2″ and 5/8” thicknesses.
Moisture Resistant
Treated to withstand moisture. Ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Helps resist mold growth.
Firecode
Designed to provide extra fire protection. Required by code for garage and ceiling installations. Often 5/8” thick.
Soundproof
Contains noise dampening materials. Reduces sound transmission through walls. Helps insulate rooms from outside noise or activity.
Mold and Water Resistant
Provides maximum moisture protection. Recommended for rooms with chronic humidity like shower surrounds. Resists mold and mildew.
Lightweight
Weighs less than standard drywall. Easier to lift and hang overhead. Good for ceilings. Not as strong for repeated surface impacts.
Consider where the drywall will be installed and pick the type best suited for the space and application. Having the right drywall for the job makes the installation go smoothly and performs better long-term.
Drywall Fasteners
Drywall screws and nails are specially designed to securely fasten panels while allowing for expansion and contraction. Here’s an overview of fastener types:
Drywall Screws
Sharp point pierces easily. Wide threading grips tightly. Philips or square drive. Designed for easy, reliable fastening to wood and metal studs. Most common fastener for drywall.
Drywall Nails
Ringed shank grips drywall tightly. Not as strong or reliable as screws. Often used for laminate drywall construction. Requires a special drywall nail gun.
Adhesive
Liquid adhesive applied to studs bonds panels in place. Used in some commercial installations but less common for residential. Allows fastening without mechanical fasteners.
For most residential drywall projects, self-tapping drywall screws provide the best results. They create a strong permanent bond and won’t loosen or pop like nails. Keep plenty on hand to fasten panels securely.
Joint Compound Types
Joint compound, or mud, comes in several specialized types for different stages of the drywall finishing process:
All-Purpose
A lightweight compound for embedding tape and concealing seams. Easy to spread. Good filler for gaps and repairs. Can also be used for final coats. A versatile go-to mud type.
Topping Compound
An ultra lightweight formula designed specifically for final skim coats. Spreads smoothly and dries fast. Provides a seamless surface ready for paint and texture. The best choice for finishing coats.
Setting-Type
Sets and dries chemically rather than by air exposure. Formulated to quickly embed joint tape. Creates a hard surface when dry. Tougher than air-dry compounds.
Dust-Resistant
Contains polymers that minimize airborne dust when sanding between coats. Helpful for finishing work in occupied buildings to reduce mess.
Joint compound is essential for transitions between panels. Have the right types on hand for each phase of finishing drywall.
Drywall Knives and Tools
A variety of specialized tools are used to install and finish drywall:
- Drywall Trowel – For applying joint compound to seams and smoothing large areas. Available in various sizes 10”-14”.
- Putty Knife – Smaller knives 4”- 6” for precision work filling corners and gaps.
- Broadknife – Flexible steel finishing knife to smooth final coats. Creates seamless transitions.
- Mud Pan – Rectangular pan with folding handle to hold compound and tools while working.
- Bazooka – Mechanical tool to quickly fill joints with compound. Saves time on large jobs.
- Nail Spotter – Small hand tool used to precisely fill nail and screw depressions. Creates a flat surface.
- Rasp – Coarse flat file used to aggressively sand dried compound. Removes high spots and imperfections.
Having the right assortment of drywall hand tools allows you to install and finish like a pro. Invest in quality tools for the best results.
Hanging Drywall
Installing drywall on walls and ceilings is one of the most physically demanding parts of finishing a building’s interior. Here are some tips for smoothly hanging drywall:
Measure Carefully
- Take detailed measurements and sketch a plan to determine how many full, partial, and cut boards you’ll need.
- Account for openings like doors and windows when calculating sheet layout.
Use Proper Support
- Drywall must be firmly fastened to studs, joists or other solid backing. Mark framing member locations.
- Install additional framing if needed to provide adequate support.
Lift Safely
- Get help lifting heavy full sheets into place. Use panel jacks and lifts to raise overhead easily.
- Wear protective gear like gloves, eye protection, dust mask and back brace to prevent injury.
Fasten Securely
- Use drywall screws, not nails, for best holding power. Screws should be placed 12” apart along all framing.
- Drive fastener heads just below surface without tearing paper or damaging core.
With good planning, helpers, proper tools and safe lifting techniques, the hard work of hanging drywall goes much smoother.
Embedding Joint Tape
Filling and concealing seams is one of the most important steps in achieving a perfect drywall finish. Here’s how to professionally embed joint tape:
Prep the Seam
- Lightly sand any high spots or protrusions so tape will adhere flat to both sides.
- Wipe away dust so joint compound bonds directly to drywall paper.
Apply Compound
- Use setting-type compound and a 4-6” taping knife to spread a thin layer along both sides of the seam.
- Spread 1-2” wider than tape width so it’s fully embedded in mud.
Center the Tape
- Place paper tape directly over joint, pressing lightly so it adheres in the wet compound.
- Run knife over tape again to fully embed it and remove air pockets.
Smooth Finish
- Apply a final thin layer of compound over embedded tape for a seamless finish.
- Feather edges so no ridges are detectable after drying.
Properly set joint tape is critical for crack prevention and a durable finish. Take the time to embed tape correctly before additional coats.
Applying Joint Compound
Joint compound smoothes transitions between panels and conceals seams. Follow these tips for flawless results applying drywall mud:
Prep and Fill
- Fill any gouges and indentations flush with surrounding surface before coating seams.
- Sand ridges, bumps and tool marks so mud will apply smoothly.
Spread Evenly
- Load knife or trowel evenly across entire surface to apply a consistent amount.
- Hold tool at a 45° angle and apply slight pressure to spread mud smoothly.
Feather Edges
- Use broader sweeping strokes as you spread compound away from the center to taper edges thin.
- Each coat should extend 2” wider than previous layer and blend seamlessly.
Clean Up Promptly
- Wipe any drips or splatters immediately before they dry. Mud dries rock hard.
- Rinse tools before compound dries to reduce clean-up effort.
Proper technique spreads joint compound evenly for a perfectly flat and smooth surface. Mastering mud application takes practice but is essential for flawless drywall finishing.
Finishing Drywall Seams
Completely concealing drywall seams and creating an invisible transition takes skill. Follow these steps for seamless results:
Let Layers Dry
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats, usually 24 hours. Rushing the process creates problems.
- Lightly sand each coat to remove any ridges or high spots before applying the next layer.
Build Up Thin Layers
- Apply two to three coats of joint compound over tape, expanding the feathered area each time.
- Thin layers dry faster and reduce the risk of cracks from thick build-up.
Finish with Topping Compound
- Apply a final skim coat with lightweight topping compound to create the smoothest possible surface.
- Extend final layer at least 8-12” past seams for flawless transitions.
Sand to Perfection
- Use a drywall sanding sponge for final light sanding to remove any imperfections and create a uniform surface.
- Be careful not to scuff surrounding drywall paper.
Completely concealing seams takes patience, precision and quality materials. But the results are worth the effort for a professional paint ready finish.
Filling Drywall Screw Holes
Fill holes left from drywall screws with compound to create a seamless wall surface:
Let Compound Dry In Holes
- Drive screw heads just below drywall surface without damaging paper.
- Allow compound from taping nearby seams to partially dry in holes first.
Fill With Light Coats
- Use drywall knife or nail spotter to apply 1-2 thin coats to fill holes flush.
- Allow complete drying between applications to prevent cracks or shrinkage.
Sand Smooth
- Lightly sand filled holes and surrounding area to remove any ridges once fully dry.
- Be careful not to scour drywall paper which may show through paint.
Spot Finish
- Finish with a thin coat of topping compound blended over area to create an invisible patch.
- Feather edges so no transition between hole and wall is detectable.
Taking time to properly fill holes results in walls free of visible screw indentations. A seamless surface ensures your paint job looks professional.
Preparing Drywall for Paint
Achieving a smooth blemish-free painting surface requires proper drywall finishing and prep:
Eliminate Surface Defects
- Fill any nicks, gouges and dents completely flush so they won’t show through paint. Allow compound to dry fully.
Sand Between Coats
- Lightly sand each layer of joint compound and finishing work to remove high spots and ridges.
Final Sand and Dust
- Do a final thorough sanding with 220 grit paper to create an ultra-smooth uniform surface.
- Wipe and vacuum away all dust which can create flaws under paint if trapped.
Spot Prime
- Seal repairs and filled areas with primer so textures match surrounding surfaces. This prevents variations in sheen or absorption once painted.
With proper finishing techniques and prep, you can achieve professional painter ready results. Correcting defects and smoothing the surface takes effort but pays off when the paint goes on.
Texture Options
Beyond just a flat paint ready surface, consider adding texture for visual interest:
Skip Trowel
- Uses broad, sweeping strokes with a drywall knife to create peaks and valleys. Provides depth and shadows.
Knockdown
- Spray applied texture that is flattened with trowel or knife to a bumpy orange peel type finish. A popular and versatile option.
Popcorn
- A heavily sprayed ceiling texture that leaves a bumpy cottage cheese like appearance when dry. Dramatic effect but hard to patch.
Swirl
- A trowel or brush is used in a circular motion through thickly applied compound to create loops and swoops.
Choosing a texture style is an aesthetic decision but requires proper drywall finishing for the base. Prep and prime first before applying specialty texture coats.
Drywall Repair Basics
Over time, drywall inevitably suffers dings, holes and cracks. Fixing them keeps your walls looking their best:
Locate Solid Areas
- Probe damaged drywall with awl to find solid drywall edges and backing to anchor repairs.
Cut Back Irregularities
- Use a utility knife to cut holes into clean, rectangular shapes making patching easier.
Support as Needed
- For large holes, screw in plywood or drywall scraps to provide solid mounting behind patch.
Measure and Cut Patch
- Hold piece of drywall over hole and outline its shape to create an identically sized patch. Cut with utility knife.
Secure Patch
- Glue edges of patch and secure with drywall screws driven into solid areas. Don’t overdrive screw heads.
With careful surface prep and proper backing, drywall repairs are undetectable once finished and painted. DIY patches keep walls looking pristine.
Safety Considerations
Drywall work involves dust, heavy lifting and other hazards. Protect yourself with these safety measures:
- Wear eye protection and N95 dust mask when cutting and sanding.
- Use back brace and get help moving heavy boards. Don’t overexert.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when applying joint compound and solvents.
- Handle knives and power tools with care to avoid lacerations.
- Use fall protection equipment if working on a roof or lift.
- Practice good housekeeping to avoid tripping hazards from materials and trash.
- Know how to safely handle and dispose of hazardous dust and materials.
Staying safe on the jobsite means returning home injury free at the end of the day. Make safety practices a priority to protect your health and complete your project successfully.
Cost Saving Tips
Drywall supplies and materials can add up. Use these tips to keep your budget on track: