Drywall is one of the most typically used materials in every home. Whether because of an accident, moving furniture, wear and tear, or kids jabbing something on the wall, your home’s drywall can be damaged, and no matter how beautiful the interior of your house is, damaged drywall is an eyesore! However, not every homeowner knows how to repair drywall, and calling a professional can be quite expensive. So if you are planning to take charge and do it yourself, read on for some tips for repairing drywall.

What is Drywall?

Drywall is also known as wallboard, plasterboard, or sheetrock. According to HowStuffWorks, it is a construction material used to create walls and ceilings. It’s also used to create many design features, including eaves, arches, and other architectural specialties. This is one of the most popular wall materials because of its easiness and quickness of installation. It is also durable and usually doesn’t need a lot of substantial repairs.

Tips for Repairing Drywall

Materials You’ll Need:

• Pencil and Level
• Square
• Utility Knife
• Scrap Wood for Nailers
• Philips Screwdriver or Electric Drill
• Wallboard Screws
• Scrap Drywall Patch
• Joint Compound and Drywall Tape
• Taping Knife
• Fine Sandpaper and Sanding Block

Repairing Drywall: Here’s How You Can Do It

1. Remove a rectangular section of the drywall larger than the damaged area and reach the edges of the studs on both sides. Mark cut lines with a pencil and a level. Use a square to make sure the corners are perfectly 90 degrees.
2. Cut the drywall with a drywall saw or a utility knife and a straight edge. Cut the nailers slightly longer than the opening, and fasten them to the studs with drywall screws.
3. Measure and cut a drywall patch with a utility knife and straight edge. If possible, use the removed piece of the drywall as a template. Position the new piece of drywall in the opening, trimming it with a utility knife. Fasten it with 1¼ inch drywall screws. Trim any loose paper or gypsum that projects above the surface with a utility knife.
4. Apply a coat of joint compound over all seams with a 6-inch taping knife. Embed paper joint tape in the compound by drawing the knife across the tape at an angle and squeezing out most, but not all, of the compound.
5. When the first coat dries, apply a second coat that extends 6 in beyond the first coat. After that second coat dries, scrape off any bumps or ridges, then apply a third coat. When dry, sand lightly with fine sandpaper. Clean the area you worked on after to eliminate dust.

Repairing drywall is pretty straightforward. You really don’t need a special skill or anything. Doing your own repairs can also save you a lot of money. What are you waiting for? Repair that hole in your drywall that you’ve been eyeing for so long! What would you like to see next? Leave a comment below!