Drywall, a wall or ceiling finishing material, has a core of gypsum (plaster) sandwiched between layers of heavy paper, a finished surface and a rough surface. Drywall gets its name, as an alternative to plaster that is wet when applied. Known by a few terms and trade names, gypsum board, wallboard and Sheetrock (which is a trade name), drywall has become the standard finishing product for new home construction, as it is far less labor intensive and does not require skilled labor compared to lathe and plaster finishing.

Sheets of drywall usually have the long edges tapered in order to allow for taping and finishing the seams with drywall joint compound. The ends of drywall panels are not tapered and it is possible to purchase drywall having all the edges flat rather than tapered.

Drywall panels are available in four thicknesses; 1/4′, 3/8′, 1/2′ and 5/8′. Standard sheets of drywall are 4′ wide and 8′, 10′ and 12′ long, but they are also available in 6′, 7′ and 16′ lengths. You will pay a high premium for nonstandard lengths. Although the most common drywall sheets are 1/2′ thick, check with your local building department to verify the requirements in your neighborhood. If you are applying drywall to a finished surface, as a new surface finish you can use 1/4′ or 3/8′, however if it is the only material on the wall or ceiling you should use a minimum of 1/2″ if you have 16′ centers on your studs or ceiling beams and 5/8′ if you have centers that are farther apart than 16′. If you are wrapping a curved wall, you can use multi-layers of 1/4′ or 3/8′.

In order to wrap a curved wall, nail one end of the drywall in place. Use a water sprayer and moisten the sheet of drywall, slowly force the drywall to take the shape nailing or screwing as you go. Nails and screws, must not break the paper surface. Double screw or nail on the edges. When you have completed the first layer, you can add a second layer to create a minimum thickness of 1/2″.

For more information on using drywall, fasteners and taping follow the link below.

Author: Bill Prudehome

Drywall, Fasteners, Taping

For information on other home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Prudehome

Painting drywall is not a hard process, but it can be time consuming and a little picky. Because your drywall can be finicky, it’s best to first have the drywall hung by a trusted local drywall contractor in your local area. Once they have done their job as far as hanging your drywall and leaving you with a smooth, clean surface, you’ll be able to paint your drywall using a few easy, simple steps. Painting drywall can make a huge different in the atmosphere in your home, and is a cost effective way to renovate.

First, start with the right surface. This means that if it is new drywall hung by a drywall contractor, you must cover the screw indentations and any other seams that are not smooth. Get some spackle from your local hardware store and carefully cover them up with a spatula. Make sure to use a fine grit sand paper in order to smooth the spackle’s edges out.

Once they are completely smooth and hidden, you can continue. Buy good quality brushes and rollers that will help your painting go faster and look more professional. Make sure you consider the texture of the rollers when choosing them. Make sure to first apply a primer so that the paint will look smoother and more glossy when you apply it. Primers goes on quickly and will cut down on frustration later, so don’t skip it, especially if it’s brand new drywall.

Remember to use painters tape to mask off any areas you don’t want paint on, such as edges and doorways. This way you’ll ensure a mess free and easy application.

Author: Billings Farnsworth

Drywall Xchange (http://drywallxchange.com/) offers information on drywall contractors in Albany NY. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billings_Farnsworth

Handy homeowners who want to install their own drywall to finish basements or attics will benefit from a few basic tips before beginning this project. The first step should always be to check with local building codes to ensure that the drywall used is the appropriate thickness for the area. Measuring is another important step to ensure that the amount of drywall purchased will be the correct amount for the area requiring coverage.

Along with the drywall itself, it is also important to purchase enough supplies. This might include approximately seven pounds of nails, five gallons of joint compound and 500 feet of tape for 1000 square feet of drywall installed. When in doubt about how much to buy, it is always wise to consult with a professional at the store who can offer assistance with measuring and purchasing.

Once the correct amount of drywall is purchased and delivered, it will be time to begin the installation process. Many find that putting the drywall up is the easy part; taping the joints becomes infinitely more complex, however. In fact, some find that hiring a professional to apply the tape after the drywall is installed is a more cost-effective way to get a professional finish on a drywall project.

In this instance, the homeowner puts the drywall in place and fastens it to the frame with nails or screws specifically designed for this material. The professional contractor then comes in to tape the joints and provide any other repairs or installation as needed.

Drywall is an essential part of finishing a space in the home. Understanding how to purchase and install the material will help keep the cost down for many homeowners.

Author: Billings Farnsworth

Drywall Xchange (http://drywallxchange.com) are your drywall contractors in Albany NY. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billings_Farnsworth