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FAQs

• Introduction

  Drywall contractors add the finishing touches to a home or business' new construction or renovation project. These professionals attach sheets of drywall to the studs that form the framework of inner walls to create the wall. They typically also finish seams between sheets of drywall so everything is smooth and ready to paint.
  

  
  

  In addition to hanging drywall on walls, some drywall contractors also finish ceilings and apply decorative spackling. Most of the work performed by this type of contractor needs to be covered over to complete an interior renovation project. This might be done with either paint or a layer of wallpaper.

• How much do drywall contractors make?

  The median pay for a drywall installer is $48,830 per year. This breaks down to an average hourly wage of $23.47 for drywallers who work 40 hours a week year-round. Drywallers who offer specialized services, such as taping, earn a slightly higher average wage.

• How do you become a drywall contractor?

  On-the-job training is the typical route to becoming a drywall contractor. This can be done as part of an apprenticeship program or in a less formal work setting. Drywall contractors who own their own businesses might also take business management courses.

• How much do contractors charge to hang and finish drywall?

  Contractors charge either by the sheet for drywall projects or by the foot for custom projects. It typically costs around $30 to have each sheet of drywall installed. Custom drywall jobs are charged at around 50 cents per foot.

• Do you tip drywall contractors?

  Drywall contractors aren’t typically tipped for performing contracted work. However, if asked to perform tasks outside of the contract, it’s common to offer a tip for the additional services requested. It’s also okay to offer a tip if exceptional service was provided even if it isn’t standard to tip professionals in this industry.

• Can a painting contractor demolish drywall?

  Painting contractors don’t normally demolish drywall, but some contractors perform both services. Drywallers typically perform all the steps to get the wall ready for painting. Painters then take over and put the finishing touches on the walls.

• Do drywall contractors do trim?

  Drywall contractors don’t typically do trim unless they are also painters. This is because the trim is usually put in place after the paint has dried, and drywallers generally specialize only in installing and finishing drywall.

• Do drywall contractors need a license?

  Some states require drywall contractors to be licensed to work on either residences or commercial buildings. Some other states require drywall contractors to get a general license that covers both residences and commercial buildings. The individual installers who work for the contractors, however, don’t typically need to be licensed.
  

• Is it better to install drywall horizontally or vertically?

  The way drywall should be hung is based on the type of building in question. For residences, drywall should be hung horizontally. This requires fewer seams, hides uneven studs and makes it easier to finish the wall. For commercial buildings, drywall typically must be hung vertically to meet fire codes.

• What is the difference between a general contractor and a drywall contractor?

  A general contractor can work on almost any aspect of building or renovation while a drywall contractor typically only installs drywall. General contractors might do everything from framing to finishing, including adding interior decor elements. Drywallers are more likely to only do drywall and occasionally painting.

• How do you plan a drywall project?

  Take careful measurements. Sketch the area you plan to drywall, or use a computer program to calculate dimensions. Decide how to piece sections of drywall around doors and windows. Use these measurements to calculate how much sheetrock you need as well as how much seaming tape and spackle you need for the project.

• What tools are needed to complete a drywall installation?

  To complete a drywall installation project, you need tools for measuring, cutting, attaching, and finishing drywall. These include a drywall T-square, a jab saw, a utility knife, a drywall knife, a drill and drywall screws, drywall sanding sponges, and a sanding pole with sanding sheets.

• What steps are there to a drywall installation? 

  Six main steps are required to complete a drywall installation project. These steps include:
  

  1. Prepare the room: Get the room ready for drywall installation by clearing unnecessary things out of the way. If it’s a new building project, this might mean basics like sweeping debris out of the way or vacuuming dust out of outlet boxes. If it’s a renovation project, this can include decor elements. Remove things like trim and outlet covers as well as curtains.
  2. Hang the drywall: Measure the drywall using the drywall T-square and cut it to the desired size. Use the drywall screws and drill to attach the sheets of drywall to the framework. Be sure there’s a 1/2-inch gap along the floor line and 1/8-inch gap between each sheet of drywall. Additionally, stagger seams as much as possible.
  3. Tape the drywall seams: Apply mesh drywall tape over each seamline. Smooth the tape using a wide, flat drywall knife edge. Work with a small section of drywall tape at a time to avoid wrinkles in the tape. The tape needs to be as smooth as possible so it blends in and becomes invisible when you finish the wall.
  4. Apply joint compound coats: Use a drywall knife to spread one to three layers of joint compound over the drywall tape. With each layer, work to smooth the edges until it blends and there are no obvious lines where the tape attaches to the drywall. Finish inner corners by putting joint compound in creases and smoothing with the drywall knife. 
  5. Apply the skim coat: If there are any bumps or nail holes in the drywall, fill them with joint compound. After it has cured at least 24 hours, the level five finish known as skim coating can be completed. To do this, use painting gear to apply a diluted layer of joint compound then feather it out using a trowel or drywall knife. Skim coating can be performed on new drywall if there are damaged spots or to restore the appearance of older drywall.
  6. Prime and paint the wall: While priming and painting aren't standard parts of drywalling, they are required to finish the wall unless it’s being wallpapered or paneled. Check for rough spots and sand off anything that shouldn’t be there. Apply a coat of primer. Let it dry completely before painting the new drywall.