Drywall Tips 3: Most Common Mistakes

Project Planning - Safety - Mistakes - Application - Angles Ceilings and Odd Shapes - Compound, Mud and Tapes - Repairs

While these pre-fabricated plaster wall panels are easy to install, repairing drywall can be a pain, so follow these drywall tips to avoid common installation mistakes. Doing so can help you avoid the cost and trouble of drywall repair. Also keep in mind that the single, most common error in any project is the failure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the tool or material being used.

1.    Neglecting to make provisions for insulation, ventilation, moisture control and wiring prior to the installation of drywall.
2.    Neglecting to install nail guards where wires or pipes run within the studs nails or screws will not penetrate.
3.    Placing seams at door corners.
4.    Contaminating the compound with debris or dried chips of compound.
5.    Not getting nailing pattern inspected (check local code before covering nails with compound and tape.
6.    Not having insulation and utilities inspected (check local code) before covering with drywall.
7.    Not sanding between layers of drywall compound.
8.    Driving nails too deep so that they break the paper on the panels.
9.    Not using drywall nails.
10.    Not sanding the final coat of compound to a smooth finish.
11.    Not butting two panels of drywall at the beveled factory edge.
12.    Dinging or damaging the edges of the panels.
13.    Not completely covering the tape with compound.
14.    Not applying the ceiling drywall before applying the drywall on the walls.
15.    Not butting sheets at a stud or rafter.
16.    Applying the drywall sheets with the wrong side exposed.
17.    Creating more seams than is absolutely necessary (i.e. using small scraps).