Hanging Drywall on a Corner

Hanging drywall on a corner can be somewhat trickier than the rest of the drywall installation. The key is to prevent screwing the drywall sheets in place with too-wide gaps at the corners. Not only are clean corners aesthetically pleasing, they can add to the overall stability of the drywall. Drywall corners require more attention to detail than is the case with the rest of the drywall panels. Part of good drywall corner installation involves proper and effective use of a drywall lift, which is a tool designed to make handling and placing drywall panels easier. It is often more effective when two people use it together to get a panel into place. Flattening and correctly smoothing drywall corners prevents bumps that can be unsightly and call attention away from the rest of the room.

Step 1 -- Use Drywall Lifter

Set the bottom edge of the first corner drywall panel firmly against the drywall lift and use it to leverage the panel as flush as possible against the edge of the ceiling. It is usually much easier to have a helper hold the drywall lift up while you screw the panel in place with the drywall screws and cordless drill.

Step 2 -- Add Second Drywall Panel

Once the first panel has been secured as snugly against the ceiling as possible, you will need to push the second panel as flush with the edge of the first as it will go. Once this is accomplished, drive a drywall every 8 to 10 inches into the drywall and into the underlying wall structure.

Step 3 -- Add Joint Plaster and Drywall Tape

On both sides of the wall corner, apply a layer of joint compound with your paint brush. Cut a length of drywall tape the same length as the corner and wide enough to cover both sides. Press the tape firmly into the corner, smoothing it down along the way with the flat end of your drywall knife. When the tape is completely in place, apply 2 to 3 overlying coats of joint plaster. Allow each coat about 30 to 40 minutes to dry before spreading on the next one.

Step 4 -- Add Corner Bead

Beginning at the outside corner, secure a strip of corner bead to the outside wall corner. A corner bead is a piece of hardware that is designed to seal drywall outside corners. It is generally a thin vinyl L-shaped piece of material. Corner beads come with screw holes that allow easy attachment to the corner with standard drywall screws. 

Step 5 -- Seal and Sand Corners

Apply joint plaster over the corner bead in 2 to 3 coats, allowing each the same amount of time to dry. Inspect the drywall corner carefully for any bumps or uneven spots. Fill in any small cracks or gaps with additional plaster. Once all plaster is completely dry, sand the drywall corner smooth with medium-grade sandpaper and wipe away any sanding dust.