Suggestions for Installing Drywall Corner Beads

Corners beads are applied to the corners of outside walls during the process of installing drywall to create a strong finish. There are different types of drywall corner beads available and the decision on which material to use will depend on the level of damage the corner is likely to receive and the budget you have for the task.

The Correct Length

Many people will be tempted to cut their first corner bead from a long length of the material and use the scraps on the next corner when installing drywall. This will weaken the corner beading of the subsequent corners at the point where the corner beads meet. Therefore in order to make the most of your corner beading, cut the full length of the corner from a new sheet of the corner beads each time and absorb the cost of the scraps.

Trial to Avoid Error

Even the most experienced people can mark a measurement wrong or make a cut slightly too short when installing drywall. As corner beading is a permanent fixture in the room, it is worth spending an extra bit of time to make sure that the length is correct before adhering it permanently to the wall. One tip is to cut the drywall corner beads and stick it to the wall using a pin so you can see that if it fits correctly.

Square or Rounded

Drywall corner beads are available in square and rounded. If you are unsure of which shape to have, then bear these instructions in mind after installing drywall. If the wall is going to be a child’s room, it is safer to use rounded corner beads as they cause less injury than a square corner. Second tip is if the edge of the wall is severely uneven, a rounded corner bead is much more forgiving. If neither of these is the case then choose a square corner bead as they give a cleaner finish.

Tools for the Job

Corner beading also comes in different materials, therefore you will need different tools at hand to cut them to the correct length. If you are using metal or vinyl corner beading when installing drywall, you will get a nice clean cut with tin snips. However, if you are using a composite corner bead, you will find the job easier with sharp scissors.

Screw Depth

Once the corner beading is installed, you will apply mud over the top to create an even finish between the wall and the corner beading. In order to make an even finish, ensure that the screw is buried deep enough in the drywall that it kinks the corner beading slightly. If the screw head was above the surface of the corner beading it will be difficult to cover with mud.

Screw Height

Corner beading has a series of holes and you do not need to place a screw through ever single hole. The general rule is that there must be one screw secured at every foot on each wall. In order to get a solid hold, make sure that screws on each side of the corner are at the same or similar height rather than alternating. A final tip is that there should be a screw at the very bottom of the corner beading and at the top as these are the areas most likely to pull away from the wall over time after installing drywall.