I removed the drywall on my ceiling and the old strapping stayed on. As I pulled the drywall down, it loosened the strapping. I thought I would add a few screws and reuse it, but it would split at every screw (way too dry I guess).

So now I'm looking at replacing the strapping with new 1X3. My question is: does the type of wood matter?

I'm thinking spruce with (8)1.5" screws right into the floor joists. Does that sound right? Should I be using the nailgun with coats nails? Is a 1X3 too small for screws?

 

Welcome to the forums!

Have you tried predrilling the holes before using the screws?

Is the strapping necessary? could you install the drywall directly to the floor joists?

1x3 should be fine. Screws, hand driven nails and even a nail gun is fine -provided it isn't finish nails.

 

Why thank you!

I thought about predrilling, but then I figured I won't be predrilling when I put my drywall up, so the strapping would probably let me down then? And if we're talking about even predrilling my drywall screws, well I'm not 50$ tight on the project, I'd rather just save myself the time.

There are many "little" reasons I'm going for the strapping:

- They had the strapping there before, so I figured I'd trust their judgment.

- Some of the joists aren't 16inch apart as we get close to the wall... figured with strapping I could create myself a regular structure with the spacing how I want it.

- I'm adding some sound proofing insulation between the floor joists, if I have strapping there, it'll hold the insulation in place while I put up the drywall.

Maybe none of these reasons are enough to convince a pro, but seeing as the price of strapping doesn't bother me (and the time to put it up isn't an issue), I figured I'd make it easy on myself. Unless you're telling me I'll just be exposing myself to a different set of problems?

Thanks for your time!

 

I think mark was just wondering if you could save time and money by eliminating it. For the reasons you mentioned..you should probably keep it

You might want to go with 1 3/4" screws...I like more in the "attaching to" piece than in the "attached" piece.

 

Appreciating all the advice guys! 1 3/4" screws it is.

These forums are great! Makes me want to dump every question I've had lying in the back of my mind...

For instance: I've heard DIYers say before that for renovation jobs, it's easier to hang drywall vertically... I've never tried that before and I figured you'd have to be pretty sure you have a nice stud to meet on. But wow, it sure would be great to live in a world without butt joints! Opinions? Suggestions?

 

IMO it's better to hang drywall horizontally unless the wall is 4' long or shorter. Depending on lighting, a long wall of vertically hung drywall may appear wavy

 

If you are big and strong, go horizontally and use 16 ft 1/2" drywall. You will have very few butt joints and a real nice installation. You may want a helper.

Bud

 

16ft sheetrock? They make that? Man, that has to be a bear!