Drywall Butt Joints
#1
08-03-14, 02:32 PM
Join Date: May 2014
Location: United States of America
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Drywall Butt Joints
Had a french drain installed in my basement which required them to remove the bottom 12" of drywall. I have one unavoidable butt joint where the drywall was removed. When I hang the new piece, should I place the tapered edge of the drywall against where they cut, or the untapered side? I know butt joints are a little more difficult, and I am just not sure if 2 untapered edges are easier than 1 tapered and 1 untapered. Thanks.
#2
08-03-14, 03:56 PM
Member
Unless you are somewhat experienced, butt to butt will be easier to handle than a tapered to butt. Make sure any edges of the sheets are not frayed and or sticking up. Mud and apply your tape as thinly as possible. You will need to feather the joint out further than you would on a taper/taper joint. Hold a light tight to the wall and shine the beam across the joint to help you zero in on spots that need extra sanding. I always use a setting type compound for repairs as it drys by chemical reaction and not evaporation so you can proceed at a faster pace.
#3
08-03-14, 07:05 PM
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So I'm planning on bringing a professional in to do the mud because I would like it to come out as good as possible and I've got zero experience. So is a butt to butt easier than a butt to taper for a professional as well?
#4
08-04-14, 03:33 AM
It's always easier when 2 beveled edges or 2 butts meet up but a pro can handle any mixture. Probably the easiest method is to prefill the taper to make it level with the butt ...... but that does require more drying time, something the finisher may or may not want to spend time with, and he'll charge based on how much time he estimates the job will take [including return trip]
#5
08-04-14, 05:54 AM
Group Moderator
I would be more concerned about not having the tapered edge on the bottom where it would affect the baseboard. If you already thought of that, then disregard 
#6
08-04-14, 06:32 AM
I have done as Mark mentioned, prefill the taper, and it works, but that's been for myself, a friend, or whatever, when I could move on to something else and go back to taping a few days later. But as he also said, it's not a good solution when you're hiring it done. On the other hand, as Mitch said, having the taper down is going to affect the baseboard. A compromise may be, assuming that you are doing the finish work, put the taper down, and shim the baseboard when you get to that point.
