This may be a loaded post but I'll do my best to keep it clear. We are in the process of finishing my basement. I have found a mudder/taper who comes with high reviews. I have done all of the work in my basement myself thus far (framing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing) and have had all of the proper inspections done by city and state. This particular guy doesn't hang drywall so that's on me, which comes with some questions I'm looking for answers/advice on. All rock will be 1/2" ceiling & walls and 4'x8' sheets due to access to basement.
​1) Horizontal or vertical? Or is this situation dependent? The majority of my outside walls have a framed out half wall. This wall is 37". From wall to ceiling is 60". As you can tell ny ceiling is 8'1". I believe it would make the most sense to run vertical with these walls as a 4x8 sheet can run the lower and cut the remaining for the upper.
2) With 4x8 sheets running vertical in these areas, do I need to install any sort of blocking for vertical seams between 16" studs?
3) For the bathroom, I will be installing cement board where the shower stall will be. Do I need to put mold resistant sheetrock in the rest of the bathroom or is regular rock OK?
4) I've read a lot of varying opinions on screw placement for drywall. Is there one specific way that is generally recommended?

Sorry for all of the information and questions. I just want to make this as easy and smooth on this guy as possible. Thank you!

 

So if you have a guy installing why all the questions?

Usually for basements the size and direction are more dependent on the physical size of sheets that you can get down there. The whole intent of larger sheets is to eliminate as many joints as possible.

As for any blocker, if your framing is right on they nothing else is needed.

Regular drywall for the bathroom is fine.

As for the screws, just get them into the studs. Remember, the screws are there to hole the drywall until the glue sets up, don't shortcut the glue!

 

@ Marq1 - He has a taper. He has to install the drywall.

Nobody in my area uses glue for drywall unless there is no way to get screws installed, or if they are installing multiple layers of drywall. Screw placement is typically 12" apart.

Running the drywall vertical will give you no butt joints but it will give you more seams. Vertical seams are easier to tape as the joints are tapered. The vertical seams need to land on a stud.

 

I find that interesting, without glue you are prone to excessive nail pops!!

 

That does not seem to be an issue around here. Although, I almost never see people using nails anymore. Only screws.

 

Glue is normally used so the screw spacing can be longer, at least that's how I've seen it done in the southeast.
Regular drywall is ok. If I was to use mold resistant I'd use it on the entire basement.

 

Thanks for the quick replies! Yeah, like I said, he comes highly recommended and only does the finishing. I've had two other quotes from guys who insist on hanging drywall and they were right around $4-5k for this 1,000ft area. I don't mind hanging myself as I've done everything else up to this point. I've never heard of using glue myself and don't think that's common around here.