Introduction
DIY home projects are more popular than ever, and drywall installation might seem easy to tackle. After all, what could be so hard about screwing a few sheets to the wall, adding some joint compound, and rolling on some paint?
Well, if you’ve ever seen a DIY drywall job gone wrong, you know it’s not that simple.
As a drywall professional, I’ve had plenty of homeowners call me mid-project, completely frustrated with their DIY attempts. One homeowner thought they could finish drywalling their basement in a weekend—three weeks later, they were still standing down bulky seams and uneven joints, trying to make the walls look smooth.
The truth is that drywall installation is more complicated than it looks, and mistakes can cost you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Before you pick up that drywall sheet, read this first!
What Does It Really Take to Install Drywall?
Before you decide to DIY your drywall installation, ask yourself these questions:
Do you have the right tools? Drywall requires more than just screws and a drill—you’ll need a T-square, utility knife, taping knives, joint compound, a sanding block, and possibly a drywall lift.
Do you have enough time? A professional crew can install drywall in a day or two, but a DIYer may take a week or more to get it right.
Are you physically ready for it? Drywall sheets are heavy and awkward to maneuver, especially for ceilings. Lifting them alone is a recipe for sore muscles and frustration.
Are you prepared for the finishing work? Hanging drywall is only half the job. Taping, mudding, sanding, and priming take just as long—if not longer—to get a smooth, professional finish.
Pro Tip: If your walls don’t look perfectly smooth before painting, paint won’t fix them—it will highlight every imperfection!
5 Common DIY Drywall Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Drywall
Why It’s a Problem:
Not all drywall is created equal! Using the wrong type in the wrong space can lead to mold, sagging, or safety issues.
The Right Way:
Moisture-resistant drywall (green board) for bathrooms and kitchens.
Fire-rated drywall in garages and near heat sources.
5/8-inch drywall for ceilings to prevent sagging.
Real-Life Example:
A homeowner once used regular drywall in their bathroom, thinking it wouldn’t matter. Within a year, mold had spread behind the walls, forcing them to tear everything out and start over.
2. Cutting and Measuring Incorrectly
Why It’s a Problem:
Messy cuts mean large gaps, rough edges, and a nightmare when taping seams.
The Right Way:
Use a T-square and a sharp utility knife to score and snap clean edges.
Measure twice, cut once—cutting drywall too big is worse than too small!
Pro Tip: When cutting for electrical outlets, measure carefully—it’s easy to overcut, leaving a gap that’s hard to patch.
3. Not Staggering Drywall Seams
Why It’s a Problem:
Lining up vertical seams on the same stud line creates weak points that will crack over time.
The Right Way:
Stagger drywall seams like a brick pattern to improve wall strength.
Plan the layout before hanging to minimize the number of visible seams.
Real-Life Example:
A homeowner once called me after their freshly painted wall developed a huge crack down the middle. Their mistake? All the seams lined up in one straight row—a disaster waiting to happen!
4. 4. Using the Wrong Number of Screws
Why It’s a Problem:
- Too many screws: Can weaken the drywall and create visible “puckering.”
- Too few screws: Causes sagging drywall over time.
The Right Way:
Place screws every 12 inches on walls and every 8 inches on ceilings.
Slightly dimple the screw head below the surface—don’t break the paper!
Pro Tip: Keep screws at least ½ inch from drywall edges to prevent cracking.
5. Rushing the Taping and Mudding Process
Why It’s a Problem:
- Applying too much joint compound at once creates lumpy seams.
- Not letting coats dry completely leads to cracks and peeling.
The Right Way:
Apply thin coats of joint compound and let each coat dry fully.
Feather out edges with a wide taping knife (10-12 inches) for a seamless finish.
Real-Life Example:
I once saw a DIY drywall job where the homeowner used one thick coat of joint compound, thinking it would save time. Instead, it cracked everywhere and needed to be completely redone!
Is DIY Drywall Actually Cheaper? The Hidden Costs You Didn’t Expect
Many homeowners think DIY drywall saves money, but here’s what they often forget:
- Buying new tools that you might only use once.
- Wasting materials due to measuring and cutting mistakes.
- Spending more on paint to try and hide a bad finish.
- Fixing costly errors—some DIY jobs require a pro to come in and redo everything!
Pro Tip: If you’re tackling a single small room, DIY might make sense. But for multiple rooms or ceilings, hiring a pro is often cheaper in the long run.
When to DIY vs. When to Call a Pro
Go DIY If:
It’s a small room or closet with easy-to-reach walls.
You’re patient and willing to learn proper taping techniques.
You don’t mind spending extra time sanding and finishing.
Call a Pro If:
The job involves ceilings, stairwells, or large rooms.
You want a flawless, high-end finish with minimal effort.
The drywall has water damage, mold, or structural issues.
Real-Life Example:
One homeowner DIYed their basement drywall but hired a pro for the finishing. The difference? The pro’s work looked seamless, while the DIY walls had visible seams and rough patches.
Conclusion: Should You Install Drywall Yourself?
Drywall installation isn’t impossible, but it’s harder than it looks. If you decide to DIY, take your time, use the right techniques, and don’t rush the finishing process.
Key Takeaways:
Plan your drywall layout before hanging sheets.
Measure and cut precisely to avoid gaps.
Take your time with taping, mudding, and sanding—don’t rush!
Hiring a pro may save you time and money if you want a professional finish.
Thinking about a drywall project?
Get expert advice before you start!
Call us today for a consultation! Whether you’re going DIY or need professional drywall installation, we can help you achieve smooth, flawless walls—without the frustration!
Let’s get your drywall done right the first time!