Question 1

What size drywall sheets should I use?

Accepted Answer

For 8-foot ceilings, use 4x8 sheets hung horizontally for fewer joints. For 9-foot ceilings, use 4x10 or 4x12 sheets. Larger sheets mean fewer seams but are heavier and harder to handle. Standard 1/2-inch thickness works for most walls; use 5/8-inch for ceilings and fire-rated applications.

Question 2

How many screws per sheet of drywall?

Accepted Answer

A 4x8 sheet typically requires 28-32 screws: every 8 inches along edges and every 12 inches in the field (center of the sheet). Use 1-1/4-inch coarse-thread drywall screws for 1/2-inch drywall.

Question 3

How much joint compound do I need?

Accepted Answer

Plan for approximately 0.05 gallons per square foot of drywall for three coats of finishing. A 4.5-gallon bucket covers about 90 square feet of total drywall area, including all three coat applications.

Question 4

Should I hang drywall horizontally or vertically?

Accepted Answer

Horizontally is standard for walls in residential construction. It creates a stronger joint (the tapered edges align), reduces the total length of seams, and places the midwall seam at a convenient height (about 4 feet) for finishing.

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