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Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer to the task, can be done by the homeowner. However, it is usually best done with two or more people as it requires significant lifting of heavy material. Mudding and Taping can also be performed by the homeowner, however these tasks require some practice and artistry.

Measuring and Ordering Drywall

Prior to actually hanging the drywall, the material first needs to be ordered and delivered. To determine how much material to order, measure all of the surface area, starting with the ceilings and then the walls. Calculate the total square feet and divide by 32. The result should give you the number of 4x 8 sheets of drywall required for the job. I would also recommend adding another 5-10% to this figure to account for inefficiencies. Drywall does come in larger sheets, such as 4x12, however for a Do-it-Yourself homeowner these larger sheets can become unwieldy and maybe even impossible to bring into the existing home.

For bathrooms or other moist areas Greenboard should probably be used as this material is moisture resistance.

For bathroom areas where ceramic tile is to be applied, e.g. Shower/Bathtub areas, Concrete board should be used. The concrete board is also referred to as Wonderboard or Durock.

Joint Compound and Fiberglass tape will also be required for Taping and Mudding. Joint Compound typically comes ready-mixed in 5 gallon containers. I would suggest 1-2 containers per 500 square feet of drywall. Fiberglass tape is quite inexpensive so I would suggest picking up 2 to 3 roles for most Do-it-Yourself drywall projects.

Drywall screws or ringed nails will also be required. Typically I use 1.25 length screws or nails. Also, strips of corner bead will be required.

Drywall Tools

Prior to starting drywall installation, you need to obtain the proper tools. A Drywall Lift really comes in handy when hanging sheetrock/drywall on the ceilings. You can rent Drywall Lifts at hardware or home improvement stores. If your budget does not allow for this cost, Jacks (or Ts) can be made out of 2x 4s. The Jacks (or Ts) should be of a length such that they are just an inch or two taller than the height of the ceiling and have a cross beam that is approximately 3 in width. Usually there are a couple of 45o angle braces connecting the crossbar to the main stem of the Jack. The Jack can then be used to hold up the drywall to the ceiling while it is screwed/nailed into place.

In addition to the Lift or Jacks, a drywall screw gun, hammer, T-square, carpenters knife, drywall saw and a keyhole saw are required. The keyhole saw is used for cutting around electrical boxes.

If mudding and taping are to be performed then Taping knifes, a Corner knife, sand paper, a pole sander and a Mud easel or pan will be necessary. For the taping knifes you will need a 6 wide blade and a 12 wide blade.

Preparing the site for Drywall

Prior to hanging the drywall, make sure the building inspector has first approved the Framing, Plumbing, Electrical and Insulation jobs. Secondly, a vapor barrier should be applied over the insulation on the outside walls if un-faced insulation was installed. Frequently sheets of plastic are used for creating the vapor barrier. The plastic is simply stapled to the framing, covering the insulation.

Finally, inspect all of the framing carefully. Ensure that nailers (e.g. 2 x 4s) are existent at each corner and header, that the framing is straight, and that the framed walls create smooth planes. In addition, the ceiling should have strapping applied (1 x 3 cross boards). Also, make sure metal protection plates have been installed to studding where sheetrock screws or nails could inadvertently penetrate plumbing pipes or electrical wire.

Safety

Drywall installation is dirty, heavy work. The Gypsum in drywall can be irritating to the eyes, lungs and sinuses so wear safety goggles and masks to avoid breathing in the material. Gloves are also recommended to protect against sharp blades.

Installing Drywall

Start with the ceiling as this will allow the sheets on the walls to help hold the sheets on the ceiling. Use the Drywall lift or Jacks to hold the sheets in place while screwing or nailing them to the ceiling. The screws or nails should be installed such that they are slightly recessed and create a small dimple without breaking the paper. Screws or nails should be applied every 8 to 12 inches on each stud. Screws are typically stronger and can be placed further apart, e.g. 12 inches. It is best to fasten the screws/nails to the edges of the drywall first and then fill in the field afterwards.

Rows of drywall should be applied in a staggered pattern. This will create an interlocked pattern that creates a tighter and stronger ceiling/wall.

After the ceiling has been completed it its time to move on to the walls. Drywall should be applied from the top down, with the sheets hung perpendicular to the floor joists or studs. Again the rows should be staggered. The bottom piece should sit about inches from the sub-floor.

For purposes of efficiency and strength it is best to apply the large sheets of drywall over the doors and window openings and cut out the excess later. This will create stronger/cleaner looking walls and save significant time.

Installing Corner bead

Once the drywall has been installed, corner bead should be applied to all outside edges. Corner bead should be nailed every 6-8 inches and penetrate the framing.

Taping and Mudding

Again start with the ceiling. Apply a skim coat of joint compound over the surface of a seam using a 6 wide taping knife. If the seam is wide, apply a liberal amount of joint compound to fill it. While the Joint compound is still wet, apply the fiberglass tape over the skim coat of Joint Compound. Make sure the seam is centered under the tape. Once the tape has been installed, apply additional Joint Compound over the tape, again using the 6 wide taping knife. Continue this for all of the seams. Note: the tape will still be visible. Additional coats will eventually hide it.

The inside corners are usually the most tricky and require practice. Patience is the best advice and note that additional coats will be applied later to smooth out any imperfections.

Once the seams are done, using the 6 wide taping knife, apply mud to all of the screw/nail dimples. A skim coat is all that is initially required.

Note: When applying the mud over the tape and screw/nail dimples, make sure all excess material and uneven patches are smoothed down with the blade. This will reduce sanding later.

Once the ceiling is done, you can move on to the walls. Repeat the same process, however with the outside corners just apply a liberal coat of joint compound to the valley that is formed by the corner bead. This valley typically represents the first 3 or 4 inches from the edge of the corner.

Once the first coat has been applied let it sit overnight or until it is dry, prior to starting the second application of Joint compound. Make sure to completely clean off the taping knife, the mud easel and any other containers or instruments that have mud on them prior to finishing up for the day.

Applying the Second Coat of Mud

After the first coat has thoroughly dried, it is now time to apply the second coat of mud. It is this coat that should hide the tape.

Again, start with the ceiling. Using the wider taping knife apply a generous amount of joint compound over the taped seams as you want to build up the area over the tape. Taking large strokes smooth the joint compound over the tape applying more pressure to the side of the taping knife further away from the tape. This will help to leave more mud over the tape. When complete, the mud should cover an area that extends beyond the width of the tape by 2 to 3 inches.

After the seams have all been completed, apply a second coat of mud over the screw/nail dimples. With this second coat, flare out the mud over the dimples such that the diameter of the mudded area is about 3-4 inches in diameter.

For the inside corners a Corner knife may come in handy. Corners involve a little artistry so again take your time. Apply a generous amount of joint compound and then run the Corner knife down the corner starting from the top. Take long, even strokes. A 6 taping knife may also be helpful to smooth out any imperfections.

For the outside corners, using the broad taping knife apply a generous amount of joint compound and flare out the material such that it extends out 6 inches or so from the corner. Again, apply more pressure to the blade side that is further away from the corner so that you leave more mud nearer the outside corner.

Once the second coat has been applied let it sit overnight or until it is dry, prior to starting the final application of Joint compound. Make sure to completely clean off the taping knife, the mud easel and any other containers or instruments that have mud on them prior to finishing up for the day.

Applying the Final Coat of Mud

After the first coat has thoroughly dried, it is now time to apply the final coat of mud. It is this coat that requires the most artistry and the least amount of joint compound. Here you are simply applying a final skim coat to the already mudded areas.

Prior to applying the skim coat it is best to take your wide taping blade and lightly pass over the mudded surfaces. This will remove any bumps or ridges.

Again start with the ceiling seams and apply a small amount of joint compound using the broad taping knife. Again continue to flare out the seam by extending the mudded area such that about 6 inches resides on each side of the now invisible tape. Remember this is a skim coat so little mud is required. The purpose of this coat is to effectively fill in any lines or recessed areas.

After the seams have all been completed, apply a final coat of mud over the screw/nail dimples. With this second coat, flare out the mud over the dimples such that the diameter of the mudded area is about 6-8 inches in diameter.

For the corners use the broad taping knife and add just enough mud such that you can flare out the mudded surface area to about 8-12 inches, taking care to filling in any lines or dimples.

Once the final coat has been applied let it rest overnight or until it is dry,

Sanding

Sanding is a very dusty and dirty mess so please uses goggles and a mask. I find it best to use a pole sander with an open screened sand paper material specifically designed for sanding sheetrock/drywall mud.

Lightly sand all of the taped areas, however concentrate sanding on the outer edges of the mudded areas such that all seams and ridges are eliminated and blend into the main surface areas.

Once sanding is complete, vacuum up the dust and you are ready for priming and painting the walls and texturing the ceilings.

Me_Donovan@comcast.net
http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. Mr. Donovan's formal education and profession have been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

Home renovations are sometimes challenging. When tackling a home renovation task it can help to find out some tips, tricks and secrets to make your projB5Aects easier. Finding this information can be a valuable tool to use in your project that can help you save time, money and energy without compromising quality.

Helpful Advice for Outside Work

Working on home renovations on the outside of your home can be one of the most helpful tasks you can undertake. There are quite a few tips and tricks you can learn to make outside improvements simple.

One of the best times of the year to work on outside projects is during the fall. This is a good time to do such things as, weather proofing. You will find it is more enjoyable to work during the cool fall weather then any other time of the year.

When weatherproofing you can cut the costs of hiring a professional by finding the things that you can do on your own. You can caulk joints and seams, clean and repair gutters and do the little tasks that require little experience or professional knowledge.

When you are choosing the caulk you will use there are some helpful things to keep in mind. Make sure you choose a caulk that is specifically made for outdoor use. If you choose a caulk that is not made for outdoor use then it will peel away, and, basically, be useless for its intended purpose. For larger projects you will want to choose a foam caulk that will expand to fit the area.

The best caulks to use on outside projects are acrylic latex, butyl rubber and copolymer. These types of caulk are made to last against the wear and tear that happens to the exterior of your home. Additionally, it comes in a range of color choices, so you should be able to choose the type that matches your home.

Another common task for exterior home renovations is care of the shingles. This is something that you should be able to do yourself. It is also something important that you should routinely do to extend the life of your roof and protect the interior of your home. Shingles should be repaired or replaced as needed.

You can make home renovations easier by learning the small secrets, like choosing the right caulk that will allow you to complete projects yourself, ensure the repair is going to last and help you make the project simple.

Guy Morris continually pens news stories on news associated with cnc machines and tools. With his reports on wood cnc the author confirmed his deep knowledge in the field.

Home remodeling is a quite regular event that the home owners undertake. This is true for I know that all of us wanted our homes to look nicer and happy to live. So for those who are thinking for home remodeling, here some tips to help you in your home remodeling.

Home Design
At first many people think on what way will their home look nicer and whats the possible design that will fit for the natural aura of the place. The concept of design for home remodeling in this sense comes in. So for the design for home remodeling you should decide if you want to hire an architect, an interior designer, and other home remodeling masters to create your home remodeling ideas. It is nec5B4essary to consider for the design for home remodeling that you can afford and you really feel comfortable. A certain understanding with the home remodeling contractor is very important for a solid work. And make a decision for a certain budget for your home remodeling and stick with it.

Implementation
In this step for your home remodeling, you must plan and analysis your home remodeling design with your contractor for any ideas that will help you in your home remodeling whether about the flow or about the costs. And then choose materials and products for your home remodeling project. If possible try to choose first those materials for your home remodeling project that is needed first and those that need enough time. The time for the home remodeling contractor to come up with a detailed construction schedule and procedures and to get some construction crews must also be given attention.

Consultation
It is important that in every home remodeling project, there should be a consultation between the home owner, the home remodeling contractor and his job site supervisor, the architect or designer, any other construction members who will be working with your home remodeling project. In this case, you must take note some of the important matters involved in your home remodeling project and send memos for any possible changes from the original plan. It is important that you set ground rules for your home remodeling project 580between you and your home remodeling contractor or the job-site supervisor, and if possible try to think for a communication plan that will definitely take place between you and your home remodeling contractor and the other important persons under your home remodeling project. The common noted primary contact person is the job-site supervisor. If you are really serious with your home remodeling project, then you should pay attention to every details or comments or questions regarding your home remodeling project.

Finally, the tips for setting up some things in your home remodeling project must also be considered. Take away the personal things from the working area and if possible you try to put up a temporary mini kitchen in another part of the house. And for your home remodeling, try to set up some trash bins, portable toilet, and construction fence for better movement. And make room for large belongings which are delivered at this point.

For more information and tips on home remodeling, visit us at http://www.homesmart.info.

Contemporary kitchen cabinets convey a very neat and tidy appearance. People usually go for a variety of materials that can express cleanliness very well through smooth finishes and light colors. Since you're aiming for a modern feel, you can use new items as well to get the right appearance and proper cabinet function.

Contemporary kitchen cabinets usually aim for symmetry through artistic shapes, colors and patterns. Some of the popular colors would be white, yellow, orange and neon paired with gray, sky blue and black. The cabinets definitely match stainless steel or black appliances as well as white plates, cups and saucers. You might want to pick colors according to the dominant shades of accessories and decors in your kitchen. Detail and ornate panels are not as important in contemporary designs since you need to create the illusion of wide space.

As for size, stock units are usually made in 3-inch width increments. You may want to sue filler strips to fill in the gaps between cabinets. Customization may be the way to go if you cannot properly blend and fit sizes according to the main scheme. Shapes are also useful when considering size. Contemporary designs are very much into edges and sharp corners so rectangles, squares and trapezoids are popular shapes to work with. Consider the size of your kitchen appliances, trays and racks to properly fit the cabinets. You may simply add a geometric shape or design on panels and doors for a modern look.

It is possible to work with polished wood even if you're going contemporary. Just be sure to allow a lot of light in the room. The color of the cabinets should have a stark contrast like beige or white since wood colors tend to appear red, mahogany or dark brown. You may want to expose the sapwood as well in some areas to balance the darkening effect.

For tips on choosing kitchen cabinets, visit http://www.kitchencabinets101.com

So it's always been your dream to have a bathroom remodeling design. After all, not everyone 1C81is entirely happy with having to live with a decades old bathroom style. If you want to see some changes in your bathroom now, take note of these basic remodeling design tips.

Stop and Take a Closer Look

When bathroom remodeling is the topic, one often thinks of ripping off fixtures. Who says, remodeling has to be strictly in this sense only? You might want to put this urge in check and take a good, long look at your bathroom. You might not need to rip everything apart especially if you are in a limited budget. Consider adding something to what you already have to create the illusion of having remodeled everything. You may, for example change your cabinets, mirrors, paint and shower curtains.

Set Your Budget

If you really want to have a total bathroom overhaul, then first set a budget. Once you have the exact figure you are willing to spend on your bathroom, you can go ahead and think of what you want to place in it. List the necessities first beginning with the toilet, sink and shower and then move on to the extra features you want to be added. List the prices of the things you want in your bathroom and refer to your budget. Crush out anything that threatens to overwhelm your budget.

Create Your Idea

After listing what you want, create an idea for your bathroom remodeling design. You don't have to be an architect or graphic artist to do this. All you need is a clear idea of what you want. Consider making a simple draft illustration of your ideal bathroom. You can also write down detailed and concrete descriptions of how you want your bathroom to look and feel like. Put all your ideas in an organized paper file for future reference.

Create Illusions

One thing to consider when designing is to use illusions. This is important if you do not want to end up remodeling the space outside of your bathroom too so you can accommodate all your wants. You can save on money, time and resources if you simply use what you have and make it look more than it really is. Putting in a lot of light for example or using light paint and tiles can make it seem as if you have a large bathroom despite the obviously limited space. You can also stay away from heavy hardwood accents and stick to sparse metallic designs for your small bathroom.

Find a Professional

Unless you are an expert yourself, you should always hire others to remodel for you. You might be better off with an all around contractor instead of hiring individual professionals. Your contractor can handle everything from making a blue print of your design to putting on the last tile. You can discuss your ideas and plans with your contractor and come up with a final design that will truly work.

You don't need to come up with a complicated bathroom remodeling design. All you need is a clear concept of what you want and a good remodeling professional.

Hunting for a bathroom remodeling design? Discover out the latest bathroom remodeling designs online.