Drywall Finishing Jacksonville FL

Source: TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Publication date: September 29, 2005

By Mark Clement

Sometimes you have to do it yourself--and that means taping, mudding, and sanding drywall. Maybe the job is too small or the timeline is too crunched for your sub, but whatever the reason, knowing the tricks to drywall installation can keep your crew moving and your schedule on track.

Finishing drywall well takes skill, touch, and attention to detail. It looks easy, but it takes practice. Getting results you'll be proud of starts with well-hung rock and continues with using the right joint compounds and knives in the right order. Smart materials use and order of operations drastically minimize nightmarish sanding, too, and enable you to deliver a better finished product to your customer. You might even make more money than you thought.

Hang It Right

Hanging rock is deceptively easy, which makes skimping on details common. Ironically, doing a good job hanging board makes the most of a carpenter's strengths and eases the more challenging work of taping and finishing later.

Cut Short. Cut drywall 1/4 inch short when joining pieces to let rough edges fit and eliminate breaks from forcing pieces into place.

Check Ceilings and Walls. Apply rock on a flat, stable surface that'll hold fasteners. For new work, that's usually easy. Still, check walls and ceilings with a straightedge.

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