Average cost for drywall installation — Gilbert, AZ

For new drywall, you should always use a drywall primer. This primer seals the porous paper and joint compound, ensuring that your paint absorbs evenly and provides a consistent finish. Without primer, you might see flashing where the paint soaks in differently. A drywall primer creates a uniform base for your topcoat. It’s a crucial step for a professional look.

Drywall can bulge for a few reasons. Often, it's due to moisture getting behind the panel, causing the gypsum core to expand and warp. Loose screws or nails can also lead to sagging and bulging over time. Sometimes, improper installation or settling of the house itself can contribute. It’s a sign that something needs attention. Addressing it early prevents bigger problems.

For most interior walls and ceilings, 1/2 inch drywall is the standard and generally the best choice. It offers a good balance of strength, weight, and cost-effectiveness. It’s durable enough for everyday use and provides decent sound insulation. For specific applications like areas requiring better fire resistance or soundproofing, thicker drywall might be considered. But 1/2 inch is the common go-to.

Greenboard drywall is a type of moisture-resistant drywall that has a green paper facing. It's commonly used in areas prone to higher humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens, although it's not waterproof. It offers better resistance to mold and mildew compared to standard drywall. For areas with significant moisture, like showers, a cement board or DensShield is often preferred. It's a good mid-level option.

Drywall finishing tools include items like joint knives (also called putty knives) in various widths, taping knives, hawk and trowel sets for applying mud, sanding tools (like pole sanders and sanding sponges), and mixers for joint compound. Having the right tools makes the finishing process much more efficient and effective.

Mudding and taping drywall is the process of joining drywall sheets and concealing fasteners. First, joint tape is applied over the seams between sheets, usually embedded in a layer of joint compound (mud). Sanding between coats is crucial for a flawless finish. It's the core of drywall finishing.

While drywall sheets can be hung in a single day, the entire process, including mudding and sanding multiple coats, typically takes longer. Mudding requires drying time between coats, and sanding can be messy. For a professional finish, it’s common for the installation and finishing process to span several days. Rushing the drying and sanding stages can compromise the final look. It’s a process that requires patience.