Before ordering your material, the initial step to take is to measure the surface area beginning with the ceilings followed by the walls. Sheetrocks normally come in different sizes but the 4 feet by 8 feet sheet is the standard one.

To determine how many you will need, you have to get the total square feet and then divide it by 32. Be sure, though, to add extra inches to the measurement just in case you make a mistake during the process.

Once ready with your sheetrock and other working tools, you can begin installing starting at the ceiling. You may need to wear a mask and gloves as the gypsum in drywall can cause allergy and irritation to the eyes, sinuses and lungs. It’s best to start at the top part so that the panels on the walls can then hold the drywall sheets on the ceiling.

When installing the sheetrock on the ceiling, you have two options for holding the sheets in their proper place while you’re screwing or nailing them to the joists. It’s either you use the drywall lift or jack which can be rented or you can make your own jack often called the T using a 2″ x 4″ wood.

When securing the sheets to the ceiling, nail or screw them in a recessed manner and at least every 8 to 12 inches on every stud. If you’re using the screws, you can apply them 12 inches apart as they’re considered to be stronger compared to the nails.

From the ceiling, you can install the sheetrock on the walls next. The correct way of installing the drywall is to start from the top part going down. Remember as well that the sheets should hung perpendicular to the floor joists. From the bottom part of the sheetrock installed on the wall, there should be a half inch space between the sheet and the subfloor.

Another thing to remember is that when you install the panels, their rows should be in a staggered fashion. This is to achieve an interlocking pattern that will ensure more sturdy ceilings and walls.

Experienced installers also recommend that for the doors and window openings, using the large sheets is more ideal. In this way, you save time and you even come up with walls that look clean and with not too many joints. Should there be any excess, you only have to cut it.

Finally for the seams, apply joint compound using a taping knife about 6 inches wide. Now while the joint compound is still wet, you can then apply the fiberglass tape over it. You need to make sure that the tape covers the center of the seam. Apply another coat of the compound after putting the tape.