Drywall installation looks simple, but the best results come from careful preparation and a few professional habits. Start by checking the framing: studs should be straight, solid, and spaced consistently. In Los Angeles homes, where renovations often reveal uneven framing, take time to shim or plane problem areas—flat framing is the foundation of a flat wall. Before hanging sheets, plan insulation and wiring. If you want better comfort and lower noise, add insulation in exterior walls and around bathrooms or bedrooms; choose moisture-resistant board for damp zones and fire-rated board where code requires. Measure twice and cut cleanly. Score the face paper with a utility knife, snap the board, then cut the backing paper. Mark your stud centers on the floor and ceiling to speed up fastening. Hang ceilings first, then walls. Whenever possible, run sheets horizontally to reduce seams, and stagger joints so they don’t line up. Use drywall screws (not nails) and set them slightly below the surface without tearing the paper—broken paper weakens the hold. Seams are where most DIY jobs fail. Use paper tape for strongest joints, embed it in a thin coat of compound, then build with two to three wider coats, letting each layer dry fully. Feather edges to avoid ridges, sand lightly, and use a work light to spot imperfections. Prime before paint to prevent flashing. These small “secrets” deliver smooth, durable walls that look truly professional.
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