Installing a plasterboard ceiling is a fairly simple process if you are not working alone. Knowing a few tricks, almost everyone can complete this task on their own. Read our tips and tricks to find out more.
Steps
Step 1. Inspect your work area for obstructions such as electrical wiring, air ducts, or protruding pipes
Install the purlins to create a flat and horizontal surface for installing drywall around such obstacles.
Step 2. Mark the wall studs so you know the location of the ceiling beams during installation
Also noteworthy is the location of electrical appliances and junction boxes.
Step 3. If necessary, make a T-shaped stand
This gives you the lifting and supporting element you need to lift drywall sheets to the ceiling when working alone. Take a 60 cm plank with 2.5 x 10 cm edges and nail it to a 5 x 10 cm plank so long that it is 30 cm higher than the floor-to-ceiling distance.
Step 4. Start at a corner where you can use a whole sheet
Lift the first sheet towards the ceiling to decide how to place it along the beams.
Step 5. Before applying the adhesive to the beams, decide how you will arrange all the sheets
Drywall adhesive dries in 15 minutes, so be prepared.
Step 6. Using a T-bar or an assistant, lift the first sheet of drywall toward the ceiling and seat it firmly in the corner
Make sure that the sheet is facing the thin edges towards the floor.
Step 7. Move along the first wall, making sure that the thin edges are adjacent to each other and facing down
They are designed to simplify the process of gluing the tape and applying putty.
Step 8. Fasten drywall sheets to the ceiling beams with nails or screws
The heads of the selected fasteners should be recessed, but not cut through the sheet.
Step 9. Nails or screws should be at least 1 cm from the edge of the sheet with an interval of 18 cm from each other
Along the inner beam, the fastening elements should be located 30 cm apart from each other.
Step 10 Begin the second row with half a sheet of drywall to space out the joints
This will increase the strength of the ceiling.
Step 11. Measure and mark the cut line at the vertical midpoint of the drywall sheet
Use a square to make a straight cut with the pruning knife. Tilt the sheet away from the floor or table at a slight angle, and then apply force to break it in half. Use a knife to cut the paper backing.
Step 12. Cut the drywall to length, first drawing a line with chalk
First, make a groove along the line with the knife, and on the second pass, make a deeper cut.
Step 13. At first, do not install the sheets very tightly in places where vents or lighting fixtures are located
Using an electric drill, cut a hole for a lighting fixture or air vent, then secure the sheet tightly.
Step 14. Before finishing the walls, it is necessary to completely complete the installation of drywall on the ceiling
Advice
- To prevent the sheets from warping, lay them flat on the floor before starting work.
- Drywall sheets come in various thicknesses. For the ceiling, it is recommended to use sheets with a thickness of 1.5 cm.