This handy tool is a drywall lift. You still have to pick up the drywall to get it on the lift, but that's not too difficult if you plan properly. Once on the lift, you simply tilt the sheet and crank the handle. It works great for walls and ceilings, and makes hanging sheetrock yourself a do-able job!
This job was done by hanging 12 foot boards horozontally. Notice that the vertical seams on the bottom board do not line up with the top board. Staggering the seams makes it less likely to highlight an issue with the framing that will show up on the wall. It is also thought to add a bit more strength to the wall, but we're not convinced of that. Drywall should be screwed in place, never nailed. As it is you are bound to see a few screw heads pop up over time as the framing moves a bit due to changes in atmospheric conditions like humidity. With nails, we can guarantee you a bunch of nail pops. The just don't resist movement as well as screws do. You should also glue the drywall to the framing with a nice bead of drywall adhesvie. Using adhesive allows you to limit the number of fasteners used and thereby reduce the amount of joint compound work to hide the fasteners. It also adds strength to resist movement and helps maintain the integrity of your seams.
Hang it right!
& Save BIG!
Drywall is inexpensive as far as materials go. A 4X8 i/2 inch board is usually around $7. Joint compound runs close to $13 a pail, and a roll of tape is a few dollars. The labor on drywall is, comparatively speaking, expensive. Contractors charge in the range of $25 to $40 a board to hang and finish ready for paint. You const should be around $10 per board inclusing all accessories like corner bead, tape and joint compound. If you're doing a bsement with 100 boards, that's a $3,000 or more savings when you do it yourself! Expect to save around 60% over all, and maybe a bit more when you see how wasteful drywall contractors can be! Because they get paid by the number of boards they use, they don't usually try to use every piece to it's maximum potential. I've seen a contractor cut a 3 foot piece from an 8 foot board, then bust the remaining 5 foot piece in half and toss it in the dumpster when he needed 6 more 3 foot pieces! There will be more waste than you are prepared for, but if you think before you cut and hang, you'll save another 15% - 20% by doing the work thoughtfully!
Give us a call today at (434) 202-4198 or use the contact form above to get started. Our initial consultation is only $88 and we'll credit that back to you in full when you hire us to teach you how to hang drywall.