How to Install a New Ceiling Over Damaged Drywall

Glue-On Tiles

• 1

  Remove any hanging drywall debris. This debris will interfere with the installation of your ceiling tiles.

• 2

  Attach the first ceiling tile in one corner of the room. Squeeze the tube of adhesive and apply a 1/4 inch bead in a zig-zag pattern across the entire back of the tile. Lift it up into place and press it into the drywall firmly.

• 3

  Install the remaining tiles. Cut the pieces to fit with a utility knife as necessary. Use the overlap edges to create a clean edge between the tiles. The corners should meet and there should not be a gap between any of the tiles.

Installing New Drywall

• 4

  Select the right thickness for the drywall. In this situation, use 1/4-inch thick panels. Do not go over 3/8 of an inch to avoid potential weight issues.

• 5

  Find the ceiling joists with a stud finder. Run the stud finder back and forth across the ceiling. Mark the location of the joists with a pencil.

• 6

  Install the drywall panels. Have a friend help you lift the panels into place. Insert 3-inch drywall screws into the ceiling joists at a rate of one screw for each 12 inches.

• 7

  Tape the seams with self-adhesive drywall tape. Press this tape firmly onto each panel to create a good seal.

• 8

  Apply joint compound over the seams and screw dimples with a drywall knife. The tape should no longer be visible once the compound is applied. Let this set until it is hard to the touch.

• 9

  Sand the joint compound down with a fine-grit sanding block. The surface needs to be completely smooth and level. You can now prime and paint the ceiling.

Hanging Plywood

• 10

  Locate the ceiling joists with a stud finder. Mark where they are with a pencil.

• 11

  Cut the plywood panels with a circular saw to fit your ceiling. Measure off the length and width of the ceiling to determine how many panels will be necessary.

• 12

  Nail the plywood sheets into place over the drywall. Use a nail gun and 2-to-3-inch nails.