Installing Vertical Drywall

Start in one corner of your room. Have a helper hold the first sheet of vertical drywall against the wall studs in the corner, lining the outside edge of the drywall even with the middle of the underlying vertical stud. Attach the drywall to the studs in the corner and outside edges with 1-5/8 inch drywall screws, using a drywall bit attached to your power drill. Attach the screws every 8 to 10 inches along the edges.

Use an electronic stud finder and chalk line to locate and mark the underlying studs behind the vertical sheet of drywall. Although installing drywall horizontally allows you to view these studs during the installation process, unless your walls are taller than single sheets of drywall, you will need help locating the underlying studs. Attach the interior section of the drywall sheeting to the underlying studs with your drywall screws and drill in the same manner you attached the edges of the drywall.

Place your next sheet of vertical drywall next to your first sheet, butting it up firmly along the edge of the first sheet. The edges of the two sheets should meet along the center of the underlying wall stud. Attach the drywall sheet in the same manner that you attached the first sheet of drywall. Continue attaching the drywall to your studs in this manner, measuring and cutting any areas around windows and doorways to fit properly.

Finish your vertical drywall project by mudding and taping the joints. Use a drywall knife to smooth the drywall joint compound over the indentations in the screw holes and between the joints. Apply the tape over the mudded joints. Apply a second layer of mud over the taped joints. Sand the dried mud until it looks and feels smooth.