When it comes to making some changes to your home, whether that’s adding in new walls or adding different fixtures to certain rooms, and if you’ve never had to do it before, there’s no need to worry, cutting drywall might seem like a daunting task, but in reality, it’s actually incredibly easy provided you have the right tools for the job!
So if you want to learn how to cut drywall perfectly every time, then read through our guide to find out how to do so with ease, as well as more information that you need to know!
For New Walls Or Filling Gaps
Step 1: Measuring
Before you can begin to cut any drywall, you should always measure your drywall to ensure that you are cutting it to the correct sizes. This requires a decent quality tape measure, so you should have one to use before you plan on cutting your drywall.
When it comes to remodeling a room in your house, the most common recommendation is to use a fresh drywall sheet.
This process is perfect if you’re planning on adding a new piece of drywall to your room, and you need to cut your drywall down to size in order for it to fit.
You should begin by using your tape measure to measure the gap you intend on filling with drywall, making a note of the dimensions on a piece of paper, before then measuring out the same dimensions on your drywall sheet, and marking them with a pencil.
When it comes to buying drywall, they typically come in sheets with a width of 4 ft, and a variety of heights, ranging from 8ft to 12ft, so you should buy the height closest to the height of your room, as this will save you the time of cutting it down more, and will also prevent wasted material.
Step 2: Preparing To Cut
In order to cut your drywall effectively and safely, you should make use of a drywall square or a T-square, which is a piece of equipment that will allow you to draw perfect horizontal lines to help ensure you cut the drywall correctly.
Lean your drywall sheet against a wall at a 45-degree angle, and then use your T-square and line it up with either the right or left edge (depending on whether you are left or right handed) of your square with the pencil marks you made earlier.
Step 3: Scoring
To ensure a good cut, you want to start by using a small utility knife to begin to cut your way through some of the paper and drywall’s core, slowly run the knife downwards towards the bottom of the sheet, as this will help to ensure that your blade doesn’t slip at all.
Once done, remove your knife and change the direction to make the rest of your cuts in an upward direction. Always ensure you’re using a fresh blade on your utility knife, as a dull blade could damage your drywall.
If you find you’re not tall enough to reach the tops of your drywall sheet, you can always lay your drywall sheet down on the floor to make the necessary scoring!
Step 4: Scoring Part 2
For thinner strips (Less than 3 inches) we recommend scoring both the front and back of the sheet, as breaking off a thinner strip often results in the drywall breaking as you do so.
Step 5: Breaking It Off
Once scored, stand up your drywall sheet vertically, holding each edge with your hands, and then use your knee in order to bump the scored sheet you want to be cut off, this should then allow the rest of the core to break away with ease.
If it doesn’t break the first time, slowly increase the pressure whilst continuing to use your knee.
If you scored your drywall on the floor, you can simply lift one side of the drywall in order to break the rest away from the core!
Step 6: Using A Rasp
Once you have your desired size of the drywall sheet, you then need to use a drywall rasp to help smooth any bumps or rough edges on the edge of the drywall sheet, simply rub the rasp back and forth to help eliminate these nasty bumps.
Cutting A Hole In Drywall
Cutting a hole in your drywall sheet is easy if you follow these steps!
Step 1: Measuring
Measure the size hole you want to cut using a ruler and a pencil, if you’re looking to cut a circular hole, use a measuring compass and ruler in order to outline a perfect circle ready for cutting!
Step 2: For Outlet Holes
If you’re cutting a small square in drywall for a switch or for an electrical outlet, then use a small keyhole saw to slowly cut it out.
Insert the saw on one side before slowly applying a small amount of pressure and pushing it back and forth in order to cut through the drywall neatly.
Step 3: For Windows/Doors
If you’re cutting a hole in drywall for a window or door, you should consider using a drywall saw instead, if your hole only has 3 sides, then start at an edge and follow the same steps as you would when sawing using a keyhole saw.
If you want to cut a hole in the middle of the drywall, you can use a utility knife to pierce the drywall to allow you to begin sawing without causing any damage to your drywall.
Step 4: Removal
Remove the piece once cut by gently tapping it with a hammer to remove it from the core.
Step 5: Use A Rasp
Smooth all of the edges with a rasp and you’ll be good to go!
Summary
By following these easy steps, you should have no issues cutting drywall!
Hi, my name is Joel Adams and I like to think of myself as a professional DIYer. Whatever odd jobs a person needs to be done around the house, I’m their guy.
I’m talking shelves, making sideboards and tables, painting feature walls… the list is neverending!
- How To Drill Into Brick? - October 31, 2022
- How To Repair And Refinish Hardwood? - October 31, 2022
- Floetrol – What Is It? When To Use It: Complete Guide - October 31, 2022