How to Drywall a Corner

Hanging drywall requires some skill and knowledge, however you can learn how to do this task yourself by following some basic steps. Following are detailed instructions for drywalling the outside corner of two intersecting walls.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Drywall sections
  • Corner bead
  • Drywall nails or screws
  • Crimping tool (optional)
  • Hammer or screw gun
  • Plane
  • Rasp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the end of the last piece of drywall to the very end of the corner stud. Score the back of a piece of drywall so that it is two to three inches longer than this measurement, then snap it at the scored line and cut the front completely free.

    • 2

      Make sure the corner stud is perfectly flush with the rest of the studs along the wall. If the stud is bowed, warped or not flush for any reason, use a planer to shave it, measuring every few strokes, before hanging the drywall.

    • 3

      Attach the piece of drywall so that the extra few inches hang over the edge of the corner stud. Hang the drywall using five nails or screws specifically designed for drywall, evenly distributing them vertically down the length of the stud.

    • 4

      Score the back of the overhung portion of drywall with a knife. Pull scored section toward you—bending away from the front of the drywall piece—until it snaps. Cut the front of the drywall free. Smooth out the cut edge of the drywall with a rasp until it is completely flush with the corner stud.

    • 5

      Begin the other side of the corner by measuring the distance from the edge of the last piece of drywall on the perpendicular wall to the edge of the piece that you just hung. Score the back of a new piece of drywall so that it measures two to three inches longer than this measurement. Snap it from the back at the scored line, and cut the front free.

    • 6

      Attach the piece of drywall so that the extra inches hang over the edge of the already hung drywall at the corner. Use five drywall nails or screws, evenly distributing them down the length of the corner stud.

    • 7

      Score the back of the overhung piece of drywall so that it comes to within at least 1/8 inch from the edge of the corner. Snap toward you along the score line, and cut the front free. Rasp the edge smooth.

    • 8

      Measure and cut a length of corner bead so that it is flush with the ceiling and floor. Apply corner bead with nails, screws or crimping tool, fastening the bead vertically, every 10 to 14 inches along the length of the corner. Make sure the corner forms a snug 90-degree angle.