How to Patch a Hole in Drywall

Drywall is a highly versatile and reliable product that is a crucial part of every new construction project and renovation. While drywall is invaluable for projects of all sizes, it can be messy and difficult to work with at times. Knowing how to patch a hole in drywall is crucial for ensuring that your project stays on track while minimizing waste and maintaining a high level of quality. That is why the experts at Country Lumber have provided some information on drywall repair procedures to help you make any required repairs in a timely manner. While all holes in drywall will require repair, the method used will vary based on the size of the hole being repaired.

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How to Fill Small Drywall Holes

A small hole in drywall is usually caused by a hardware-related accident. These holes are typically no larger than 2 inches and can be fixed using spackle or wood filler. To patch small holes, adhere to the following procedure:

1.       Sand down the edges of the hole and remove any debris.

2.       Scoop some spackle or wood filler into the hole using a trowel or putty knife and flatten it out. Spackle shrinks as it dries, so be liberal with the amount used.

3.       Wait for the spackle to completely dry and sand it until the surface is smooth.

How to Patch Medium-Sized Holes in Drywall

Medium holes in drywall are often created by doorknobs or other objects of a similar size. To fix medium drywall holes, you will need to use an adhesive mesh patch and follow the steps below:

1.       Place the adhesive mesh patch over the hole in the wall.

2.       Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

3.       Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend it into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

4.       Let the patch dry and sand it flat. 

5.       Apply a second coat by repeating steps 1-4. If the pattern of the mesh is still visible, add a third coat.

How to Repair Large Holes in Drywall

Large holes in drywall can typically occur from accidents where a person or piece of furniture accidentally makes a hole in the wall, though they can also be made deliberately when there is water damage to the drywall. To repair large drywall holes, you will typically need to purchase and cut a new piece of drywall. To ensure that the hole is properly fixed, complete the following actions:

1.       Cut a square out of the new drywall that is a bit bigger than the hole being fixed.

2.       Hold the square over the hole and trace the outline onto the wall with a pencil.

3.       Cut out the square shape from the wall.

4.       Use drywall screws to screw furring strips in place on the sides of the square hole so that the furring strips overlap the edges of the hole.

5.       Screw the square patch to the furring strips.

6.       Tape the edges of the patch with drywall tape.

7.       Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

8.       Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

9.       Let the patch dry and sand it flat. 

10.   Apply a second coat by repeating steps 7-9. If the pattern of the drywall tape is still visible through the sanded spackle, add a third coat. 

To learn more about our selection of drywall products or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Drywall

Drywall is a crucial element for every home regardless of the size or style. Though drywall installation may seem like a simple task, there are several areas where major mistakes can occur. These mistakes can delay your project or require the purchase of additional drywall. To help you prepare for your drywall project, the experts at Country Lumber have compiled a list of 4 mistakes to avoid when installing drywall and how to avoid them.

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Common Drywall Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When installing drywall, it is important to understand the potential for mistakes and how to avoid them. The following mistakes are most common when installing drywall:

1. Driving Screws too Deep

It can be easy to get carried away with screws and drills during drywall installation. When screws are driven too deep, they can break the surface of the drywall’s paper face. This can cause the screw to lose its holding power, essentially rendering it useless. You will need to make precise turns during installation to avoid this or use a special drill attachment to regulate the screw’s depth. Should you puncture the paper, it is best to leave the screw in and drive another screw near it.

2. Excessive Sanding

Before installing your drywall, it will need to be sanded down to a smooth surface. Unfortunately, many DIYers sand too much into the paper or fiberglass tape that covers the seams, forcing them to retape to avoid compromising the installation’s integrity. Avoid sanding too much material away and install a light at a low angle to the wall so you can spot any rise or bumps that need to be sanded down.

3. Making Joints too Tight

Two adjacent sheets that are joined too tightly together can cause the drywall to crack during installation or over time. It is crucial to allow enough space for seasonal expansion and contraction of the wooden framing materials. Be sure to keep a 1/8-inch space between sheets during installation to keep cracks from occurring.

4. Placing Joints Next to Doors and Windows

Lining up the edge of a sheet of drywall with the edge of a door or window frame is likely to lead to cracking in the future. As your home shifts and settles, the joint located adjacent to any door or window is weaker than solid drywall and will be at risk. It is often better to notch drywall around the opening instead of making a joint in those locations. Lay a full sheet over the opening and cut out the space you need after fastening. It is okay to join sheets over an opening but be sure to avoid edges.

To learn more about our drywall solutions and other products, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to help you find the perfect materials, tools, and other products for your project.

How to Fix a Hole in Drywall

Most people that have worked with drywall will tell you that it can be messy and sometimes frustrating to work with, so it is important to have a good understanding of how to fix a hole in drywall before getting started on patching your wall up. At Country Lumber, we know that any drywall repair job can be simplified with the right equipment, which is why we provide a variety of drywall tools and products.

How to Patch Drywall

There are a couple of different ways to repair drywall and the method used will depend on the size of the hole being repaired.

How to Fill Small Drywall Holes

A small hole in drywall is usually caused by hardware or small accidents and they are typically no larger than 2 inches. Small drywall holes can be fixed using spackle or wood filler. To patch small holes, adhere to the following procedure:

1. Sand down the edges of the hole and remove debris.

2. Scoop a little bit of spackle or wood filler into the hole using a trowel or putty knife and flatten it out a bit. Spackle shrinks as it dries, so be liberal with the amount used.

3. Wait for the spackle to dry completely and sand it smooth.

How to Patch Medium Sized Holes in Drywall

Medium holes in drywall are often created by doorknobs or other similarly sized objects. To fix medium drywall holes, self-adhesive patches are typically used. The following steps can be used to fix medium-sized drywall holes:

1. Place the adhesive mesh patch over the hole in the wall.

2. Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

3. Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

4. Let the patch dry and sand it flat.

5. Apply a second coat by repeating steps 1-4. If the pattern of the mesh is still visible, add a third coat.

How to Repair Large Holes in Drywall

For large drywall holes, it is often necessary to cut a new piece of drywall. Large holes can occur from accidents where a person or piece of furniture makes a hole in the wall, or they can be made deliberately when there is water damage to the drywall. Purchase a strip of drywall that is larger than the hole, and follow these drywall repair steps:

1. Cut a square out of the new drywall that is a bit bigger than the hole being fixed.

2. Hold the square over the hole and trace the outline onto the wall with a pencil.

3. Cut out the square shape from the wall.

4. Use drywall screws to screw furring strips in place on the sides of the square hole so that the furring strips overlap the edges of the hole.

5. Screw the square patch to the furring strips.

6. Tape the edges of the patch with drywall tape.

7. Using a drywall knife, scoop drywall joint compound or spackle onto the patch and begin spreading it across the surface of the patch towards the edges.

8. Feather the edges of the joint compound or spackle to blend into the wall by increasing pressure at the edges of the patch.

9. Let the patch dry and sand it flat.

10. Apply a second coat by repeating steps 1-4. If the pattern of the drywall tape is still visible through the sanded spackle, add a third coat.

If you would like to learn more about how to fix a hole in drywall, or if you would like to find out about any of the services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.