Tools and Materials
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What Are the Different Types of Drywall?
Drywall is a durable panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two layers of heavy-duty paper. Commonly used for interior walls and ceilings, drywall provides a smooth finish and is easy to install. It’s typically attached to wood or metal studs using drywall screws or nails, making it a popular choice for home improvement and remodeling projects.
There are four primary types of drywalls used in construction projects:
- Standard Drywall: Basic drywall panels used for walls and ceilings.
- Mold-Resistant Drywall: Paperless backing and coated specifically to help prevent mold build-up in damp and moisture-prone areas. Recommended for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Moisture-Resistant Drywall: Designed for spaces exposed to high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Paperless backing and a protective coating help prevent mold growth and moisture damage.
- Fire-Resistant Drywall: Extra-thick panels made with glass fibers to help prevent fire from spreading. Great for spaces around furnaces and wood stoves. Local building codes may require the use of these panels.
The most common panel sizes are 4-ft W x 8-ft L and 4-ft W x 12-ft L.
How to Cut Drywall
Cutting drywall is a simple task that requires only a few basic tools. However, achieving accurate cuts and clean openings for outlets, switches, and windows takes the right technique. Proper drywall cutting ensures panels fit snugly, whether you’re repairing a damaged section or installing drywall throughout an entire room.
Cutting drywall releases fine dust particles, including gypsum, talc, silica, and mica, which can be harmful if inhaled. To protect your lungs, always wear a respirator when cutting drywall. If a respirator isn’t available, a disposable N95 mask is a good alternative for filtering out these particles. In addition, wear safety goggles to prevent dust from getting into your eyes.
Snap and Score
Nearly 90% of drywall cuts involve three main steps: score the front paper, snap and fold the sheet, then cut through the back paper.
Positioning drywall for measuring and snapping can be tough work. A ½-inch sheet weighs over 50 pounds, so having a helper on hand makes moving and handling the panels much easier.
Measure Your Drywall Needs
Plan your layout to use as many full drywall sheets as possible. This reduces the number of seams you’ll need to mud later. For smaller spaces, measure the area with a tape measure. Take measurements from both edges for each dimension and use the smaller number. If the measurements differ by more than ½-inch, cut the panel slightly out of square to match the exact dimensions for a proper fit.
Mark the Drywall
Use a pencil and a straight edge, like a drywall square, to mark your drywall panels with a straight line. Make each mark about ⅛ inch shorter than your measurement to leave a small gap between the drywall and adjacent surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, or other panels.
Score Along the Marked Line
Use the drywall square as your cutting guide by holding it firmly along the marked cutline. Score the drywall with a utility knife, applying just enough pressure to cut through the paper and lightly score the gypsum core. Avoid cutting too deeply—this can dull your blade and strain your wrist.
Snap and Cut the Back Paper
Press your knee against the back of the drywall to snap the panel along the scored line. Note: don’t bend it like cardboard, let the score help you make the break. The sheet should break cleanly. Hold the two pieces so they’re perpendicular, then run a utility knife along the crease to cut through the remaining paper on the back.
Smooth the Rough Edges
If snapping a drywall panel leaves a rough edge, use a rasp to smooth it out or to shave off small amounts if the piece is slightly oversized. Move the rasp back and forth along the edge, concentrating on uneven spots until the surface is clean and even.
Save waste by cutting pieces to length before cutting to width.
Cutting Drywall Openings
The score-and-snap method works best for straight cuts, but what if you need to cut a hole for an outlet or repair damaged drywall? Learn essential drywall hole cutting techniques to create clean openings and remove small sections without harming the surrounding surface.
Measure Where your Outlet Will Go
Here is a simple method for measuring and marking openings for light switches and outlets. Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the electrical box using a tape measure, then use a spare electrical box as a template and trace around it to mark the hole.
Make Your Cut
There are several ways to cut a hole in drywall, but the most common is using a jab saw (also called a drywall saw). These saws feature a sharp point that easily pierces drywall. Other options include oscillating tools with a drywall blade or a cordless rotary tool.
To start, plunge the jab saw’s point into one corner of the marked opening. If needed, drill a pilot hole first. Use steady strokes and even pressure to cut through the drywall. When you reach a corner, pull the blade almost out, rotate it 90 degrees, and jab it back in to continue the cut.
Fitting Your Drywall
After cutting the opening, test-fit the drywall panel over the outlet or switch. If the opening is too tight, carefully trim away small amounts with a utility knife until it fits properly. Avoid attaching the panel before making these adjustments as forcing it into place can crack or damage the surrounding drywall. If the opening is a bit larger, consider an oversized switch plate or electrical cover to hide the cutout.
Cutting openings in ceiling drywall is very similar to making an opening in drywall on walls.
Learn More About Drywall and Repairs
Cutting drywall is straightforward, but accurately measuring for outlets and other cutouts can be tricky. The good news? Drywall mud can cover most minor mistakes, so you won’t need to toss imperfect sheets.
If hanging drywall isn’t your idea of fun—or you simply don’t have time for a large project—consider hiring a local drywall installer. Professional installation includes cutting, hanging, and finishing for a polished result.
Want to learn more? Check out our guides: How to Hang Drywall, How to Patch and Repair Drywall, and How to Clean Drywall Dust and Joint Compound Dust.