Structural/Walls - Cutting Drywall
Cutting Drywall
Determine first if you will even need to cut your drywall. Generally, the
first couple of sheets will not need to be cut, in fact you may want to go ahead
and hang drywall on walls that cover a large area first, and then cut various
board to fit the remaining space.
For lenghtwise cuts, measure the width you will need.
- Mark a line using a straightedge or chalk line. It doesn't matter
which side of the board you score. Generally, I score the surface (smooth)
side.
- Align the strightedge along the line.
- Score the board along the line using the sraightedge as a guide.
The cut does not have to go through the board. You essentially want
to cut the paper on the side you're cutting.
- Place a piece of wood or something to raise the board under the
break (preferably, you want this to span the lenght of the board).
- Press down on the raised side to break the board.
- Turn the board over on on its edge, and finish the cut by running
a knife through the length of the break.
Cutting holes in the board for fixtures, sockets, etc.
- Measure the postion of the opening and apply it to the board.
- Outline the size of the opening. A socket will be the size
of the outlet box. A light may be the size of a junction box. A
pipe will be the according width, etc.
- Punch a hole to start using a screwdriver, punch, or awl.
- Cut or saw the opening and remove the excess.
Cutting is made easier if you have a jigsaw.
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