Installing attic drywall yourself can save you a lot of money.  While this may be a big project, it is one that you can do.   If possible, ask someone to help you install the attic drywall.  This will help make the job go a little smoother. Also see Attic Insulation in ten steps, Installing foam attic insulation on a budget.

Attic Drywall Installation Materials:

• Drywall


• Drywall nails with cupped heads or drywall screws


• Scraping plane


• Drywall hammer or cordless electric drywall screw gun

Attic Drywall Installation Steps:

Attic drywall can be installed either vertically or horizontally.    When planning your attic drywall installation, consider how to install with the least number of seams.  Think about the seams when you are deciding on the size of the attic drywall.  Also, when selecting an attic drywall, know that when two boards butt up against each other at their long edges, they must both have a beveled factory edge.

1. Smooth any cut edges with a scraping plane.


2. Position the attic drywall panel by aligning the top of each panel with the ceiling edge or the angle break.  This will help to ensure a clean edge.  Make a foot fulcrum with two pieces of wood to raise the panels.  Gaps should fall closer to the floor, as the floorboard can cover them.   Be sure joints between boards are positioned to meet over the center of a stud or rafter.


3. Once positioned, put a couple of drywall nails at the corners and across the top of the attic drywall panel before you lift it into its place.  Once you have the panel positioned, this will make it easier to attach while the other person holds it in place.


4. Nail drywall nails with cupped heads, which makes them easier to cover when mudding and taping.  Drywall nails that have barbed shanks have increased holding power and can reduce nail popping.  Nail along the edge of the panel about every six inches.  Hammer the nail into the stud.  Once you get to the middle of the panel, nail every 12 inches.  If the studs are new wood, it is recommended that you double nail in the field.


5. Dimple each nail, which means to hammer each nail until it is forced slightly below the surface of the panel.  Be careful not to ding the edge of the panel.  This will cause more work with mudding and finishing.  If you choose to use drywall screws, screw just below the surface.  Be careful not to break the paper.  If you do break the paper, drive another nail nearby to ensure a good hold.


6. For adjoining sheets, place nails directly across from each other where they meet at the stud.  This helps mudding to be easier.  If you miss the stud, pull the nail or screw out and dimple, so you will mud and tape over the hole.


7. When you apply the attic drywall, try not to leave much of a gap.

Alternative Attic Drywall Installation

Drywall adhesive can be used to glue the drywall.  The glue is in the center of the board and the nails are installed around the edges.  The glue will have manufacturer’s instructions.  Follow these instructions and this will eliminate the need for tape and finishing.

You are now ready to begin the taping and mudding part of the attic drywall installation process.

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