How To Drywall Corners

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Written By John Wout

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Drywall corners can be tricky. There are many ways to do them wrong and only a few ways to do them right. 

In this blog post, we’ll show you the three best ways on how to drywall corners, so they look good and don’t cause any problems down the road. 

We’ll also show you how to choose the method that will work for you. So whether you’re a DIY novice or an experienced pro, this blog post has something for you!

Tools You Will Need

To drywall corners properly, you will need a few essential tools:

  • Tape measure
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • Paint roller
  • Paint tray
  • Drywall knife
  • Drywall saw
  • Stepladder

Once you have all of your tools gathered, you’re ready to start drywalling! But you need to plan a bit.

Planning And Preparation

Before we get into how to drywall corners, it’s important to plan out your project. Make sure you have all the supplies you need and sketch how you want the finished product to look. Once you have a plan in place, practice drywalling a small section of the wall or ceiling to make sure you’re comfortable with the process.

Different Ways To Drywall Corners

how to drywall corners

Now that you’re ready to start let’s look at how to drywall corners properly. There are three main methods for drywalling corners – the inside-outside method, the butt joint, and the tapered joint.

The Inside-Outside Method

The inside-outside method is the most common for how to drywall corners. This method involves drywalling the corner from the inside, then finishing it off by drywalling the outside edge. Here’s how to do it:

  • Cut the drywall to size and fit it into the corner.
  • Apply a layer of drywall compound to the inside edge of the drywall.
  • Press the drywall into place and smooth out the compound with a drywall knife.
  • Let the compound dry, then sand it smooth.
  • Apply a second layer of compound to the outside edge of the drywall, and let it dry.

After the compound has dried, sand it smooth and give it a final coat of primer before painting. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to drywall corners like a pro in no time!

The Butt Joint Method

The butt joint is the simplest way to do a corner, and it’s best suited for walls that are going to be painted.

To do a butt joint, you’ll need to cut two pieces of drywall that are the same size and then fit them together like a puzzle. Once they’re in place, use a drywall knife to apply mud to the seam and smooth it out.

Finally, sand the seam until it’s flush with the rest of the wall.

The Tapered Joint Method

The tapered joint is a bit more complicated, but it results in a smoother, more finished look. To do a tapered joint, you’ll need to cut three pieces of drywall – one for the corner and two that will fit on either side of it.

The piece for the corner should be cut at a 45-degree angle, and the two side pieces should be cut so that they fit snugly against the corner piece.

Once everything is in place, use a drywall knife to apply mud to the seams and smooth them out. Finally, sand the joints until they’re flush with the rest of the wall.

Finishing Touches

Once you have finished drywalling the corner, there are a few final steps you need to take:

  1. Apply a layer of primer to the drywall.
  2. Paint the drywall to match the rest of the wall or ceiling.
  3. Install trim around the edge of the drywall.

With these simple steps, you can create a professional-looking corner that will last for years!

Which Method Should You Go For?

So, which is the best method for drywalling corners? Well, that depends on your needs and preferences. The inside-outside method is the most common and simplest way to do corners, while the tapered joint gives a more finished look. The butt joint is best suited for walls that will be painted, and it’s the quickest and easiest method to use.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure the corner is properly sealed. Apply a layer of mud to the corner and smooth it out, then use a trowel to create a 45-degree angle on edge. Allow the mud to dry completely, then sand it until it’s flush with the wall. So, with a little practice, you’ll know every basic on how to drywall corners like a pro!

FAQs For How To Drywall Corners

How do I cut the drywall to size?

You can use a utility knife or a saw to cut the drywall to size.

What’s the best way to apply mud to the corner?

You can use a drywall knife or trowel to apply the mud to the corner. Be sure to smooth it out and create a 45-degree angle on edge.

How do I sand the corner?

You can use a sanding block or an electric sander for sanding the corner. Be sure to smooth it out until it’s flush with the wall.

What should I do if there’s a hole in the corner?

You can use a piece of drywall to patch the hole. Cut a piece of drywall that is the same size as the hole, apply mud to its back, and press it into place. Smooth out the compound with a putty knife, then let it dry and sand it smooth.

Can I use a corner bead to finish the corner?

Yes, you can use a corner bead to finish the drywall corner. Apply mud to the back of the corner bead and press it into place. Smooth out the compound with a putty knife, then let it dry and sand it smooth.

How do I know if the corner is properly sealed?

Apply a layer of mud to the corner and smooth it out. Use a trowel to create a 45-degree angle on edge. Allow the mud to dry completely, then sand it until it’s flush with the wall. If there is any excess compound, you can remove it with a damp cloth.

Can I use the same method for both inside and outside corners?

Yes, you can use the same method for inside and outside corners. Just be sure to cut the drywall at a 45-degree angle for the outside corner.

Last Words

Drywalling is an important step in creating a smooth, finished surface for painting or other decorations. In this article, we have shown you three different ways to drywall corners for a professional finish. 

Now that you know how to drywall corners you can do just fine on your own. However, two methods are easy to deal with, the tapered joint is a bit more complicated, but it results in a smoother, more finished look. With these simple steps, you can create a professional-looking corner that will last for years! So, what are you waiting for? Get your tools and get started!

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