I enjoy hanging drywall. When you have a room that is framed with no drywall and then throw the drywall up, wow, what a difference it makes! Then, after it is mudded, it looks that much better. Drywalling is a trade that most people can learn easily with the proper instruction and a few tips and tricks.
Is drywall hung vertically and horizontally? Traditionally drywall is hung horizontally. There are instances where you would consider hanging drywall vertically. There are less chances of cracks in the drywall happening when it is spanned across more studs vs vertically.
There you have it, hang the drywall horizontally unless you are in a special situation where installing vertically makes more sense. I have hung drywall both ways but always with the intent to hang it horizontally. Sometimes though it just makes sense to go vertical. Below I will explain further and hopefully answer some other related questions you might have.
So, if you’re ready to get started, then let’s do this!
Why Do We Hang Drywall Horizontally?
I first drywalled back in the 1980’s and was taught to use the longest boards possible and hang them horizontally. No one ever said “Grant, this is why”. I just picked the reasons from years of experience working with the products. Knowing what I know from all of these years, here is what I came up with.
- Framed walls are not always straight or flush with each other. It could be from installation to the lumber being bowed. If there is a stud that has a big bow in it, it is much easier to hide this when drywall is installed horizontally. If you were to hang the drywall vertically, the bow would stick out like a sore thumb.
- I feel there is more stability in the wall when drywall is installed this way.
- For example, if you have an 8’ ceiling let’s say and a 12’ long wall to drywall. You could potentially stand up three 8’ sheets of drywall to cover the wall or you could use two 12’ sheets and install them horizontally. This means there are less seams on the wall making it structurally sound in my opinion. As an added bonus, there would also be less mudding because there are fewer seams.
- There are less chances of cracks appearing on seams. If you run vertically and have an 8’ seam it wouldn’t take much movement to have a crack appear. On the other side of it, if your boards are running horizontally the seams don’t run down studs for more than 4’ in any location so you are less prone to cracking. I hope that made sense.
Is it Okay to Hang Drywall Vertically?
The reason someone might decide to install drywall vertically is because they don’t have help and they feel standing the boards up on end would be easier than lifting them into place on the wall. I totally understand this way of thinking and have probably done the same many years ago.
But, is it really okay to hang drywall vertically? Of course it is. Whatever it takes for you to get the job done. Just remember from previously mentioned, it might be harder to cover up bows in the framing if you go this route.
I found some related questions online I thought would be great to answer here.
Does Drywall Have to End on a Stud?
If you don’t end on a stud, what do you think will happen? How will you finish the wall properly?
If you don’t attach the end of a sheet of drywall to a stud, you’re not doing yourself any good.
I can’t even believe I found this question online.
If you have drywall that ends between two studs and not secured to anything, you won’t be able to mud it. Once you put any pressure on the drywall at all, it is going to move.
Do yourself a favor and do it right the first time. End all drywall on studs. Always measure to hit the halfway point of the gyproc. Studs are about 1.5” wide so shoot to cover about ¾” of the stud. That will then leave you with another ¾” for another sheet of drywall to be screwed to.
Should you Stagger Drywall Joints on Walls?
Yes, most definitely you should stagger drywall joints. Years ago, I would drywall and not stagger and then when I was done mudding I could tell I might have to widen the mud or the long seam might show through the paint.
There are a couple of good reasons to stagger your drywall.
- Helps to hide imperfections in the framing. Staggering the drywall gives you an opportunity to hide any bowing or framing that just isn’t quite right. Sometimes when a long seam is on a stud, that doesn’t quite look right, it stands out and will be noticed by all.
- Seams are easier to hide when mudding if the drywall is staggered. If you have the choice of mudding an 8’ long vertical seam or a couple staggered 4’ seams, go for the 4’ ones. You won’t be able to notice bowing as easily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, now you know drywall can technically be hung both vertically or horizontally. It all depends on the job in front of you. That being said though, always drywall horizontally unless there is a special situation where hanging it vertically just makes more sense.
Remember to stagger joints on the walls and ceiling. Especially a ceiling, as it is easier to spot poorly mudded seams.
That is all I have for this article. Please make sure to check out some of my other drywall related posts, as I am sure they will be very helpful for you.
Good luck!
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