Installing Drywall Around Corners and Archways: Techniques and Tips

When it comes to drywall installation, working around corners and archways requires special techniques and attention to detail. Properly handling these areas ensures that your finished project looks seamless and professional. In this article, we will explore techniques and offer tips for installing drywall around corners and archways, whether you’re dealing with standard corners or more intricate architectural features.

Tools and Materials:

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Drywall sheets
• Utility knife with sharp blades
• Drywall T-Square
• Tape measure
• Pencil or marker
• Drywall screws
• Drywall saw or keyhole saw
• Rasp or drywall router (optional)
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Flexible metal corner bead (for standard corners)
• Joint compound (mud)
• Drywall joint tape (for archways)

Installing Drywall Around Standard Corners:

Step 1: Measure and Cut

1. Measure the dimensions of the wall up to the corner, marking the width of the drywall sheet with a pencil or marker. Use a Drywall T-Square to create straight cutting lines.
2. Cut the drywall sheet along the marked lines using a utility knife. Score the front side first and snap the sheet along the scored line. Cut through the paper backing to complete the cut.

Step 2: Attach Drywall Sheets

1. Position the cut drywall sheet against the wall, ensuring it fits snugly up to the corner.
2. Secure the drywall sheet to the framing members using drywall screws, ensuring it is flush with the adjacent wall.
3. Repeat the process for the adjacent wall, allowing the two sheets to meet at the corner.
4. For standard corners, consider using flexible metal corner bead. Cut the corner bead to fit the height of the wall, secure it over the corner, and apply joint compound to embed it into the drywall.
5. Once the corner bead is embedded, allow it to dry before applying additional coats of joint compound to smooth and finish the corner.

Installing Drywall Around Archways:

Step 1: Create a Template

1. Measure the archway’s width and height at various points to ensure accuracy.
2. Use these measurements to create a template for the archway on a piece of cardboard or drywall scrap. Draw the desired arch shape and cut it out.

Step 2: Trace and Cut Drywall

1. Position the template on a drywall sheet and trace the arch shape onto the drywall.
2. Cut along the traced lines using a drywall saw or keyhole saw, ensuring a clean and precise cut.

Step 3: Install Drywall Sheets

1. Position the cut drywall sheets around the archway, making sure they align with the adjacent sheets on the straight sections of the wall.
2. Secure the drywall sheets to the framing members using drywall screws, following the contour of the archway.
3. Apply joint compound and drywall joint tape along the seams between the drywall sheets to create a smooth and seamless finish.
4. For the curved part of the arch, use a flexible, pre-made drywall corner bead designed for archways. Apply joint compound over the bead to embed it into the drywall.
5. Allow the joint compound to dry, then sand and apply additional coats as needed to achieve a smooth finish.

Conclusion

Installing drywall around corners and archways requires precision and careful consideration of the specific requirements of these areas. Whether you’re working with standard corners or more intricate architectural features like archways, following the techniques and tips outlined in this article will help you achieve a professional and visually appealing result. Properly installed drywall can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any space in your construction or renovation project.