Drywalls, also called wallboard or gypsum boards, are lengthy, rectangular sheets seen in stores and construction sites. Installing these boards require the correct supplies, but this doesn’t mean you should buy random pieces of equipment and call it a day. Continue reading to know the things to consider when buying specific drywall supplies. 

Drywall Panels

Consider prioritizing the wallboards when you’re shopping for drywall supplies. Different drywall variants exist, and each model can be an ideal choice for a specific purpose. Some examples you can find include plain, fire-rated, and prefinished vinyl drywalls. 

The plain or regular drywall can be your basic model. It has no special enhancements, but it’s not inferior to other models. Consider this option if you want drywall with no extra ‘bells and whistles.’

On the other hand, fire-rated drywalls come from natural fire-resistant materials. Use these models in high-heat areas, such as the space near a furnace or kitchen.

As for the prefinished vinyl models, these can be suitable options for banks, garages, hospitals, and food processing plants. It’s because this particular material is resistant to dust and debris, only requiring minimal maintenance for business establishments. 

Aside from the different drywall types, you should also consider the size requirements of your project. Choose the right dimensions for the drywalls you need. You can find size options like the following:

  • 4 x 8 feet
  • 4 x 10 feet
  • 4 x 12 feet
  • 4 x 14 feet

Drywall Knives

Drywall knives should also be essential tools in your toolbox. These blades tend to have a similar design to putty knives, albeit both tools serve different purposes. 

Attempt to use putty knives to install or repair drywalls, and you’re going to find it more challenging than average to accomplish the task. Thankfully, several drywall knives aren’t expensive, so you can keep costs low for your renovation projects.  

You can find these knives in different variants, such as four-, six-, and 12-inch models. The four-inch knife is ideal for slopping the joint compound or mud into place. It can also be useful for laying out a paper tape. You can also use the six-inch variant for these reasons. 

Conversely, the 12-inch knife is excellent for feathering and applying final coats. So, you’ll need at least one 12-inch knife in your toolbox, and either a four- or six-inch knife as well. 

Consider the dimensions of the wallboards as you think about buying four- or six-inch drywall knives. Opt to use six-inch knives if you’re dealing with walls larger than 12 feet in width. 

Also, think about adding a utility knife to your toolkit. This particular tool can be used to cut paper tape or small areas in the gypsum boards.

Paper Tape

Paper tape is a unique adhesive with the specific role of joining drywall sheets. You use this bonding agent in the mud to form a hard connection between panels. Moreover, this tape is relatively expensive since it’s, practically, paper. 

But, ensure that the paper tape you’re about to use is strong—the last thing you’d want is for a panel to fall because you used a weak bonding agent. 

However, herein lies the problem since stores don’t usually let their customers test these products before the purchase. Thus, consider buying at least one paper tape variant from a particular brand. Then, test it for its level of adhesion and decide if you want to go with that option or buy another variant. 

Although buying different paper tapes will count as extra expenses, these adhesives shouldn’t hurt your budget significantly.

Power Drill And Screws

You can set drywalls into place with the help of trusty hammers and nails. But, you can’t take back the time and effort spent on pounding nails into gypsum boards. 

Hence, the better and modern option is to use a power drill. Use the correct drill to fasten special screws into the gypsum boards. You can even find drills with interchangeable heads that automatically load new screws. Using these devices can let you save a significant amount of time and effort. But, these special drills tend to be quite expensive, so only buy these tools if you have the extra cash. 

If you can’t increase your spending allowance to purchase an expensive drill with fancy features, a conventional yet reliable 12V or 18V cordless variant should suffice. Consider buying the higher-powered option for drilling screws into wood studs if your project has these wooden components.

Sanding Tools

Don’t forget about the necessary supplies after you finish setting the drywall in place. One tool that should come to mind is the sandpaper. 

You can purchase conventional sandpaper to sand away any imperfections after the gypsum board installation or repair. But, one issue you might encounter is that sandpapers tend to be quite tough to control. Furthermore, the rough surface tends to wear out rather quickly, forcing you to use more sandpapers for the project. 

Instead, consider investing in sanding sponges or pole sanders. The former offers more coverage than the traditional sandpaper. Pole sanders, on the other hand, give you an extended reach, making these options excellent for drywalls installed in ceilings.

Drywall Repair Kit

Unfortunately, accidents can happen when you’re trying to install or repair wallboards. Perhaps, you’re trying to fasten a screw, but the cordless drill suddenly slips from your hand. The incident may cause hole in the wall, and replacing the entire board might not be the best solution for your current budget. 

Prepare for mishaps by purchasing a drywall repair kit. The set should have everything you need to patch holes in the boards. An ideal kit may have a heavy-duty wall patch, polystyrene putty knife, and sanding pad.

Also, consider purchasing paint since the putty will be highly noticeable. Buy and use paint with a color that matches the tone of the drywall to hide the mishap. 

Conclusion

Purchase the necessary supplies before you tackle drywall installation or repair projects. Having the right tools at the ready will help you avoid several trips to the local hardware store. Let this article serve as a guide to help you choose the correct tools for your successful DIY project. 

The post Things To Consider When Buying Drywall Supplies appeared first on mmminimal.

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