How to Drywall a Mobile Home

Drywall a mobile home to give it an updated look.

However, because many mobile homes' walls are originally made from a very light plywood or other engineered wall surface, it's important to use the thinnest drywall available, 1/4 inch, to prevent the mobile home from sagging under the extra weight. Hanging drywall is not particularly difficult but does require the proper tools and some attention to detail. Before hanging any drywall, the old walls should be removed so the studs are exposed.

1. Measure the first piece of drywall you'll need, starting in a corner. The drywall will need to hang lengthwise, perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

2. Measure the length on the drywall and mark it.

3. Set the T-square on top of the edge of the drywall and align it with your mark.

4. Score the drywall with the utility knife, using the T-square as your guide. You should not try to cut it all the way through.

5. Snap the drywall back along the score line and cut through the rest of the tape on the other side of the drywall with the utility knife.

6. Insert the drywall dimpler into the end of the cordless drill.

7. Lift the sheet of drywall up to the ceiling with the help of a friend and quickly put screws in the corners to hold it up.

8. Push upward on the drywall until it is snug against the ceiling and finish screwing the sheet in by applying one screw every 16 inches. Screw locations will already be marked by the manufacturer.

9. Hang the rest of the ceiling in the same manner.

10. Measure the first piece of drywall that's going to go on the walls and cut using the same technique as for the ceiling pieces.

11. Lift the drywall piece so it is snug against the ceiling and screw it in, using one screw every 16 inches.

12. Work your way around the room until it is completely drywalled.

Tip

Drywall comes in 8-, 10- and 12-foot lengths. Buy the longest length you'll be able to handle and maneuver to minimize the number of seams that will need patching. All ends of the drywall should be screwed to the middle of studs. Failure to do so will result in cracks forming along the seams. To make hanging drywall on the ceilings easier, rent a drywall jack from a local hardware store. This will significantly cut down on the installation time and will result in a tighter fit because you'll be able to move the drywall sheets much easier.

Warning

Note the locations of any lighting fixtures, electrical outlets, windows and doors. Measure their position and cut the holes out on the drywall before hanging.

Always measure twice to check yourself, so that you'll only have to cut once and reduce waste.

The 1/4-inch drywall is extremely thin, so when carrying or lifting it, be careful when moving it so it doesn't snap in half.