How to Hang Drywall on a Concrete Ceiling

The drywall is screwed directly to the furring strips.

1. Measure the thickness of the drywall you plan to use with a tape measure. With normal, 1/2-inch drywall, place your furring strips on 16-inch centers. With 5/8-inch drywall, you can center the strips at 24 inches.

2. Drill pilot holes through the wide face of each firing strop approximately ever 12-inches with a 3/16-inch drill bit.

3. Place the first furring strip onto the ceiling and butt it against the wall. Mark hole locations through the furring strip using a pencil or marker. Drill pilot holes into the concrete with a 5/32-inch masonry drill bit in a hammer drill.

4. Drive a 3/16-inch concrete screw or Tapcon screw into each hole with a screwdriver. Repeat this with each furring strip in the first row.

5. Measure over 16 inches or 24 inches and center the second row of furring strips on the ceiling. Secure the furring strips to the ceiling in the same manner as you installed the first row. Repeat this as you work your way across the ceiling.

6. Place the first piece of drywall in the corner where you started. Drive a drywall screw into each corner of the drywall sheet to hold it in place. Drive additional screws down each edge approximately 12 inches apart. Repeat this with each sheet of drywall you need to install.