Installing Sheetrock (How to Hang Drywall)

By far the most common finish material for walls and ceilings is drywall, also called gypsum board; a common trade name is Sheetrock.

Drywall comes in standard 4-by-8-foot sheets and in three thicknesses: 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 inch. The most common thickness for finishing a wall or ceiling is 1/2 inch.

Drywall that is water-resistant is identifiable as such because it comes with a thick blue or green backing. It is a must for bathrooms, especially showers, because of the walls' high exposure to moisture.

Both the surface and core of water-resistant drywall are specially treated to protect against humidity. It is almost always used to back ceramic tile.

After purchasing drywall, make sure to store it flat until you're ready to install it. Leaning it up against a wall or other vertical surface could cause it to warp or the edges to crumble.