This article is about how to cut drywall boards. Cutting sheetrock is an essential techniques for any major renovation project, therefore you should have a good grasp on how to work with drywall. In order to cut sheetrock like a pro, you need a few tools and several basic techniques, as to get the job done quickly. In addition, we will show you how to use the materials as to have the least amount of waste and get a professional result. From our experience, we recommend you to work with patience, as although it is an easy job, cutting drywall can turn in a fiasco if you don’t take accurate measurement or you don’t use the right tools and materials. Therefore, you have to read our article and follow our tips to lean the best ways to cut drywall.
Remember that is essential to use as many full boards as possible, In this way, you will keep costs down and reduce the amount of work needed to get a professional results. Therefore, you have to measure attentively the surface and choose the best layout, as to have the least amount of cuts.
Use a tape measure to determine the length at which you have to make the cut. Work with great care, otherwise the board might not fit into place (it could be too small or too large). In addition, make sure the vertical edges are aligned with the center of the wood studs, otherwise the joints between the drywall boards won’t be rigid enough.
We recommend you to lean the sheetrock against one wall of the room. Even if you can also make the cuts by laying the boards on the floor, it is easier to get the job done when leaning them at a slight angle on the wall, especially for beginners. If you have to install drywall on a large surface, we recommend you to use 12′ boards instead of 8′, as you will make fewer cuts and save time and material when taping the joints.
Generally speaking, a drywall board consists of two layers of paper that cover a thick coat of gypsum, on both sides. Joining these components together in this manner creates a strong material which is also fire-resistant. Therefore, you only have to score the board gently with a sharp cutter and snap with firmly, if you want to get accurate cuts.
Made from this plan
Materials
- Drywall board
Tools
- Utility knife
- T-squre
- Tape measure
Tips
- Use an utility knife with a sharp blade
- Hang drywall on the ceiling before starting the walls
- If you need to make complex cuts, it is better to cut the boards lengthwise before cutting them to width
Time
- 5 minutes, one cut
Best way to cut drywall
Tools for cutting drywall
Step 1: Use the best tools to cut the drywall boards like a pro. Therefore, you need a tape measure, a T-square, an utility knife and a pencil. Lean the sheets against the wall if they are large (4 ft wide), or place them on the floor if you bought smaller sheets (2 ft wide). In addition, make sure you lay them with the finished face towards you.
Measuring drywall
Step 2: Measure the drywall boards with a tape measure and mark the needed length with a pencil. In this example, we had to cut the sheetrock in half, therefore we marked the middle point.
Using a T-square to cut drywall
Step 3: Use a Ts-quare to score a perfectly straight cut. From our experience, we recommend you to buy a large T-square and avoid using improvised tools, if you want to obtain a professional result.
Slide the T-square along the sheetrock until it reaches the sign. If you want to make a proper cut, you have to score the board over the guidance line.
How to cut drywall
Cutting drywall
Step 4: Score the drywall board with an utility knife from top to the bottom, several times. While cutting the paper layer, you have to hold firmly the T-square into position, otherwise you won’t obtain a perfectly straight cut.
If you leaned the sheets against the wall, the procedure is the same: lock the T-square into place using your foot and score the board with an utility knife, from top to the floor. There is no need to score the rock many times, as it will dull the blade of your knife.
Drywall cut
As you can see in the image, the cut should be perfectly straight from top to bottom, otherwise you won’t be able to snap the board accurately. The objective should be to cut the paper layer and score a little the gypsum.
In most of the cases, you can get the job done using an utility knife, but there are cases when you need other tools to cut drywall: a keyhole saw for electrical box openings or drywall saw for longer cuts.
How to cut sheetrock
Step 5: Snap the drywall along the cut. If you have followed the previous steps, the drywall should break along the scored cut. Just fold the drywall towards you, holding the bottom side into position with your feet.
Although it is a little complicated to explain the procedure in a few sentences, we can assure you it is very ease. In addition, if you have scored the drywall properly, chances are that you will get a nice cut no matter what you do to snap it.
Snapping drywall
Step 6: Nevertheless, if you find it difficult to snap the drywall, as the board might be too large, you could try to use your knee to pinch the sheetrock. If you aren’t sure about your skills, you should practice a little on a waste board, before cutting the actual sheets.
Cutting sheetrock
Step 7: Use the utility knife to cut the back paper layer of the drywall board. If you snapped the sheetrock properly, then you shouldn’t face any issues.
Best way to cut drywall
Step 8: Install the drywall board into position, to see if you have made an accurate cut.
If you have cut the drywall just 1/2” longer, use a rasp to fix the issue. A rasp is a tool designed to shave off a small part of drywall board, as to help you fit it into position. Nevertheless, keep in mind that using a rasp produces dust, therefore you should remove no more than 1/2 inches.
My best tips to cut drywall!
Cutting drywall can be quick and easy with the right tools and techniques. Here are my best tips to help you achieve clean, precise cuts:
1. Use a Utility Knife for Straight Cuts: For most cuts, use a utility knife to score the drywall. Measure and mark your cut line, then run the knife along a straight edge to score the paper surface. Once the drywall is scored, snap the sheet along the line and cut the paper backing with your knife.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once: Always double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes and wasting material. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark your cut lines clearly.
3. Use a Drywall Saw for Small Holes: When cutting out openings for electrical boxes, outlets, or fixtures, use a keyhole saw or drywall saw. This allows for more precise, controlled cuts in small areas.
4. Support the Drywall While Cutting: Support the drywall sheet while cutting to prevent it from bending or breaking. When cutting large sections, ensure the piece is fully supported to avoid cracks or damage.
5. Score and Snap for Long Cuts: For long cuts, such as cutting a sheet in half, score the drywall with a utility knife and then snap it along the score line. Cutting the paper backing afterward gives you a clean, even break.
6. Use a T-Square for Accuracy: A drywall T-square is a handy tool for marking and cutting straight lines. It ensures your cuts are perfectly square and makes the process faster and more accurate.
7. Cut Small Pieces Carefully: For small or narrow pieces, score the drywall with a utility knife and gently snap it along the score line. Handle with care to avoid breaking these delicate pieces.
8. Smooth the Edges: After cutting, smooth any rough or jagged edges with sandpaper or a drywall rasp. This ensures a snug fit and helps avoid gaps when installing.
9. Use a Hole Saw for Round Cuts: For round cuts, like those for recessed lights or pipe fittings, use a hole saw attached to a drill. This gives you clean, circular openings without cracking the drywall.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make clean, precise cuts that ensure your drywall project looks professional and well-finished!
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