Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor?

09-30-2007, 08:37 PM	#1
DIYScott Newbie   Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? Hi Everyone, Almost all of my local hardware stores only carry 8' x 4' sheets of drywall. The ceiling in my condo is 9' high and all the walls are over 8' in length. I found a place that has a few 10’ x 4’ sheets which would prevent butt joints if I installed them with the tapered joints perpendicular to the floor. So, my question is if it’s okay to install drywall with the tapered edges perpendicular to the floor? Most pictures I have seen have the drywall installed with the tapered edges parallel to the floor. Thanks in advance.

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09-30-2007, 09:20 PM	#2
AtlanticWBConst. Lic. Builder/GC/Remodeler     Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England Posts: 7,554	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? That depends on where you live. I was told that "earthquake prone" regions require S/R to be installed horizontally. Other than that possible issue, you can install sheets vertically. __________________ - Build Well -

09-30-2007, 09:36 PM	#3
DIYScott Newbie   Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? Thanks for the reply. Considering that I live in Los Angeles I better find out about this. Anyone in the Sothern California region happen to know?

10-01-2007, 08:54 AM	#4
NateHanson Member   Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 999	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? I've always been curious about why drywall is hung horizontally. Many rooms are short enough that an 8' piece reaches the ceiling, so that way there would be no butt joints. Wouldn't everyone get a better finish if sheets were hung vertically? I'm sure there's a good reason why they're not, but what is it?

10-01-2007, 10:42 AM	#5
Big Bob Member   Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 886	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? years back I asked this same question Nate. If you don't stagger the joints you risk landing on a crowned / bellied stud or ceiling joist. It can take alot of skimming to make the in & out look go way.

10-02-2007, 05:41 PM	#6
jogr Member   Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,463	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? In all of LA I'm thinking there's got to be a drywall supply house that carries 4 1/2 ft wide drywall. Hit the phonebook and you'll probably find it quick.

10-02-2007, 07:22 PM	#7
AtlanticWBConst. Lic. Builder/GC/Remodeler     Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England Posts: 7,554	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? As jogr posted: To clarify; There is such a thing as 54" wide sheetrock, over the standard 48" wide product. Just about any "Drywall Supply" house sells it. __________________ - Build Well -

10-03-2007, 09:04 AM	#8
NateHanson Member   Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Downeast Maine Posts: 999	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? While we're answering fundamental drywall questions, why are ceilings generally furred out before hanging drywall? Why not put the drywall on the joists? Is it to get a more even surface? Or to make fishing wires easier?

10-03-2007, 09:47 AM	#9
jogr Member   Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,463	Hanging Drywall Perpendicular To The Floor? Furring out ceilings for drywall is a regional thing. In some areas it is the norm, in others the norm is to go right on the joists. Both sides will strongly support their method. I'm pretty sure the furring is to level the surface but it's not the norm here.