When to Glue Drywall to Studs? [And The Correct Way to Do It]

Drywall is typically installed by securing the sheets to studs in the wall using 2-inch nails or screws. However, in some installations, DIY homeowners prefer to glue the drywall sheets to the studs instead.

So, why glue drywall to studs? Gluing drywall to studs will help speed up the installation process and make it a lot easier. It will also help reduce the costs as you will not need to spend more money on nails or screws. It’s recommended to use a strong kind of glue to ensure there won’t be any loose drywall sheets.

Keep reading to learn more about how drywall works as well as when and how to glue drywall to the studs. You can also learn how and when to glue drywall here.

How Does Drywall Work?

Drywall, also known as sheetrock, wallboard, or plasterboard, is a construction finishing material used to create walls and ceilings. It is made of a mineral called gypsum which is usually found in massive beds similar to that of white sand.

It’s easy to install by using specialized nails or screws to secure the sheets to studs in the wall which are made of wood or metal.  It’s also highly durable and requires minimum repairs in case of damage.

When to Glue Drywall to Studs?

man using drywall studs to show when to glue drywall to studs

Some homeowners prefer to glue the drywall sheets to the studs instead of using nail or screws. This can be highly convenient when you want save time, effort, and money.

Here are some of the reasons why gluing drywall to studs can be beneficial:

  • It will make the installation process more straightforward and much less time-consuming.
  • It will work on any kind of stud, whether they’re made of metal or wood, without needing specialized nails or screws.
  • It will reduce the costs as you won’t need to but nails, screws, or other kinds of tools.
  • It will have more holding strength than screws or nails, so you won’t have any loose boards which will consequently eliminate drafts and reduce sound transmissions.

How to Glue Drywall to Studs?

Gluing drywall is a common DIY project for many homeowners because it’s quick, easy and doesn’t require any expensive tools.

Before you start, you first need to determine which kind of drywall will be suitable for your project then estimate how many sheets you are going to need based on the size of the area.

Next, follow these simple steps to glue the drywall sheets to the studs:

  • Open your glue tube by cutting off the end at a 45-degree angle and make sure the opening is large enough to dispense half-inch beads of glue.
  • Measure the first sheet of drywall and cut it to the desired size. Make sure to mark the studs that will be covered by that sheet and apply a bead of glue to all of them.
  • When applying the glue beads, make sure to cover about two-thirds of the stud that you’re going to apply the sheet of drywall on.
  • Lay the drywall sheet flat on the ground with the paper side down and apply glue evenly over the back of the drywall.  Try not to apply glue all the way to the edges as would result in glue coming out between the sheets of drywall.
  • Let the glue set on the drywall sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before pressing firmly on the wall and hold it there for 30 seconds to ensure it has effectively bonded.
  • Cut the next sheet of drywall and continue the installation by repeating the previous steps for the rest of the sheets.

Here is a simple video explaining how to glue drywall to studs:

Related Questions

What Kind of Glue Is Best for Drywall?

The kind of glue that is best for drywall is construction glue such as which is a premium-grade adhesive that will provide an extremely strong bond with most building materials including wood, metal, or concrete. It can also withstand exposure to moisture and cold temperatures.

What Happens If Drywall Is Exposed to Moisture?

If drywall is exposed to moisture it might crumble or start developing a mold infestation. That is because the back paper of the drywall is not water-resistant. To fix the damage and prevent it from spreading further, it’s recommended to replace the entire area of drywall.

Are Nails or Screws Better for Drywall?

Screws are considered better for drywall than nails. That is because screws are quicker and easier to install by using an electric drill. They also provide a much stronger hold and are less likely to pop out over time. However, they might be more expensive than nails.

Helpful Resources 

What is Drywall

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