Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. Although the two words are often used interchangeably, sheetrock is actually a brand name for drywall, which is gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper or, more recently, between two sheets of fiberglass. Any way you say it, drywall makes finishing walls very practical. For large jobs or those with very high ceilings, hire a pro. But most smaller jobs can be tackled by do-it-yourselfers. Before you get started, run the side of a hammer head along the framing to check for uneven surfaces or any protruding staples or nails. The tools you ll need are a straightedge and measuring tape for sizing your pieces, a utility knife for scoring and snapping, and a keyhole saw or rotary tool for cutting holes for outlets and windows. While some pros still attach drywall with nails, most find it easier to use an electric drill and that wonderful multi-purpose fastener, the drywall screw. You ll need about a pound of nails or screws for every 5 sheets of drywall. Metal corner beads go on all outside corners; inside corners get taped along with the joints between panels. Using pre-mixed joint compound is easier and less messy than mixing your own. You want a mix that s not too quick-drying if you re a beginner so you have a grace period to work in. Pros use about 5 gallons of compound for every 100 square feet, but you may need more depending on your level of experience. Installing drywall involves a series of short steps over a 3- to 4-day period. Follow the steps on BobVila.com for taping and finishing joints, and be sure to wear safety gear and a dust mask while sanding. If you re doing a ceiling, get a helper or a drywall lift. Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

Bob meets up with Bill Reid of US Gypsum in the barn of the Medford project. Bill differentiates imperial board (blue board) which is skim coated from drywall (gypsum panels) where the joints are taped. In 2000 US Gypsum developed a new core technology that makes the boards stronger and lighter - for easier handling, cutting, and scoring. The screw spacing is 12 inches on center with the screws flush with the paper providing a good, solid adherence to the wall with the screws. The face paper is treated and absorbent to take the veneer plaster and create the bond. These new boards snap cleanly on the ends. The installer puts a back cut on the edge so that the back of the sheet doesn't hit before the front does. The blue board and skimcoat application is typically not a do-it-yourself project. Traditional plaster jobs were very cost prohibitive so, when veneer plasters came along, they became very popular as they give a much more monolithic look than gypsum panels while providing an abuse resistant finish. Upstairs in the studio the homeowner has specified blue board with veneer plaster and downstairs, where he wants the option to tack artwork to the wall, he has specified a traditional drywall and tape application.

Finished walls begin with drywall that is level and smooth. Simple tricks will help you hang drywall like a pro.

Plumbing or electrical work can leave a hole in drywall. With a few simple techniques, you can repair the hole so it's invisible when finished.

…Multi-Max lets you cut metal, PVC, pipe, flooring and drywall. Removing glued down carpet Getting rid of old carpet…
…Removing glued carpet with a Dremel Multi-Max Cutting drywall for electrical boxes with a Multi-Max Making flush cuts…

…waterproofing and finishing contractors who knew there needed to be a safer, healthier way to finish basements other than studs and drywall. Those conventional products have a tendency to mold, mildew and decay. Our developers recognized that your basement is…

…designed especially for concrete and liquid pours…
…Inside the house, Georgia-Pacific's DensArmor Plus fiberglass-faced drywall is being installed…
…Unlike paper-faced drywall, this product resists…
…than traditional drywall, but cuts, scores…

…and mold-resistant qualities. DensArmor Plus eliminates the DensArmor Plus Paperless Interior Drywall from Georgia-Pacific DensArmor Plus Paperless Interior Drywall from Georgia-Pacific paper found in typical wallboard and instead…

…location at the Vermont farmhouse in Quechee, Vt., the carpentry crew opted to sheath the exterior walls and roof deck with Georgia-Pacific's Blue Ribbon Oriented Strand Board. From around the house project to the exterior sheathing and roofing on a home…