A large round hole in drywall may be repaired with a piece of drywall to patch and wood strips for mounting the patch. The wood strips create a stable frame on which to mount the new drywall. Before patching the hole, check inside the wall for electrical wiring and pipes. Repair any damage to these components first, and secure any wiring to avoid cutting it during the drywall repair. If pipes are present, adjust the frame and patch to avoid cutting into the pipe. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the width and length of the hole with a tape measure. Cut a square from the drywall sheet measuring 2 inches longer in width and length than the hole, using a draywall saw. Use a square to ensure straight cuts.
2. Place the cut drywall piece over the hole and trace the outline of the drywall piece onto the wall with a pencil. Set the drywall aside.
3. Cut along the penciled outline with a drywall saw. This turns the round hole into a square opening. Use a utility knife to trim the edges of the square.
4. Measure the width and length of the opening. On the piece of drywall used to outline the cut, mark out the width and length of the opening, but deduct 1/2 inch from each measurement. The patch must be slightly smaller than the opening so it can fit into the opening. Set the patch aside.
5. Cut the lumber for the framework. Cut four pieces of 1-by-3 lengths of lumber with a table saw, adding an additional 2 inches to the two pieces that will run the width of the hole, and cutting the two pieces for the width so they fit between the two lengthwise pieces to create a frame.
6. Mount the top piece of lumber, positioning it behind the drywall across the top of the opening and secure it from the front with drywall screws. Use a drill to drill in the screws. Position the piece so that a portion of the lumber is exposed. This allows for securing the patch to the lumber frame.
7. Continue framing out the opening from the backside, using drywall screws to secure the lumber.
8. Place the drywall patch into the opening and secure it to the framework with drywall screws.
9. Tape over the perimeter of the patch with mesh tape, centering the tape over the gap between the patch and the opening. Extend the tape approximately 1 1/2 inches past the corners of the patch and overlap it at the corners.
10. Apply drywall mud over the taped areas with a 6-inch taping blade, smoothing the compound over the surface. Continue mudding--applying the mud compound--to the patch so the tape and screws are no longer visible. Apply enough compound so as to smooth the mud outward 6 inches beyond the edge of the patch.
11. Feather the compound outward beyond the patch. Feathering is smoothing out the mud with the flat edge of the taping blade until it blends with the surrounding wall. Allow the mud to dry thoroughly.
12. Sand the compound using a hand sander so it's level with the wall. Apply primer and paint to complete the repair.
Tags: width length, drywall screws, with drywall, avoid cutting, drywall patch
