How far can 1/2 drywall span on a ceiling?

What is the maximum joist spacing for ceiling drywall? Does it matter if the panels are oriented parallel or perpendicular to the joists? 1/2- or 5/8-inch drywall is 24 inches on-center. Ceiling drywall should always be installed perpendicular to the joists, even when they are 16 inches on-center.

How far can 5/8 drywall span on a ceiling?





5/8″ might span it, though you’ll end up with a lot of 6″ scraps due to 90 rather than 96″ spacing. 1/2″ not a chance – it will sag badly. If you strap it, you only need 1×3, and you don’t (IMHO) want it 24″ apart which is already a marginal spacing on ceilings – put it 16″ or even 12″ apart.

Can you hang drywall on 24 centers on ceiling?

drywall thickness, lightweight is ideal for ceilings that have joists 24 inches on center. Regular 1/2-in. drywall has always been approved for use on 24-in. spacing on ceiling framing, but because of heavy sagging insulation, wet ceiling textures, or higher humidity, either a 1/2-in.

Can you attach drywall to ceiling joists?

Yes you can, but it is not always easy to do. The joists may not be perfectly spaced and you only have a 1-1/2 inch target for attaching two edges of the drywall.

Can 1/2 drywall be used on ceilings?

1/2-Inch-Thick Drywall



Half-inch drywall panels are the standard thickness for interior walls, as well as ceilings. These panels are easy to carry and hang.

What kind of drywall is used on ceilings?





Regular drywall



Regular drywall, often called white board, is the most common type used in ceilings and walls in homes and commercial projects. The most common thickness for residential use is ½ inch. The most common drywall sheet size is 4′ x 8′, but it’s also available in lengths up to 16′ for high ceilings.

How far apart should ceiling joists be for drywall?

16 inches

Regular 1/2-inch drywall ceilings can be hung perpendicular if joists are spaced 24 inches or less apart (*always refer to local codes). If hung parallel, the maximum spacing is 16 inches on center.

How far apart should ceiling joists be?

Ceiling joists are usually installed either 16 or 24 inches on center, which means roughly 16 or 24 inches apart. Once you’ve located the first one, the others are easier to find. If you only need to know which direction the joists run, access the attic and take a look.

How far can 2×6 ceiling joist span?



Example: The highlighted cell (below) shows that a 2″ x 6″ Douglas Fir joist, with a grade of #2, spaced 24″ apart, can have a maximum span of 10 feet – 8 inches (10-8).

Does it matter if you drywall ceiling or walls first?

Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. Check the ceiling for bowed joists using a 4-ft. level. Irregularities less than 1/8 in.

Do you have to strap a ceiling before drywall?

Without strapping, you’d be attempting to nail the drywall joints on only half of a side of 2x lumber. While this can be done on wall installations, it’s not by any means desirable. You’ll end up with more seams. By strapping the ceiling, you ensure optimum nailing surface and spacings for drywall.

Should I stagger drywall on ceiling?



It’s not necessary to stagger seams on ceiling drywall. However, because these joints are relatively difficult to finish – and tend to be noticeable in the finished product – it’s a good idea to stagger the drywall panels to make the joints less visible.

What is an acceptable gap in drywall?

How big a gap is acceptable? Between panels, 1/4 inch is fine. Taping compound and tape will cover it with little difficulty. Putting on a coat of compound before setting the tape will fill the gap.

Should drywall end on stud?

Drywall Is Not on a Stud



All edges of all sheets of drywall must land on a solid surface such as a stud. A hanging drywall edge may work in the short-term, but in the long-term it can result in cracks and other serious wall issues. Sometimes, the drywall does not horizontally reach a stud.

Which way do you hang drywall on ceiling?

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What size drywall do you put on a ceiling?



5/8-inch thick drywall is the best drywall thickness for ceilings. Although you can use any type of drywall for ceilings as long as its installed correctly (even ultralight 1/4-inch thick drywall), a thicker panel is best. 5/8-inch thick drywall is the sturdiest which prevents sagging between ceiling joists.

How many screws go into a 4×8 sheet of drywall?

Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.

Why do you hang drywall on the ceiling before the walls?

When hanging drywall, always hang the ceiling first. This is the hardest drywall to hang, so get a partner and go slow. Large cracks due to misaligned sheets are hard to repair because the extra mud required to fill them will constantly fall out and drop to the floor (or worse, down the back of your neck!).

Is it OK to hang drywall vertically?

Commercial: Hang the drywall vertically. On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. Residential: How high are the walls? For walls nine feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits.

Should drywall touch the floor?



Drywall should NOT touch the floor. Allow for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall by keeping a 1/2-inch (1.27-cm) space between them. This space also aids in preventing moisture from seeping if the floor floods.