How to Drywall Above a Shower Unit
- 1). Measure the area you need to cover. Convert your measurements to a diagram of the area on a piece of graph paper. This will help you plan your cuts.
- 2). Cut your first piece of drywall by scoring it with a utility knife guided by a straightedge and snapping off the excess pieces. Use greenboard drywall -- it's specifically designed for damp conditions like bathrooms and kitchens. Slide a vinyl or plastic J-bead over the bottom edge of the drywall. The J-bead is an edging piece that slides over the edge of the drywall, making it easier to finish the edges of the drywall installation. And in this case, it also prevents water from seeping into the drywall from the top of the shower unit.
- 3). Place the drywall in position and screw it into the studs behind the board every 8 inches, using galvanized drywall screws and a power drill.
- 4). Cut and place your next pieces until the area is covered.
- 5). Tape the seams between the drywall boards with drywall tape. Use a tape designed for use in damp conditions.
- 6). Apply joint compound over the seams with a broad tape knife and feather the edges with the blade to make as smooth a transition as possible between the boards. When the compound is dry, sand the compound with fine sandpaper and a block, for an even finish.
- 7). Wipe off excess dust with a damp rag. Let the wall dry and then prime and paint.
