How Far Apart Should Drywall Screws be Placed?

Hanging drywall may seem like a straightforward process - hold the drywall against the wall and secure it.  But how often should you secure it?  Does the spacing of the fasteners matter?

The first step in deciding how many and what type of drywall fasteners to use should be to check local building codes.  Some municipalities require a particular minimum spacing for fasteners, and any local regulations should be followed even if they are above and beyond the general guidelines given here.

In the absence of (or in addition to) local laws and regulations, there are probably as many opinions about how often a fastener should be placed as there are drywall installers.  Fortunately, there are some basic guidelines you can follow to ensure that your drywall stays securely on the wall.

If you are hanging drywall vertically (that is, on a wall), the general recommendation is to place screws ⅜ of an inch from the edges of each sheet of drywall, then every 12 to 16 inches throughout the interior of the sheet.  While it might seem best to place screws as close to the edge of the drywall as possible, this can lead to chips or crumbling around the edges of the drywall.  You want to place the screws close enough to the edge to keep the drywall secure, but not so close that they have the potential of damaging the edges.

Drywall that is hung horizontally on a ceiling is under much more stress than drywall on a wall, so it needs more screws to keep it securely in place.  Screws should be placed ½ to ⅜ of an inch from the edges and no more than 12 inches apart throughout the interior.

Nails can also be used to secure drywall, but nails do not have the same holding power that screws do.  Therefore, if nails are used in place of screws, more nails will be needed.  Nails should be placed every 6 inches throughout the interior of the drywall and ½ to ⅜ of an inch from the edges.

If you use drywall adhesive to secure your drywall, fewer nails or screws are needed (though adhesive should not completely replace other fasteners).  Apply a generous amount of drywall adhesive every 12 inches along the studs to which the drywall is being fastened.  Screws or nails should be placed according to the above guidelines around the edges of each sheet, but the spacing can be widened to 24 inches throughout the interior.

These guidelines will ensure that a normal drywall installation is secure and smooth.  There are cases in which alternative guidelines may apply, however - if your studs are further apart than the standard 16 inches or you are using a specialty drywall, always read the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and consult a professional if you are not completely sure how to properly secure your drywall.  It is better to seek help now than to find yourself facing a costly and complicated repair later!

Still have questions? Drywallers Kitchener Inc. is here to help with all your drywall needs!