Are you looking for an easy way to update your garage? Finishing off the bottom of drywall not only seals off areas that can attract unwanted pests and moisture but also adds a professional touch. Having a finished drywall bottom in your garage will give it an improved look while providing superior insulation properties.
In this blog post on how to finish bottom of drywall in garage, we’ll discuss step-by-step instructions on how you can easily finish the bottom of the drywall in your garage without having to hire a professional.
Necessary Tools and Supplies
Given below is the list of supplies and tools that you’ll need to finish your drywall bottom:
Safety Glasses
This is an essential safety item for any drywalling job. Safety glasses help protect your eyes from flying debris and sharp tools.
Drywall Saw
This tool is used to cut the drywall sheets in order to fit them into garage walls or ceilings. It’s important to use a light touch when cutting, as over-cutting could result in the drywall having an uneven, rough surface.
Drywall Tapes & Joint Compound
These are necessary for sealing any seams or joints between the drywall sheets. Drywall tapes help to bridge these gaps and provide a strong bond between two pieces of drywall. Drywall joint compound is used to cover up any holes or cracks that may be present in the wall before painting it.
Stud Finder
A stud finder is an important tool when installing drywall, as it helps you find where the studs on your walls are located. This will ensure that your drywall is installed properly and securely.
10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Finish Bottom of Drywall in Garage
Step 1: Cut the Drywall to Its Desired Size
You can do this using a drywall saw or utility knife. Make sure that all of your cuts are precise and accurate. It’s best to measure twice and cut once. Otherwise, you may end up with drywall sheets that are too large or too small for the space. But if it’s not possible to get the exact measurements, you can use a larger drywall sheet and just cut off any excess.
Step 2: Fit the Drywall Sheets
Using a stud finder, locate the studs on your garage walls or ceilings and mark them before using screws to secure the drywall in place. It’s important to make sure that the screws are driven straight and at the right depth. But if you can’t find any studs, then use drywall anchors instead. This will provide adequate support for the drywall sheets. It’s also important to make sure that the drywall sheets fit tightly against each other, with no gaps.
Step 3: Join Adjacent Drywall Sheets Together
You can do this by applying a thin layer of joint compound to each side of the seam and then joining them together with drywall tape. Make sure that there are no gaps between the sheets before moving on to step 4. It’s also important to let the joint compound dry before continuing. You can do this by following the instructions on the joint compound packaging.
Step 4: Sand Down Any Imperfections
Once all of your seams and joints are taped, use a sanding block to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections in the drywall. It’s also important to make sure that the surface is even before you move on to the next step. But be sure to wear your safety glasses when sanding, as flying debris can cause serious eye damage.
Step 5: Apply Another Layer of Joint Compound
This will help ensure that your drywall bottom is fully sealed and will provide protection against moisture and pests. If you are painting the drywall, be sure to let the joint compound dry completely before continuing. But if you are not painting it, then you can skip this step. It’s also important to make sure that all of the joints are covered with a thin layer of joint compound.
Step 6: Sand Down Any Rough Spots Again
Repeat step 4 again to make sure that all of your seams and joints are completely smooth before moving on to the next step. It’s also important to make sure that there are no rough spots left before moving on. But be sure to wear your safety glasses when sanding, as flying debris can cause serious eye damage. This step is important, as it will ensure that your finished drywall bottom looks neat and professional.
Step 7: Prime & Paint Your Drywall Bottom
Using interior latex paint, lightly coat your entire drywall bottom with a primer before adding several layers of paint for a finished look. It’s important to let each layer dry completely before adding the next one. You can also use a paintbrush or roller for this step, depending on your preference.
Step 8: Install Skirting or Baseboard
This will add an additional layer of protection against moisture and pests while also giving your garage a more finished look. It’s important to measure and cut the skirting or baseboard before installing it. But if you don’t want to use skirting or baseboard, you can apply a thin layer of joint compound to seal off the edges.
Step 9: Attach Switch Plates & Electrical Outlets
Make sure that all electrical outlets and switch plates are properly installed before sealing off the drywall with skirting or baseboard trim. This will ensure that your electrical wiring is safe and secure. If needed, you can hire a professional electrician to do this for you. Otherwise, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies before attempting this step.
Step 10: Inspect Your Finished Drywall Bottom
This is the last and most important step in finishing your drywall bottom. Carefully inspect your work to make sure that everything looks neat and professional. If you find any flaws or imperfections, fix them before proceeding. Otherwise, your finished drywall bottom should look neat and tidy when finished.
Following these ten steps on how to finish bottom of drywall in garage will enable you to finish off the bottom of the drywall in your garage, giving it an improved look and providing superior insulation properties. With a finished drywall bottom in place, you can rest assured that your garage will stay looking great for years to come.
Good luck!
Do You Need to Hire Professionals?
While it’s possible to finish off the bottom of drywall in your garage yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional if you’re not confident in your abilities. A professional will have the experience and knowledge to ensure that the job is done right, saving you time and money in the long run.
If you decide to hire a professional, make sure that they are fully insured and licensed, as this will protect you from any potential liability. You should also ask for references or past work examples so that you can get an idea of their quality of work before making a hiring decision.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of finishing off the bottom of drywall in your garage can vary depending on many factors, such as the size of the project and any additional supplies or materials that may be needed. Generally, you should expect to pay around $1,000-$3,000 for a professional job, although this can vary greatly depending on the contractor’s experience and location.
Overall, finishing off your drywall bottom in your garage is a straightforward process that will not only give it a more polished look but also provide superior insulation properties. By following these step-by-step guidelines and taking extra care when installing electrical outlets and switch plates, you can rest assured that your finished drywall bottom will last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Best Tool for Cutting Drywall?
A: A drywall saw is the best tool for cutting drywall. It is important to use a light touch when cutting, as over-cutting could result in the drywall having an uneven, rough surface.
Q: How Do I Make Sure That My Drywall Bottom Is Fully Sealed?
A: You can ensure that your drywall bottom is fully sealed by applying two layers of joint compound and tape before priming and painting it. This will provide added protection against moisture and pests.
Q: How Can I Make Sure That All Electrical Outlets & Switch Plates Are Properly Installed?
A: In order to make sure that all electrical outlets and switch plates are properly installed, you should hire a professional electrician to handle the job. This will ensure that all outlets and switch plates are installed correctly.
Conclusion
With the proper tools, drywall is easier to install than you think. In this blog post on how to finish bottom of drywall in garage, we discussed how to finish the bottom of the drywall in your garage so that it looks professional and lasts longer. We discussed how to properly measure, cut, and fit the drywall pieces to the wall with help from a hacksaw and a taping knife. Now it’s time for you to put your knowledge into practice. After all, there’s no better feeling than doing projects all by yourself and seeing them come together right before your eyes.
For those who still need some guidance on their drywalling journey, we recommend checking out our previous guide on How to Put Cubicle Walls Together. It contains step-by-step instructions and useful tips sprinkled throughout. So don’t wait up — take action today and start on your new project!
