Do you have some drywall that you want to remove without creating an unnecessary mess? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re looking to open up some space in your home, renovate a room, or fix some damage, you’ll finish this article with a thorough understanding of how to remove drywall safely and effectively!
You’re probably tempted to grab yourself a sledgehammer and get whacking, and, while this is a fun way to remove drywall, you’ll end up with a lot of dust and debris floating around your home. Instead, ditch the sledgehammer and read on.
So, let’s grab the best tools for removing drywall, make sure that the room is prepared, and follow the step-by-step instructions in this article!
We have done our research to help you find the best way to remove your drywall using a drywall saw and not a sledgehammer!
Is There One Correct Way To Remove Drywall?
While there is not one right way to remove drywall, there is a most effective way to do it. If you are attempting to remove drywall and you are tempted by the sledgehammer, you should restrain!
While it is an appealing way to let off some steam, it can cause more damage than good.
Using a more precise technique will allow you to minimize the mess and reduce any risk of dust. You should remove any obstacles, cut the corners and remove any screws in the wall before removing the panels.
Let’s take a look in more detail!
Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Drywall
Removing drywall can be super quick, even without the sledgehammer.
Step 1: Prepare!
Preparation is very important when it comes to removing drywall so before you get started you should spend a few minutes preparing the wall.
Turn Off The Circuit Breaker
First, you should turn off the circuit breaker for the area of the house you’re working in. Have a look around the room and take note of where there are any utilities in the room. For instance, any plumbing or electrical outlets!
Empty The Room
It is much easier to work in an empty room and it will prevent your furniture and belongings from becoming super dusty.
If there is any larger furniture, then you will want to make sure that you cover this with plastic sheeting to protect it.
If your room is empty it is still a good idea to use plastic sheeting to cover the floors. This will make it much easier to clear up the dust from the drywall.
Get Yourself A Dust Mask!
It is also very important to keep yourself safe when you are working with drywall. A dust mask will protect you from any lead paint or asbestos that may be in old drywall. It is also recommended that you use eye protection, too.
Step 2: Remove All Obstacles
You should then make sure that you get rid of anything that is in the way of the drywall. Pry off any electrical outlet covers and light switches!
Ensure that you take out any screws or nails, too!
Step 3: Cut The Corners
To remove drywall precisely, you should start by cutting off the corners using a drywall saw.
If it is too difficult to cut through the drywall, you can score it, however, this will mean that it will be more difficult to remove the panels.
It is recommended that you use an extra-long utility knife blade if you don’t have a saw as this will prevent you from scraping your knuckles on the wall.
Step 4: Remove Any Screws And Nails
Before you remove all of the sheets of drywall you need to ensure that no screws and nails are holding it into the studs.
You will be able to locate most of these screws or nails visually, but there may be some that are hidden away. It is a good idea to get yourself a magnetic stud finder to ensure that you get every last one!
Step 5: Remove The Panels
This is the stage where you have to start getting your hands dirty! It is time to pull the pieces of drywall away from the wall.
This stage is much easier if you use your drywall saw to cut through the panels horizontally so that you can remove them in small pieces. This will save you from having to pull the whole thing off the wall.
When you’re making these cuts, ensure that the saw doesn’t go too far into the wall. This will protect any wires or plumbing that you didn’t know were there.
Then, you will need to slowly push the drywall out of the wall. If you have followed the steps above well, then you should find this step fairly easy.
If there is a large amount of resistance, check again for any screws that you might have missed.
How To Remove Drywall With A Sledgehammer
If you go against the advice in this article and decide you want to remove your drywall with a sledgehammer, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some information on how to make this process as smooth as possible.
Lots of people love removing drywall in this way as it is super fast. It can work if you are doing a demolition project. If you are attempting smaller projects, you should avoid this method.
If you’re being stubborn and want to put your sledgehammer to good use, all you will need to do is smack your sledgehammer against the drywall!
As you go, you should tear any leftover pieces from the wall and remove all screws and nails.
After you have done this, it will be time for the big cleanup. This can be a very tough job, and you will need to make sure that you get rid of all the debris and dust that the process created.
If there is anything behind the drywall, such as wires or plumbing, this method is much riskier.
Watch this video for some more guidance!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! A detailed step-by-step guide to removing drywall. If you are hoping to do a precise job with the smallest amount of clearing up possible, this guide has you covered!
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