Hanging drywall is heavy but not complicated, and doing it well makes the taping that follows much easier. The goals are tight seams, secure fastening, and joints that don't land in awkward spots.
Measure, cut, and lift
Measure and score drywall with a utility knife, snap it, and cut the back paper. Hang ceilings first, then walls, fitting sheets tight. A drywall lift or a helper makes ceiling sheets manageable and safe.
Fasten correctly
Screw into the studs and joists at the right spacing, driving screws just below the surface to dimple the paper without breaking it — a broken-paper screw has no holding power. Keep fasteners back from the edges so they don't crumble.
Stagger the seams
Offset end joints between rows and avoid lining seams up with the corners of doors and windows, where cracks tend to form. Hanging horizontally on walls reduces the length of seams to tape and puts the main seam at a comfortable height.