How to become A Drywall Installer

• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer 
• Drywall Finisher 
• Drywall Hanger
• Drywaller
• Plasterer

What do Drywall Installers do?

A Drywall Installer would typically need to:

• Install panels of wallboard to cover walls and ceilings of interior rooms so the various surfaces are ready for painting and finishing
• Use blueprints or drawings to measure and determine the exact surface area for drywall installation
• Measure the location of electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, windows, and vents; review design plans to minimise wastage; clean and prepare the marked surfaces
• Cut drywall to the predetermined size with the help of utility knives and power saws
• Use cement adhesive, nails or screws to secure the drywall panels to wooden or metal studs or joists on the interior wall
• Trim and smooth rough edges to enable even joints between drywall panels; fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with sealing compound
• Use paper or fiberglass mesh tape to cover joints and embed tape in the compound
• Smooth the affixed tape and cover it with a finishing compound; smooth out excess compound and allow the coat to dry 
• Apply successive coats of sealing compound to cover drywall seams and create an even surface; sand all rough surfaces to prepare them for paint and wallpaper
• Apply tiles directly to the ceiling, attach them to furring srips, suspend them on runners connected by wire to the ceiling
• Install tiles that block sound, if employed as acoustical carpenters
• Repair cracked or damaged drywall panels; replace ceiling tiles; fix and conceal surface irregularities and imperfections
• Finish corners and angles; create decorative designs in finish coat; mould and install ornamental plaster panels, cornices, and trim
• Trowel or spray coat stucco over building exteriors to create weather-resistant surfaces; cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
• Mainain and monitor all drywall installation equipment and keep track of inventory; follow necessary safety procedures and policies all the time

Drywall Installers work indoors for the most part - at a client’s business or home or on a construction site. Scaffolding and ladders are a regular feature of their work environment. Travel to various job sites is mandatory.

Full-time Drywall Installers, whether working for construction companies or self-employed, typically work 40 to 45 hours a week between 8 am and 6 pm. They may work evenings and weekends to complete a job or meet a deadline.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Drywall Installers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. State employment agencies, newspaper ads, and regional union offices list construction jobs requiring Drywall Installers.

Drywall Installers are generally employed by:

• Drywall Installation Contractors
• General Building Contractors
• Home Owners

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Drywall Contractors Association Inc (DISCA), are crucial for Drywall Installers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physical exhaustion due to prolonged periods of standing, bending or stretching and frequent lifting and manoeuvring of heavy oversized wallboards
• Potential risk from standing on mechanical lifts, stilts, ladders, or scaffolds when working on ceilings
• The constant need for essential math skills, immense stamina, and attention to detail to prevent loss of time, energy and funds
• Irregular source of income due to potential unemployment between construction projects and during downturns in construction activity
• Health hazards due to exposure to flying dust and fumes

Most aspirants seek a three- or four-year apprenticeship programme in plastering, drywalling, or lathing after they complete high school and some high school, college or industry courses in those fields. 

Generally, applicants must be over 18 years old and demonstrate aptitude and agility for the work. Local contractors are often on the lookout for new drywall assistants. Regional union offices provide information about apprenticeships.

Apprentices receive on-the-job training in health and safety precautions to be taken on the job, the proper techniques for mixing plaster, and the best methods for applying plaster.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts in drywall installation to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although some Drywall Installers acquire a bachelor’s degree, most have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) certificate. 

Some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a technical school programme in plastering. The typically one-year-long programme teaches students how to mix plaster and apply it, and repair cracks and holes.

Other options include a Level 2 Diploma or a Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plastering or a T Level Technical Qualification in Onsite Construction that would make you proficient in blueprint reading and safety guidelines and knowledgeable about the materials, tools and methods for effective drywall finishing.

Aspirant Drywall Installers may also enrol in a 10-day vocational course in construction skills plastering that covers routine tasks and basic knowledge.

In most locations, Drywall Installers would need to obtain an accredited industry-specific trade certification in drywall installation and finishing, interior systems mechanics, plastering, and occupational safety and health administration to demonstrate their expertise. A valid driver’s licence may also be mandatory.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

As a rule, Drywall Installers register themselves with a union. Union contractors enjoy various benefits, such as CPD, sharing of best practices and networking.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Personal performance, experience, and the acquisition of further skills drive the career progression of Drywall Installers who may become Supervisors and eventually Project Managers.

Some may become Sub-Contractors, open their own business or become Instructors at technical schools or community colleges. Others may move into related areas, such as tiling, dry lining, estimating and site management.

Candidates who complete an accredited post-secondary course in drywall installation and a bonafide apprenticeship have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Drywall Installer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences.

Expertise in estimating installation and finishing costs will make you a valuable asset to a construction team and enable you to begin your own drywall contracting business. 

Use drones to get a better view of your work and ensure it is done correctly; also, use technology to communicate with your clients and manage projects.

Help your clients achieve greater energy efficiency by installing insulation products and windows and doors to reduce energy usage. Stay up-to-date with other such developments to keep your skills relevant and retain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

An accredited certification in green building materials will make you an expert on environmentally-friendly options and plug into the increased customer demand for expertise in the area. Attend training courses and workshops, read trade magazines, and network with other professionals to keep current on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

In Brief

Drywall replaced plaster because the large, preformed sheets which require only a wet joint compound between sheets is easier to install and repair. In addition, drywall works with all kinds of interior paint.

Readily available gypsum is the main component of drywall. It is mined, crushed, mixed with water and additives, poured over the backing material, and dried to drive off the water to form a relatively inexpensive mould- and fire-resistant drywall board.

Drywall panels cover insulation, electrical wires, and pipes. They can reduce sound.

Tools of the Trade

Drywall Installers make regular use of tape measures, straightedges, utility knives, spray guns, power and keyhole saws, spatulas, hammers, brushes, trowels, and mechanical applicators that spread sealing compound while dispensing and setting tape simultaneously.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Drywall Installers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Drywall Installer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Before drywall was invented, most walls were formed from plaster made of wet gypsum or lime applied over wood strips called laths.

Through sheer determination and hard work, accomplished Drywall Installers help make their client's dreams of owning beautiful and well-constructed buildings affordable and real.

Over-sanding, using wrong screws, bad taping, and mudding (not having enough support) can affect the integrity of the finished drywall.