Horizontal Drywall - Install top or bottom sheet first?

[rick_keeter]

Hi,

When installing drywall horizontally, do I install the bottom or top sheet first? I am using 54" wide sheets and 48" wide sheets because my ceilings are 8'4".

Rick

[Rich]

Top sheet..

[Tom R]

Like Rich says, top first, - - if you were to do the bottom first, you would have to 'fit' your top row in between the bottom row and the ceiling. Working from the top down allows your 'cuts' to be hidden behind the baseboard. For a better job don't 'attach' any fasteners closer than about 16" from the floor-line, - - that way even if your framing goes 'in and out' a hair', your drywall will remain straight along the bottom, and will 'float' tight to your baseboard, when it's installed (it eliminates any gaps along the top of the baseboard).

[Dragon]

Yep, ceiling then top. tack a nail in a couple of places along the top then raise and drive them in. Once that is on bring your bottom sheet over and use a couple of sheetrock kickers to raise it into place.

I like this kicker.

http://www.minihttpserver.net/z_hardware_a/Cat_hardware_En_diversified_tools_812dt_p-B00004TRCC.htm

[rick_keeter]

Thanks to all who responded.

Dragon, I just picked up the kicker you mentioned -nice little tool indeed.

[Dragon]

Get one for the guy on the other end of the board too!