Basic Drywall Repair and Installation Supplies for All Size Jobs

Regardless of the type of drywall project you have on deck, or the amount of drywalling experience you have under your belt, there are some basic tools and materials you will surely need. Continue below to learn the fundamental supplies you should have in your beginner’s drywall repair toolbox.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319
Professional Drywall and Painting in Indianapolis 317-269-7319

Fundamental Drywall Tools and Materials

Drywall Compound

Also called drywall “mud”, there are two common types of joint compound used to repair and patch: light-weight and all-purpose. Both are easy to work with and retain a room-temperature shelf-life of 9 months. The most important tip for buying drywall compound is to buy enough. For large projects, expect to purchase 4.5 gallon bucket of material. For smaller projects, you can get away with a one gallon bucket, but you may be paying close to the same amount for a larger bucket. If you think you might have future work in the next 9 months, it is more cost-effective to go with the larger bucket. If not, go with the smaller amount so to not waste any material.

Spackle and Plaster

Many people are confused about the difference among drywall compound, spackle, and plaster. The differences are subtle, and hardly noticeable to the average layperson, but they do exist. Compound, joint compound, or drywall mud all refer to the same product, and used mostly for larger drywall and gypsum board projects that require more durability, typically for covering joints between panels. Spackle is very similar to joint compound, but used mostly for small household repairs for plaster and drywall. Plaster is a type of wall material found mostly in older or historic buildings. It is a more time-consuming approach to wall repair in comparison to spackle.

Drywall Repair Tools

You can purchase drywall repair kits that come with virtually all the essentials for drywall patching and repair. Kits range in quantity, size, and price, but common ones generally include 2-3 flexible knives, a utility knife, an insider-corner knife, hammer, screwdriver, saw, drill, nails, and screws. But drywall repairs also require additional materials depending on the needs of the project, including:

► Compound
► Self-adhering Mesh Tape
► Paper Tape
► Drywall
► 1×4 Block of Pine Wood
► Hand Sander
► Nail Bar
► Level
► Hack Saw
► Sandpaper
► Miter Box
► Primer
► Paint
► Paint Brush or Roller

Where to Get Drywall Supplies

You can purchase all of the above-listed materials at any local hardware or home improvement store. Ask a store attendant to point you in the right direction, and give advice on the most reliable products. Talk to a licensed drywall contractor for expert advice on household drywall repairs, drywall projects, drywall replacement, and more. They can even take the weight off your shoulders by getting the job done faster, better, and at a price that won’t make you think twice!

Professional Drywall Repair and Installation in Indianapolis

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall repair and installation service. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

What You Need for Minor Household Drywall Repairs

Drywall repair involves a lot of steps. It’s more than just mud and patching. In fact, you are wise to leave moderate to major drywall repairs in the hands of an equipped professional. They have the tools, training, and experience to manage any drywall repair project, regardless of size or scope. However, if you are ambitious about making your own minor drywall repairs, you’ll at least need the basic tools to get you started. You can get that information and more, below.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Keep in mind that these tools are not cheap, so you must consider whether or not they are worth the investment. Unless you have future drywall repair plans, it may be more cost-effective to outsource drywall work rather than invest in your own materials for just one job.

Here’s What You’ll Need

The basic tool kit for minor drywall repairs should consists of at least 6 particular items. These include a putty knife, mud pans, sanding sponge, sandpaper, drywall tape, and corner tools. You can find these supplies at any local home improvement or hardware store, such as Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot.

Mud Pans

Your mud pan is a staple in your drywall tool kit because it will improve work efficiency. You will use it to carry around your drywall compound with you as you work. Professional drywall contractors use hawks, but mud pans are best for small jobs and beginners.

Putty Knife

There are several types of drywall knifes, ranging in sizes between 2 inches and one foot. You will need to be sure you choose one that is right for minor drywalling repair projects. Anything under 6 inches should work well.

Sanding Sponge and Sandpaper

With virtually all drywall repair projects, painting is expected to be on the agenda. And with painting comes sanding. You will need to smooth down the drywall compound for a smooth painting surface. The proper grit sandpaper or sanding sponge are two tools that will help you achieve the best results during the sanding steps.

Drywall Tape

For small holes and drywall cracks, you will need tape to secure them in place and ensure the crevices do not reappear beneath the compound. Larger holes should be covered with adhesive mesh or special self-adhesive sheets.

Corner Tools

You will need corner tools for drywall repairs in the hard-to-reach corners of walls. Not only will this reduce stress on your muscles, it will make your work progress more efficient. Just be sure to find the right corner tools for small repair jobs.

Professional Drywall Repair Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide a wide range of drywall services, including patchwork, hole repair, crack repair, installation, grid ceilings, custom textures, and more. Whether commercial or residential, our team of licensed drywall contractors are fully-equipped to get the job done in a time frame that’s convenient for you! Call 317-269-7319 to learn about our Indianapolis drywall services, prices and availability, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319