An important step in nearly any major home renovation project? Installing drywall. Knowing how to do it yourself can save time and money. We offer you a few tips and discuss the best tools for the job, here on the Nail Gun Network.

Fasteners First

Most new construction projects mandate the use of drywall screws when installing drywall. Screws are certainly ideal, as their thread provides better holding power, especially in climates where wood is prone to expand and contract regularly. In some circumstances, drywall nails can be used to hang wallboard, but beware; over time, nail popping and other imperfections to the wall might occur as the wood frame expands and contracts.

For long-term quality, we recommend using a screw gun and collated drywall screws for a fast, cost-effective drywall installation. Two competitive screw fastening systems, Senco DuraSpin and Simpson Quik Drive, offer best-in-class performance.

Another benefit to using screws over nails for drywall installation is that it generally takes fewer screws to complete the project. Pro Tip: Most drywall screws require a Phillips head drive.

Even for beginners, drywall installation is relatively easy to pick up. Just pay careful attention to the following:

Prepare for Installation

Be certain to consult your local building code before beginning drywall installation, as different regions have different requirements. Beyond building code, don't fall victim to silly, yet expensive errors. Gather all of your tools, and don't forget the small one. For instance, have a tape measure handy to maintain straight lines.

As damp wood dries out, it can lead to popping of fasteners and splitting at seams. Make sure the lumber you are fastening drywall board to is within an acceptable range of moisture content (less than 19 percent by most standards).

Make a Flawless Application

Don't overlook sagging panels, particularly when installing a ceiling. Make sure to drive extra screws into place while pressing firmly on the loose board. In some extreme cases, an additional brace or bracket may be required to guarantee a firm fit. Likewise, watch for bulging at your vertical seams. If the drywall board swells at the seam once it's been taped and sealed, it may require sanding. You can prevent this issue by ensuring there is no gap between drywall boards during installation.

Don't Take the Easy Route

Use a corner guard versus drywall tape and spackle. A corner guard will hold up better in the long run and is typically easier to work with than tape. You should also mark your studs and joists prior to installation of a drywall board. This will help improve the accuracy of your drive and will prevent additional repair work in problem areas.

Watch for Imperfections

Don't ignore bubbles, streaks, splits or other noticeable imperfections in drywall tape as it is laid. If air is allowed between the tape and base, it will lead to separation later on. Tape that is not secured properly can eventually peel and will require repair and repainting. In areas where warm and cold air are allowed to converge regularly, eventual loosening and separation of tape from the drywall base is almost inevitable.

Use the Proper Depth

Depending on the thickness of the board, determine the appropriate screw length and depth adjustment for your screw gun. Driving too deep can cause noticeable divets in the drywall. Driving too short leaves the screw's head protruding. If installed properly, the screw's head should sit slightly below the drywall surface, leaving just enough room for compound to smooth the surface.

To recap, make sure your framing is dry, mark your studs and joists for accurate drive locations, hold the drywall board firmly against the wood frame while fastening in place, line up boards for accuracy, scan and repair imperfections, and enjoy.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

Summer is approaching quickly, which means its time to enjoy the longer evening hours with some much needed time outdoors. For many Americans, this means relaxing on their deck or patio. An important feature on new and old homes alike, a large, well-built deck can add major profit margins to your home's resale value. If you are considering the addition of a new deck to your home, or are replacing an existing one, learn about some of the tips and tools that will help you build the ultimate deck - here on Nail Gun Depot's blog.

The actual process of building a deck can take weeks - or even months - depending on its size and the amount of resources you have to pour into it. Because it is such an intricate and drawn out process, we are just going to focus on the major milestones in the deck building process. If this is your first woodworking or deck building project, we recommend you consult a professional to help you create the deck of your dreams. One or two missed steps can lead to expensive repairs and time lost.

If you are building a new deck, you will have to start with its foundation - also known as its footing. Typically, footing(s) are poured concrete that you then attach post anchors and beams to, with a power drill. Meanwhile, you will also have to anchor and attach a ledger board to the wall of your house - or the supporting structure - to anchor the deck. You will then anchor the joists to the ledger board.

Once you have installed joists to the beams and the frame is in place, you will then need to consider how you want to attach the flooring of your deck. There are a couple ways to go about flooring installation. You will want to use a deck screw, treated for outside use - Senco offers a full line-up of Duraspin deck screws. If you choose to do a traditional deckfloor install, you should think about using a screw gun with an extension, such as the DuraSpin DS425-AC. The benefit to using this screw gun for deck floors - or any sub-floor installation - is that it has an extendable arm, which eliminates the need to bend over or kneel down to drive screws. Quik Drive also offers decking screws and attachments that are comparable in form and function to that of DuraSpin - and come with a lifetime warranty.

If you don't like the appearance of deck screws, you can opt for a slightly different method of floorboard installation. The CAMO Marksman Pro system drives CAMO deck screws in at an angle to create the appearance of a fastener-free deck. Like the DS425-AC DuraSpin, the CAMO Marksman Pro will work with hardwood and composite decking applications. The Marksman Pro works with most power drills by simply positioning the system over a board, loading your fasteners, and driving the deck screws in with the drill.

In addition to the flooring installation, you will also need to build stairs - assuming the deck is going to connect with the ground below it - and install a railing that surrounds the deck. Depending on the type of wood you are using, if you are building a wood deck, check to see how long the wood needs to set before it is ready for stain.

For more information on deck building tools and fasteners, contact us at Nail Gun Depot.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

Are you looking for a tool that will increase your job site productivity by at least 30 percent? Then you need Senco's new DuraSpin auto-feed screw system. With DuraSpin, you can hang a 4’ by 12’ sheet of drywall within 60 seconds. This screw system is incredibly fast - and available at Nail Gun Depot.