How to Fix a Large Hole in Drywall [Easy Way]

Drywall is used widely instead of brick wall for a low cost. But, it can be damaged by a doorknob, while moving furniture, earthquakes, or accidents with any objects. Sometimes, an electrician or plumber makes holes in the drywall while repairing it.

Statistics show that drywall is used in 96% of homes in the USA. The drywall repair business is growing rapidly. We are going to share how to fix a large hole in drywall without a professional.

Different sizes of holes can occur in drywall. Repairing a large hole is different from fixing a small hole. While Small holes can be fixed easily by using an adhesive drywall patch or tape. A large hole needs some materials that are available in the hardware shop.

Experts suggest cutting the damaged area and replace with a fresh piece of drywall. It is the easiest solution to fix a large hole in drywall.

Easy Way to Fix a Large Hole in Drywall

The method we are going to share doesn’t require any special skills. But, if you have previous experience, it will be easy to fix the broken dry wood. Fixing dry wood may take up to 3 hrs and the estimated cost is around $50. Before we go to the working procedure we need some tools and materials.

Working Procedure:

WARNING: Check your building diagram if there is any wiring or plumbing behind the drywall. You can also use a flashlight through the hole to check.

Step 1: Preparing the Drywall

Mark the line on the damaged area using a framing square and a pencil. Then use a drywall saw to cut the drywall into a square or rectangle with a straight edge. If the hole is less than 6 inches, you don’t need to follow this method. You can fix the drywall with a repair patch.

Step 2: Installing Plywood Strips

Measure the drywall’s hole and cut plywood into pieces. Plywood pieces should be 2 inches longer than the hole. Place the plywood back into the hole and parallel them to one of the long sides. Screw the strip through the drywall and into the plywood strip. Install other plywood strips following the same method.

Step 3: Installing the Dry Wood Patch 

Now, cut a piece of drywall that fits the hole. Use screws to mount it into the backing strips. Choose the right patch size with the same thickness as the existing drywall.

Step 4: Tape on The Gap

Use drywall joint tape all around the hole to cover the seam. Tape should be lies flat and overlap the trap stips at all the corners.

Step 5: Apply Drywall Joint Compound

Apply drywall joint compound on the tape. Use a drywall knife to apply the joint compound. If you found any burrs or clumps, remove them using a knife. The layer of the compound should be thin.

Apply another layer of joint compound and extend the layer than previously. Leave it until the layer is dry. Then add the 3rd layer of compound and let it dry again.

Finally, use a sanding sponge to make the surface smooth. Don’t oversand compound that will cause mesh tape to show through. You can also use wet sand to keep down the amount of dust. Then use a dry towel rag to clean off all sanding dust.

Step 6: Paint the Drywall

Use a paintbrush to cover the entire drywall with a coat of primer. The primer coat is strongly suggested to provide a consistent base for topcoats of paint. Leave the primer coat to dry for a day. You can apply primer coats two times to the area if required. Then match your wall color with the new paint. Sometimes, it becomes more bright than the previous painting. It is hard to match the old color 100%.

Conclusion

A professional drywall fixer costs $60 to $90 per hour. So it is worth giving it a try to fix your own drywall. Holes below 6 inches are easy to fix. You can use a wall repair patch to fix small drywall.

Common Questions Answered (CQA)

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Resources we used:
https://thepatchboysfranchise.com/research/how-big-is-the-drywall-repair-industry
https://blog.puls.com/drywall-repair-cost