Accidents happen—whether it’s a stray baseball or a misjudged piece of furniture, finding a hole in your drywall is never fun. But don’t worry! Patching a large hole in your drywall is a DIY project that you can tackle with confidence, especially with a little help from your friends at Kenyon Noble. Let’s dive into the process and get your wall looking as good as new.
Watch the full episode on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKd4Eru_Udo3bz1ftgoyJ1Q
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools on hand.
- A piece of drywall (sized to fit your patch)
- Drywall saw
- Utility knife
- Spackling
- Drywall tape
- Sanding sponge or sandpaper
- Putty knife
- Drill or impact driver
- Drywall screws
You can find all these items and more at any of our Kenyon Noble locations. Our team is always ready to assist you in selecting the right products for your project. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Start by cleaning up the edges of the hole. Use a utility knife to remove any loose or jagged drywall pieces. This will help create a clean, even surface for your patch.
Next, measure the hole and cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the opening. This will serve as your patch.
Step 2: Cut the Opening
Hold your newly cut drywall patch over the hole and trace around it. Then, use a drywall saw to carefully cut along the lines, creating a clean square or rectangle in the damaged area.
Pro Tip: A square or rectangular opening is much easier to patch than an irregular shape!
Step 3: Secure the Furring Strips
To ensure the patch stays in place, add furring strips behind the drywall. These are small wooden boards that act as braces for the patch.
Place one board on each side of the hole, making sure they extend beyond the edges. Secure them with drywall screws, positioning them about one inch from the hole’s edge.
Step 4: Attach the Drywall Patch
Now, place your drywall patch into the hole and screw it into the furring strips. Make sure the screws are flush with the drywall surface—you don’t want them sticking out!
Step 5: Apply Drywall Tape
To help blend the patch seamlessly into the surrounding wall, apply drywall tape around the edges. We recommend using FibaTape self-adhesive drywall tape for added durability and to prevent cracks from forming over time.
Step 6: Spackle & Smooth
Now comes the finishing work! Use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of spackling over the tape and drywall patch. DAP Drydex Spackling is a great option because it goes on pink and turns white when dry, making it easy to know when it’s ready for sanding.
Once dry, sand it smooth using a sanding sponge or sandpaper. Apply additional thin layers of spackling, sanding between each layer, until the patched area blends seamlessly with the rest of the wall.
Pro Tip: Applying thin layers of spackling helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth finish.
Step 7: Paint & Finish
Finally, it’s time to paint over the patched area to match your wall. Allow the paint to fully dry, and just like that, your drywall is as good as new!
Wrapping It Up
And that’s it! With just a few tools, some basic materials, and a bit of time, you’ve successfully patched a large hole in your drywall. Not only have you saved money by doing it yourself, but you’ve also learned a valuable home improvement skill.
Whether you’re tackling this project on your own or simply want to learn more about home improvement, be sure to check out this episode of Kenyon Noble Know-How. We’ll guide you through each step, offering tips and tricks to make the process even easier.
Get started on your next DIY project with Kenyon Noble Know-How. Visit us today for all your project needs, and don't forget to watch our episode for step-by-step guidance!