How to Repair Holes in Drywall

Home Improvement

Repairing small and large holes in drywall is relatively easy with the right tools and materials. tacojim/Getty Images

Despite its durability, drywall can only withstand so much abuse. Slamming a door into the wall, for example, can create a doorknob-sized hole in the drywall. Although this kind of damage looks unsightly, it is easy to fix. The simplest solution is to purchase a drywall repair kit. Determine the size of the hole and visit your local hardware store or home improvement center to find a kit that suits your needs, or purchase one online. Different sizes and types of patches are available for various applications. For example, the patch for a ceiling is typically thicker than one for a wall. Before using the kit, remove any loose paper or plaster around the edges of the hole. Then, apply the drywall patch according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In this article, we will explain how to repair both small and large holes in drywall, starting with a small hole.

How to Repair a Small Hole

To repair a small drywall hole, approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) or less, without using a kit, follow these steps:

Step 1:

First, obtain a piece of drywall that is the same thickness as the drywall you need to fix. If you do not have any at home, a hardware store will have smaller pieces that you can use. You do not need to buy an entire sheet.

Step 2:

Measure the patch. It should be large enough to cover the hole and extend a few inches beyond it. Give yourself plenty of wiggle room, approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) on each side of the hole. You do not want the patch piece to be too small. Next, cut the patch square from the larger piece of drywall. Turn the patch over and use a straight edge to score the paper backing approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from each side with a utility knife. Do not cut all the way through the paper or the gypsum. Snap off the loose drywall, but leave the loose paper on the back. Place the patch over the hole in your wall and use a pencil to trace its outline around the gypsum (do not include the paper hangover when tracing).

Step 3:

Clean up the hole in the wall. If you have a drywall saw, use it. Otherwise, use a utility knife. Regardless of the blade you use, cut diagonal lines from the hole to all four corners of the outline you just traced. This will create a nice square opening. (You do not have to cut diagonally to the corners, although it is easier. Just cut out the damaged portion of the drywall.) If you do cut diagonally to the corners, score the outline of the square with the utility knife. Once scored, snap the pieces of drywall back, then cut the edges with the utility knife and pull out the drywall so that you have a clean, square hole.

Step 4:

Take the patch piece and apply a thin layer of joint compound to the back of the paper using a putty knife. Turn the patch over and carefully press it over the hole, ensuring it’s a snug fit. The joint compound will hold the patch in place.

Step 5:

Using a putty knife, spread joint compound on the patch and the surrounding wall. You may need to apply multiple coats of compound. Once dry, sand the patch with fine-grained sandpaper. Your patch is now ready for priming and painting.

What You’ll Need

• Drywall patch (cut from larger piece)
• Tape measure
• Drywall saw (if available)
• Utility knife
• Straight edge, such as a level
• Putty knife
• Drywall patching compound
• Sandpaper
• Primer and paint
• Paintbrush

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Repairing a Large Hole

If you need to repair a large hole, such as one between two studs, you can easily do so with these instructions.

Step 1:

Start by cutting a square piece of drywall that will fit between the studs. This will serve as your patch piece. Place the patch over the hole and trace its outline with a pencil.

Step 2:

Score the traced lines with a utility knife to make the next step easier. Use a drywall knife and a straight edge to remove the damaged drywall. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Step 3:

Place the patch over the opening between the studs and screw it onto the studs using drywall screws and a power drill.

Step 4:

Apply mesh drywall over the edges of the patch and spread joint compound over it and the screw heads using a putty knife.

Step 5:

Once the compound is dry, sand it down and remove any loose compound. The repaired wall is now ready to be primed and painted.

What You’ll Need

• Scrap piece of drywall
• Utility knife
• Drywall knife
• Pencil
• Straight edge, such as a level
• Drywall screws
• Power drill with screwdriver bit
• Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Primer and paint
• Paintbrushes

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FAQ

1. What are the common causes of drywall holes?

Drywall holes are common in most households due to various reasons. Some of the most common causes of drywall holes include accidental damage, wear and tear, improper installation, and water damage. Accidental damage can occur when furniture or other objects accidentally hit the wall, while wear and tear may result from daily activities such as opening and closing doors or windows. Improper installation of drywall may also lead to holes, while water damage can cause the drywall to weaken and eventually develop holes.

2. How can I fix small drywall holes?

Small drywall holes can be fixed easily using a few simple steps. First, clean the area around the hole and remove any loose debris. Next, apply spackle or joint compound to the hole using a putty knife, making sure to fill the hole completely. Allow the compound to dry, then sand the area gently to create a smooth finish. Finally, prime and paint the repaired area to match the rest of the wall.

3. What should I do if I have a large drywall hole?

If you have a large drywall hole, you may need to use a patch to fix it properly. First, cut a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole, making sure to match the thickness of the existing drywall. Next, place the patch over the hole and trace around it with a pencil. Cut along the traced lines using a drywall saw or utility knife, then insert the patch into the hole and secure it using drywall screws. Cover the screws with joint compound, allow it to dry, then sand and paint the repaired area.

4. Can I fix drywall holes without professional help?

Yes, most drywall holes can be fixed without professional help using the right tools and materials. Small holes can be fixed using spackle or joint compound, while larger holes may require a patch. However, if you have never repaired drywall before, it may be helpful to watch online tutorials or seek advice from a home improvement store professional before attempting the repair yourself.

5. How can I prevent future drywall holes?

There are several ways to prevent drywall holes from occurring in the first place. One way is to avoid hanging heavy objects on the wall, as they can cause damage and holes. You can also use wall anchors or screws to securely hang items. Additionally, it is important to handle doors and windows with care to prevent accidental damage to the walls. Finally, regularly inspecting the walls for signs of wear and tear and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent more significant damage and the need for larger repairs.