001-003_m3 6/30/06 7:22 PM Page 1 THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO Finishing WALLS & CEILINGS Includes Plaster, Skim-coating, and Texture Ceiling Finishes CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA www.creativepub.com Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text 1 Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black 001-003_m3 7/3/06 2:09 PM Page 2 Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Devising a Layout Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Portfolio of Wall & Ceiling Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Preparing for Wallboard Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Measuring & Cutting Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Building Basic Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Fastening Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Basic House Framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Hanging Standard Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Building Partition Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Hanging Wallboard in Multiple Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Framing Soffits & Chases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Hanging Decorative Wallboard Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Framing with Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Hanging Wallboard on Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Covering Foundation Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Adding Architectural Detail with Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . .90 Framing Curved Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Hanging Cementboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Building Glass Block Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Installing Fiberglass Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Soundproofing Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Finishing Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Soundproofing Home Theaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Wallboard Finish Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96 Installing Wall Membranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Tools for Finishing Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 Installing Corner Bead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Installing Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Recommended Levels of Wallboard Finish . . . . . . . . . .104 Wallboard & Wallboard Installation Materials . . . . . . . . .54 Taping Wallboard Seams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Tools for Installing Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Final Inspection & Fixing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 2 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Job n 2 Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text Scn : Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black Dept 001-003_m3 7/3/06 2:09 PM Page 3 Sanding Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Tiling a Kitchen Backsplash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196 Applying a Skim Coat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Installing Interior Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 Texturing Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Installing Polymer Crown Molding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206 Applying Veneer Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 Installing Door & Window Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 Installing Paneling & Repairing Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211 Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Repairing Wallboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212 Installing Paneling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136 Repairing Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217 Adding a Wainscot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Replacing Sheet Paneling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220 Installing Wainscot Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 Repairing Ceramic Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222 Paneling a Ceiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150 Repairing Wallcovering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224 Installing a Suspended Ceiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 Repairing Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226 Installing Acoustical Ceiling Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Repairing Water Damaged Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . .228 Installing Tin Ceiling Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Removing Wall & Ceiling Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230 Conversion Charts/ Finishing Walls & Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Contributors/Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234 Basic Painting Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236 Hanging Wallcoverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176 Installing Ceramic Wall Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188 NOTICE TO READERS For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher and Black & Decker cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property Library of Congress or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the in- Cataloging-in-Publication Data formation provided. On file The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some in- stances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufactur- ers’ safety warnings and instructions included with Other titles from Creative Publishing international include: products. Deviation from the directions may create The Complete Guide to Home Wiring,The Complete Guide to Home Plumbing, The Complete Guide to Home Carpentry, The Complete Guide to Decks, The injury exposure and void warranties. The projects Complete Guide to Painting & Decorating, The Complete Guide To Bathrooms, in this book vary widely as to skill levels required. The Complete Guide to Kitchens, The Complete Guide to Flooring, The Com- Some may not be appropriate for all do-it-your- plete Guide to Roofing & Siding, The Complete Guide to Landscape Construc- tion, The Complete Guide to Yard & Garden Features, The Complete Guide to selfers, and some may require professional help. Creative Landscapes, The Complete Guide to Windows & Doors, The Com- Consult your local building department for infor- plete Guide to Wood Storage Projects, The Complete Guide to Easy Wood- mation on building permits, codes, and other laws working Projects, The Complete Guide to Trim & Finish Carpentry, The as they apply to your project. Complete Guide to Gazebos &Arbors, The Complete Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile, The Complete Guide to Masonry & Stonework. 3 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text 3 Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black 004-051_m3 7/3/06 10:09 AM Page 4 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Job 4 Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text Scn Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black Dep 004-051_m3 7/3/06 10:09 AM Page 5 Introduction This book is a comprehensive guide to every aspect of building and finishing walls and ceilings, providing just about all the in- formation most people are likely to need. It is an important ref- erence for anyone who wants to understand the structural elements of home construction and surface finishes, but is first and foremost a how-to guide for homeowners who want to do this work themselves with a level of quality that rivals that achieved by professional frame-and-finish carpenters. Profes- sionals may also find the book useful as a refresher, or as a helpful tool for explaining construction processes and finish op- tions to their customers. The Complete Guide to Finishing Walls & Ceilings is an indis- pensible guide to anyone interested in remodeling, especially those considering a major renovation or seeking to finish off un- finished space in their homes. It is organized to provide you with an encyclopedic understanding of this important element of the remodeling process. Section One, Building Basic Walls & Ceilings gives the essential steps in planning, laying out, and framing walls and ceilings. You’ll learn not only the basics of stud and joist construction, but how to frame with steel, how to attach walls to cement walls, and special techniques for soundproofing and for dealing with walls vulnerable to moisture. Section Two, Installing Wallboard, leads you through the steps for covering framing with surface panels of wallboard or ce- mentboard. It includes information on creating curves and ar- chitectural details. Section Three, Finishing Wallboard, shows the classic tech- niques for taping, mudding and smoothing wallboard joints, but also gives important information on decorative skim coats and plaster veneers. Section Four, Installing Paneling & Ceiling Systems, provides in- formation on alternatives to wallboard: paneling, wainscotting, suspended ceilings, acoustical ceilings, and tin ceiling tiles. Section Five, Finishing Walls & Ceilings, provides an overview of basic painting and wallpapering techniques, as well as the basics of wood trim installation. Finally, Section Six, Repairing Walls & Ceilings, will show you how to keep wallboard, plaster, and tiled surfaces in good shape. The Complete Guide to Finishing Walls & Ceilings is an essen- tial reference for the homeowner who wants to understand wall and ceiling construction and finish processes. A helpful com- panion volume is The Complete Guide to Trim & Finish Carpen- try, which offers additional information on creative trim carpentry and cabinet installation. 5 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text 5 Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black 004-051_m3 6/30/06 9:28 AM Page 6 Portfolio of Wall & Ceiling Ideas Your walls and ceilings are much more than increasing variety of wall and ceiling finish mate- structural barriers dividing your house into sepa- rials available to you. Most home centers and rate areas. They are canvases awaiting an in- lumberyards keep an impressive selection in spired treatment that can set mood, distinguish stock and can easily accommodate special orders. space, and reflect your personality within each The photographs on the following pages show a individual room. few of the hundreds of ways you might use walls Through creative design and a thoughtful selection and ceilings as important design features in your of colors, textures, and materials, nearly any wall home. As you gatherideas, keep in mind that and ceiling design you dream up can become a good design doesn’t have to be complicated or reality. From basic painted wallboard and tradi- expensive—a little cango a long way. The key to tional wood paneling to elegant glass block and creating truly attractivewalls and ceilings is sim- distinct veneer plaster finishes, there is an ever- ple: if you like it, it’s gooddesign. Ordinary stock moldings give plain walls a sense of depth and dimension when they are applied in a thoughtful manner, as with the faux wainscot panels seen here (right). Wall shape and the type of sur- face materials used in the walls and ceilings contribute to excel- lent sound reproduction in this home theater. Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Job 6 Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Scn Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) Dep 004-051_m3 6/30/06 9:28 AM Page 7 (Top photo)A raised panel ceiling with fluting painted in complemen- tary tones unifies this combined kitchen and social space. A striking lavender wainscot treatment in this bathroom cre- ates a cottage mood. (Right) Rounded walls and a lay- ered ceiling structure combine to form a truly unique entryway. 7 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text 7 Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black 004-051_m3 7/15/06 10:53 AM Page 8 Tongue-and-groove planks, natu- rally finished, instill a warm, homey atmosphere in this attic, and pro- vide contrast to the white-painted woodwork. Built-in shelves and bed make great use of limited space. A floral wallpaper used on the gable wall create a cottage mood. Archways are elegant. From a modest curve at the top of a pas- sage door to soaring masses of curvilinear wall supported by clas- sic columns, an archway conveys timeless elegance in practically any setting. And with today’s kits and preformed urethane millwork, you don’t need to be Leonardo da Vinci to design and build an arch. 8 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Job 8 Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text Scn Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:8039.C1 D/O : 12.07.06 Co: CM3) black Dep 004-051_m3 6/30/06 9:28 AM Page 9 An alcove built into a wall can provide a spot to display artwork. In this example, a piece of Eastern religious art is framed by architec- tural columns for additional emphasis. Wood planksaren’t just for floors. Here, white planks contrast with darker ceiling beams to create drama in the kitchen. 9 Job no:8039 Title : CPI-HI011-CG to Walls&CeilingClient : PRO-Vision Scn : #175 Size : 210(w)275(h)mm Co : M3 C0 O/P: V2 Text 9 Dept : DTP D/O : 01.07.06(Job no:90806.C2 D/O : 25.06.05 Co: CM3) black