Hanging drywall on a log wall requires the use of a variety of tools and equipment.
It is possible to install a drywall surface over a log wall with great results. The project requires two people for hanging the drywall due to weight and awkwardness of the drywall sheets. You will also need to prep the logs for the drywall by putting up furring strips. Matthew Williams of Williams Construction stated, "Do not put insulation between the drywall and logs, as moisture will build up. The furring strips are used because logs settle over time and hanging the drywall directly onto the logs will result in the drywall buckling." To find the amount of 4-by-8 drywall sheets needed, measure the square footage of the wall and divide by 32.
Instructions
Hanging Drywall
1. The drywall should be hung sideways. Start at the top of the wall and work down, leaving approximately ½-inch between the sub floor and drywall.
2. Using a screw gun and drywall screws, screw the drywall to the furring strips. There should be a screw applied to the strip every 12 inches, and the screws should be recessed into the drywall.
3. For areas where there are windows or doors, place the sheet of drywall over the area to be cut after it has been hung. This will provide a cleaner cut and save time.
4. After all the drywall has been installed and cut around windows and doors, you will need to put corner bead up on all outside edges( the corners where two sheets of drywall meet). Nail the corner bead to the drywall with a nail placed every 8 inches, going through the drywall, into the framing.
Drywall Finishing
5. Mix the joint compound well and fill the mud pan 1/2 full with mud. Using the 6-inch taping knife, apply mud to the seam, using a liberal amount. While the drywall mud is wet, place the joint tape over the seam, making sure the center of the tape is centered to the drywall seam.
6. Hold taping knife at 45-degree angle, drag across the top of the tape. This will remove the excess mud under the tape. With taping knife and a small amount of mud, fill in the recessed areas where the screws are. Allow areas with mud to dry overnight.
7. Using the 8-inch mud knife, apply a layer of mud over each seam and screw holes. Avoid applying more mud than is necessary. This part of the process is to blend the area over and under the drywall tape and to make a smooth, straight wall. Complete each seam with the 8-inch knife and allow to dry overnight.
8. Using the 10-inch drywall knife, apply a thin coat of mud over each seam and screw areas. This step is to fill in any air bubbles and to make a smoother seam. Allow the mud to dry overnight.
9. Using the medium sandpaper and sanding block, lightly sand each area with mud until smooth and even. If necessary, use the fine sandpaper to finish edges.
