- 1). Measure the length of the ceiling -- perpendicular to the joists -- from one wall out to the middle of the last joist within 8 feet. Note the measurement from the center of the last joist.
- 2). Transfer that measurement to a piece of drywall. Cut the drywall to that size by scoring it with a razor knife alongside your T-square, then snapping piece in two.
- 3). Set up the ladders. With your helper, hold the first drywall sheet to the ceiling, in the corner. Affix it there with drywall screws every 6 inches along each joist behind it.
- 4). Set a full sheet of drywall off the end of the first and affix it in the same manner. Repeat, cutting the last sheet as needed to fit.
- 5). Repeat for each row of drywall, hanging them in side-by-side courses. Cover the entire ceiling. Begin each course at the opposite end as the last one to ensure the ends of the sheets don't form any four-way intersections.
- 6). Press self-adhesive drywall tape over the seams of the boards. Spread joint compound over the tape with your drywall knife, covering it completely. Let it dry 6 hours.
- 7). Spread a second layer of compound over the first and seam wider than the first. Let it set. Apply a third seam, making it slightly wider again. Let it dry overnight.
- 8). Sand the seam smooth with a drywall sander. The ceiling is ready for you to paint it.
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