When it comes to installing drywall, one of the first decisions a builder or DIY enthusiast must make is how to hang the sheets—horizontally or vertically. While hanging drywall horizontally is the more common method, vertical installation, also known as “standing drywall,” has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between horizontal and vertical installation often depends on the room’s dimensions, local building codes, aesthetic preferences, and ease of installation.
Hanging drywall vertically can be more practical in certain scenarios, especially in smaller rooms or areas where the walls are unusually tall. However, it also presents some challenges, including more visible seams and potential issues with structural stability. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of hanging drywall vertically, helping you determine the best approach for your project.
Pros Of Hanging Drywall Vertically
1. Fewer Seams In Tall Walls
One of the primary advantages of hanging drywall vertically is that it can significantly reduce the number of horizontal seams, particularly in rooms with high ceilings. In spaces where the walls are taller than the standard drywall sheet height (typically 8 to 12 feet), vertical installation ensures that the drywall extends from floor to ceiling in one continuous piece, leaving fewer joints that need to be taped and mudded.
This reduction in seams can result in a cleaner, smoother finish, especially in areas where long, uninterrupted walls are desired.
2. Complies With Some Local Building Codes
In some regions, local building codes may require drywall to be installed vertically, particularly in commercial buildings. This is often due to fire safety regulations or structural requirements that aim to minimize the risk of drywall sagging over time. Builders working on projects subject to these regulations may need to hang drywall vertically to meet code compliance, making this approach a necessity in some cases.
Understanding local building codes before starting your drywall project is essential to ensure that the work passes inspection.
3. Easier For Single-Person Installation
Hanging drywall vertically can be easier for single-person installations. With vertical sheets, the installer can handle one sheet at a time without needing assistance to lift and maneuver the drywall horizontally across the studs. This is especially beneficial for smaller rooms or projects where hiring extra help is not feasible.
The vertical method requires less coordination between multiple people, making it a practical choice for solo DIY enthusiasts.
4. Works Well In Narrow Spaces
In narrow spaces, such as hallways, closets, or partition walls, hanging drywall vertically can be more efficient. The vertical orientation fits better in areas where the wall length does not allow for horizontal placement, reducing the need for cutting and trimming the drywall. In these confined areas, vertical installation ensures a quicker and easier fit.
This approach can also minimize waste, as fewer offcuts are needed to accommodate small spaces.
5. Minimizes Cutting For Floor-to-Ceiling Installations
When hanging drywall vertically, you can often install full sheets from floor to ceiling without needing to make multiple cuts. This simplifies the installation process and reduces the likelihood of making mistakes when measuring and cutting the drywall. Fewer cuts mean fewer chances of producing irregular edges, resulting in a cleaner finish.
For rooms with standard ceiling heights, vertical hanging can save time by eliminating unnecessary cutting and measuring.
6. Ideal For Certain Structural Frameworks
In some structural frameworks, particularly where studs are spaced closer together or where load-bearing walls require additional stability, hanging drywall vertically can provide more structural support. This is because the drywall aligns with the vertical studs, allowing for better distribution of weight and pressure along the wall.
In these cases, the vertical alignment may offer enhanced durability and prevent issues such as sagging or cracking over time.
7. Can Be Easier To Finish For Beginners
For those new to drywall installation, hanging sheets vertically may simplify the taping and mudding process. With fewer horizontal seams to deal with, beginners may find it easier to apply joint compound and tape along the vertical joints. The reduced number of seams can make it less overwhelming for those unfamiliar with drywall finishing techniques.
This simplicity can boost confidence in DIY projects, especially for those working on their first drywall installation.
8. Reduces Joint Cracking In Some Cases
In areas with significant temperature fluctuations, vertically hung drywall may experience less joint cracking compared to horizontally hung drywall. This is because the vertical seams follow the natural expansion and contraction of the building’s framing, reducing stress on the drywall joints. For structures in regions with variable climates, vertical hanging may contribute to longer-lasting, crack-free walls.
This benefit can be particularly noticeable in areas prone to seasonal shifts or humidity changes.
Cons Of Hanging Drywall Vertically
1. More Visible Seams In Wide Rooms
One of the biggest drawbacks of hanging drywall vertically is the increased number of vertical seams in wide rooms. Horizontal installation often allows for longer sheets, resulting in fewer joints across the width of a wall. With vertical hanging, each sheet meets along the stud line, creating multiple visible seams that must be taped and finished.
These seams can detract from the smooth appearance of a finished wall, particularly in larger rooms with expansive walls.
2. Does Not Maximize Drywall Length
Drywall sheets typically come in standard lengths of 8, 10, or 12 feet. In many cases, walls are longer than 12 feet, which means that hanging drywall vertically will require more sheets to cover the entire length of the wall. This can lead to increased material usage and higher costs, as more sheets and joints are needed to complete the installation.
The need for additional sheets can also make the project more labor-intensive, requiring more taping, mudding, and sanding.
3. Less Structural Strength In Certain Applications
While vertical hanging may work well for certain structural frameworks, it can reduce structural strength in other scenarios. Horizontal hanging allows drywall sheets to span across multiple studs, distributing pressure more evenly along the wall and reducing the risk of bowing or sagging over time. Vertical hanging, by contrast, aligns the drywall with the studs, which may provide less lateral stability in walls subject to heavy loads.
For load-bearing walls or areas with high traffic, horizontal hanging may offer better long-term stability.
4. More Difficult To Achieve A Smooth Finish
Finishing drywall seams can be more difficult when hanging sheets vertically, especially in wide rooms where multiple vertical joints are visible. Each seam must be taped and mudded, and achieving a smooth, seamless finish across several vertical joints can be challenging for beginners. Vertical seams are also more prone to being noticed once the wall is painted, as light and shadows can highlight imperfections.
For those aiming for a flawless finish, the extra work involved in hiding vertical seams may be a disadvantage.
5. Not Ideal For All Room Sizes
In larger rooms, hanging drywall vertically may not be the most efficient method, as it often results in more seams and requires additional sheets to cover the wall. Horizontal hanging is generally more practical in large spaces, as it minimizes seams and provides better overall coverage. Vertical installation can feel inefficient in rooms where the walls are wide and long.
Homeowners working on larger rooms may find horizontal hanging a more time- and cost-efficient option.
6. Potential For Gaps At The Top And Bottom
When hanging drywall vertically, there is a greater risk of leaving small gaps at the top and bottom of the wall if the sheets are not perfectly aligned. These gaps can occur if the drywall sheets are not cut to the exact height of the wall, requiring additional trimming or filling with joint compound. In contrast, horizontal hanging typically involves fewer height adjustments, as the drywall covers the wall’s full width.
Fixing these gaps can add time and effort to the finishing process, making vertical hanging less appealing for perfectionists.
7. Requires More Handling And Lifting
While vertical hanging can simplify the process for solo installers, it can also require more handling and lifting of individual sheets. Each sheet must be carefully aligned with the studs and held in place while it is secured. In taller rooms, this can involve lifting heavy sheets overhead, which can be physically demanding, especially for larger drywall panels.
For larger projects or taller ceilings, this added labor can make vertical hanging more cumbersome than horizontal installation.
8. Not The Preferred Method In Some Areas
In many regions, horizontal drywall installation is the industry standard, particularly in residential construction. Vertical hanging may not be as commonly accepted or preferred by professional builders, making it more difficult to find contractors experienced with this method. For those working with professional installers, horizontal hanging is often the default choice, making it harder to implement vertical hanging without special requests.
If you plan to hire professionals, be prepared to discuss your preferences in advance, as vertical hanging may not be their go-to method.
Conclusion
Hanging drywall vertically offers a variety of benefits, particularly in rooms with tall walls or narrow spaces where fewer seams and easier handling can make the installation process more efficient. It can also be an ideal option for projects where local building codes or specific structural needs favor vertical installation. However, this method is not without its drawbacks, including more visible seams, less structural strength in some cases, and potential challenges in achieving a smooth finish.
Ultimately, the decision to hang drywall vertically or horizontally depends on the specific requirements of your project, room dimensions, and personal preferences. By weighing the pros and cons outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and ensures a successful drywall installation. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or a larger construction job, understanding the strengths and limitations of each method will help you achieve the best results.