Drywall Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Reading Plans and Job Specifications

Introduces blueprint symbols, partition schedules, and spec sheets relevant to drywall scopes. Students extract panel type, height, and fire-rating requirements from documents.

Lesson 2 • Panel Types and Compositions

Covers standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, and specialty panels. Students match panel type to application requirements.

Lesson 3 • Workplace Safety Fundamentals

Establishes mandatory safety practices for drywall environments including dust, silica, and fall hazards. Connects safe habits to regulatory compliance and injury prevention.

Lesson 1 • Tool Maintenance and Storage

Establishes cleaning, inspection, and storage routines that extend tool life. Students identify worn or damaged tools before they cause installation defects.

Lesson 2 • Fasteners, Adhesives, and Accessories

Explains screw types, nail patterns, construction adhesive, and trim accessories. Correct fastener selection prevents panel failure and surface defects.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools for Drywall Work

Identifies and demonstrates use of knives, T-squares, rasps, and corner tools. Proper grip and technique reduce waste and rework.

Lesson 1 • Wood Framing Considerations

Addresses moisture content, crown direction, and blocking requirements in wood-framed assemblies. Students correct framing defects before hanging panels.

Lesson 2 • Layout and Framing Inspection

Teaches plumb, level, and square verification using lasers and levels before drywall begins. Catching framing errors early prevents costly rework.

Lesson 3 • Steel Stud Framing Fundamentals

Covers track, stud, and header components of light-gauge steel framing. Students identify gauge, flange width, and spacing requirements for drywall attachment.

Lesson 1 • Score-and-Snap Cutting Method

Teaches the standard score-and-snap technique for straight cuts on gypsum panels. Students achieve clean paper faces and smooth edges with consistent pressure.

Lesson 2 • Measuring and Marking Panels

Establishes precise measurement habits using tape, T-square, and chalk line. Accurate marks are the foundation of clean cuts and tight joints.

Lesson 3 • Panel Fitting and Adjustment

Addresses field fitting, back-beveling, and scribing panels to irregular surfaces. Students achieve tight joints at corners, ceilings, and transitions.

Lesson 1 • Wall Panel Fastening Techniques

Teaches screw spacing, edge distance, and field fastening patterns per assembly requirements. Correct fastening prevents panel pop and surface cracking.

Lesson 2 • Panel Layout and Sequencing

Establishes horizontal vs. vertical orientation decisions and stagger-joint layout planning. Proper sequencing reduces seams and improves structural performance.

Lesson 3 • Fire-Rated and Acoustic Assemblies

Applies specific panel types, fastening schedules, and penetration sealing for rated assemblies. Students follow tested assembly details to maintain rating integrity.

Lesson 4 • Common Hanging Defects and Corrections

Identifies proud screws, panel gaps, misaligned joints, and framing misses. Students correct defects before finishing begins to avoid costly repairs.

Lesson 1 • Inside and Outside Corner Taping

Teaches paper tape folding for inside corners and metal or vinyl bead application for outside corners. Straight, plumb corners are critical to finish quality.

Lesson 2 • Joint Compound Types and Mixing

Distinguishes setting-type from drying-type compounds and explains mixing ratios and consistency. Correct compound selection affects open time, shrinkage, and sanding ease.

Lesson 3 • Taping Tapered Edge Joints

Covers embedding coat application, tape centering, and squeegee technique on tapered joints. A well-embedded tape coat is the foundation of a flat finished seam.

Lesson 4 • Taping Butt Joints and Flat Seams

Addresses the wider, thicker compound application needed to feather butt joints flat. Students blend butt joints over a wider span to minimise crowning.

Lesson 1 • Sanding Techniques and Sequences

Teaches hand sanding, pole sanding, and wet sanding methods with correct grit progression. Proper sanding removes high spots without scuffing the paper face.

Lesson 2 • Finish Level Standards

Explains Levels 1 through 5 finish definitions and the applications that require each level. Students match finish level to project specifications and surface conditions.

Lesson 3 • Priming and Surface Inspection

Covers drywall primer selection, application, and final inspection before paint or texture. Priming seals compound and reveals surface defects for correction.

Lesson 4 • Fill Coat Application

Applies the second coat of compound to build out seams and eliminate tape texture. Proper feathering width and knife angle prevent ridges and tool marks.

Lesson 1 • Prefabricated and Modular Drywall Systems

Introduces demountable partition systems and prefabricated panel assemblies used in commercial interiors. Students compare installation speed, flexibility, and finish requirements.

Lesson 2 • Soffits, Chases, and Bulkheads

Teaches framing and cladding of soffits, mechanical chases, and decorative bulkheads. Students sequence framing and panel work to maintain access and alignment.

Lesson 3 • Curved Walls and Radius Framing

Covers flexible panel scoring, radius framing layout, and compound application on curved surfaces. Students build smooth, consistent curves without flat spots.

Lesson 4 • Exterior Gypsum Sheathing

Covers moisture-resistant sheathing panels, weather-resistive barriers, and fastening for exterior walls. Students integrate sheathing with window and door flashing details.