Expert: Dave Johnson - 9/15/2008

Question
My recently purchased home has 8' ceilings.  I am going to be doing some renovations that require me to install, tape, and mud drywall.  While I do ok with the tapered joints, butt joints have never resulted in my best work.

I recent years I have noticed drywall tends to be installed horizontally as opposed to the vertical orientation of the sheets the I saw years ago.

Since, for me, vertical applications tends to leave me with the tapered sides to tape and thus better joints, my question is, "Is there any technical reason that horizontal installation is better than vertical?"

Regards,
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,
Yes, the vertical joints were more easily seen when looking along the walls, where the horizontal joints are below most eye levels and less likely to be seen.
Also, when applying it horizontally, you can use less total sheets
(12' long for less overall joints)

Best of luck,


Dave