Starting with the top row, apply adhesive to the studs. A wall stud is the vertical frame that holds the wall structure in place. The adhesive helps prevent popped nail heads by helping to hold the drywall panel in place.

Holding the first sheet horizontally across the ceiling and close to the corner, align both vertical sides with studs. Hammer in a few nails to hold it in place.

Note: Make sure the nail heads are beneath the surface of the drywall. You can cover the nails with joint compound later.

Measure the remaining space, adding 1/4 in. for easier installation. Mark and score the front side of the second drywall panel. Snap the front side (gypsum) and cut the paper backing with a knife; smooth rough edges with a rasp.

Tack the second piece into place with ring drywall nails. Ring drywall nails are powerful fasteners characterized by rings around the nail to create more friction with the wood, holding it in place better than traditional nails.

Mark the studs so you know where to drive the screws.

Drive screws into the studs — roughly 16 in. apart in the middle and 8 in. along the vertical joints. Keep the screws 3/8 in. from the edge.

Note: The screw heads should be just below the surface so you can cover them with joint compound later on. Drywall drills are specifically designed to make this happen every time.

Measure and cut the height and width for the bottom row using the score-snap-rasp method above.

Mark electrical boxes on the bottom row of panels. To do this, measure from the bottom of the top panel to the top of the electrical box. Transfer the mark to the new piece of drywall.

Note: Turn off electricity to the room before working around electrical outlets.

Measure the height and width of the electrical box and create a pattern on the new piece of drywall. Using a serrated drywall knife cut out the rectangular pattern for the electrical box.

Tip: Test the tightness of the fit around the electrical box, If the fit is too snug, shave away a little more drywall so it doesn't crack and break.

Hold the panel in place using a foot lift. Keep it 1/2 in. off the floor and tack some nails in to hold it.

Hang the next piece and go back to drive all the screws into place.

To cut out windows and doors, hang the top row of drywall and make the cutout with a saw. Avoid creating a joint at the door or window corner. This will increase the odds of cracks later.

Hang the bottom panel, avoiding seam creation at window corners, and make the cutout with a saw.

For inside corners, don't force the pieces tightly together — this will cause crumbling and breaking later. Cut it to leave about 1/8 in. of wiggle room, which you'll fill with joint compound at the end.

For outside corners, let the panel overhang the corner on one side. Hang the adjacent panel, touching the back side of the overhang, and secure it. Cut away the excess.

Following the same vertical, horizontal, corner pattern, apply pre-mixed joint compound over the mesh tape with a drywall knife. Feather the edges to manage excess compound.

Feathering is an application technique that increases the pressure and angle of the drywall knife as it moves towards the edge of the compound. This creates the thinnest possible layer of compound at the outer edges of the seams.

On the inside corners, apply joint compound to each side and crease paper tape along the centreline. Press it into place with your fingers. Without cutting the tape, run your knife carefully down one side and then the other to create a firm fit.

On the outside corners, apply a layer of compound to either side of the corner. Cut paper beading to fit the height of the wall and press it into place with your fingers. Run a drywall knife over the beading to ensure a tight fit and simultaneously remove excess compound.

Tip: Beading is available in a variety of materials, including paper, vinyl, and metal.

Finally, using a drywall knife, coat the fasteners with a layer of compound. Let the first coat dry for 24 hours before starting the second coat.

Use a 6 in. drywall knife to cover the first coat of tape and joint compound about 3/16 in. thick on the vertical seams.

Use a 10 in. knife to feather the edges wide so that it blends with the wall, then lightly run the knife over the middle. When finished with the second coat, the compound should be 10-12 in. wide.

For inside corners, use a 6 in. drywall knife to feather the compound along one side only. The other side will get feathered on the third coat.

For outside corners, use a 10 in. knife to apply compound to both sides. Feather the second layer out past the first one to blend the edges with the wall.

Apply a second coat of compound over all fasteners. Let the second coat dry 24 hours before moving on to the third coat.

The third coat is called the finish coat, which means you should leave no tool marks. To get started, lightly sand the joints with 120-grit sandpaper.

Use a vacuum sander or wet sponge to limit the amount of dust produced.

Note: Wear safety goggles and a mask. Open windows and cover doorways with plastic to reduce the mess in other parts of the house.

Apply joint compound to the seams and feather the edges again.

Check the vertical seams by holding a flat-edge trowel with the blade perpendicular to the wall to see how far you need to feather out the coats.

Return to the inside corner left alone in the second coat, and apply compound to the other side of it.

If needed, cover the fasteners again with a layer of compound. Let the finish coat dry for 24 hours and lightly sand for a smooth finish.

Mix the skim coat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Using a paint roller, work in four foot sections to roll on a finish compound.

Immediately remove the excess with a 12 in. drywall knife.

Let the skim coat dry for 24 hours, then lightly sand.

Apply a drywall primer or sealer and let it dry thoroughly. The amount of time needed for it to dry will depend on the brand or manufacturer you use.

Finish the job with a coat or two of interior paint. Depending on the type, brand, and colour you choose, the number of coats needed will vary. Make sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.