What kind of screws do I use for drywall?

Drywall, or plasterboard or wallboard, is a prevalent material used to create walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings. The correct screw can make all the difference.

While hanging drywall might seem straightforward, the correct choice of screws is essential to ensure longevity, aesthetics, and functionality. So, what screws should you use for drywall? This guide breaks it down for you.

What makes a screw, a drywall screw?

At a glance, most screws may look alike. However, drywall screws have been explicitly designed for drywall installation. They typically have a bugle head (a curved profile) that ensures the screw will sit just below the surface of the drywall without tearing the paper covering.

Types of Drywall Screws

Coarse Thread (or Wood Screws): These coarse-thread screws are designed for attaching drywall to wall studs made out of wood. The coarser drywall screw threads grip the wood effectively and offer a strong hold.
Fine Thread: Drywall screws with a fine thread are ideal for attaching drywall to light steel framing. These screws have finer threads that tap into the metal studs without displacing too much material.
Self-Drilling (or Tek Screws): Used for heavier gauge steel, self-drilling screws have a drill-point tip, eliminating the need for a pre-drilled hole.

These were the type of drywall screws based on application. Next, we will cover the different materials used to make drywall screws. If the application determines the type of screw that needs to be used, the material determines where a particular screw will be used.

Drywall Screw Material

The type of screw is essential, and so is the material that the screw is made out along with the coating it possesses. Here are some standard drywall screw materials:

Carbon Steel: The most common type of drywall screw used in drywall projects. It is highly ductile but offers moderate levels of durability. This screw will not break during installation and can handle heavy loads like a champ. Most professionals use drywall screws made out of carbon steel for indoor installs.
Stainless Steel: This screw loses some points in strength compared to a carbon steel screw but makes up in corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content. While not as strong as carbon steel, these screws fare better in outdoor and moist conditions.
Hardened Steel: This screw is the toughest of the lot as it undergoes a heat hardening process that makes it ideal for high torque conditions. It does not provide any corrosion resistance and is more brittle than other types of screws.

Most drywall and construction screws are made of carbon steel and then coated with a layer of compound that can resist corrosion. A greater chance of water exposure warrants tougher corrosion resistance.

Drywall Screw Coating

Drywall screws are often coated with metals or compounds that are more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel. The type of coating you choose will vary based on your application and type of drywall.

Black Phosphate Coating: These screws are commonly known as black drywall screws. They are ubiquitously used for indoor and outdoor purposes. It's important to know that these are not meant to withstand high levels of moisture, so in outdoor use cases, exposure to water must be limited.
Galvanized Coating: Galvanization is a chemical process to add a clear zinc coating onto the screw. Zinc offers superior corrosion resistance to black phosphate screws, making them ideal for moist and humid environments.
Yellow Zinc Coating: This screw uses a thicker zinc coating that makes the screw look yellow. It goes above clear zinc coating, making them the most heavy-duty screws for moist environments. Ideal for thick, waterproof drywall intended to be used in bathrooms and showers.

At this stage, you should be aware of the type of studs that you are installing your drywall into. The location of this installation, is it indoor or outdoor? And lastly, the level of water exposure in the selected area to determine corrosion resistance.

Technical Factors for Choosing Drywall Screws

Now that you know about screw types, materials, and coatings, let's cover the technical aspects of a screw.

Length: Drywall screw length is a vital aspect. The general rule is that the screw should penetrate the stud by at least 5/8". For example, when using 1/2 inch drywall, a 1-1/4 inch screw is typically recommended.
Gauge: For most residential applications, a #6 or #8 drywall screw gauges are appropriate. The larger the gauge, the thicker the screw.
Recessed Head Type: Always opt for screws with a recessed or bugle screw head. This design allows the screw to sink into the drywall smoothly without tearing the paper. Any other type of head will sit over or under the drywall, making the screw holes visible. This can ruin the aesthetic appeal of an installation.

Navigating the challenges of a drywall installation

Drywall installation can present a few common pitfalls. You can use a few dependable practices to avoid these and have a smooth installation process.

Common Pitfalls

Screw Spacing: Incorrect spacing can lead to instability and structural failures, emphasizing the necessity of correct spacing. Typically the screws must be 12 inches apart on walls and 8 inches apart on ceilings. The distance between the screws will also greatly depend on the distance between your wall studs. Our guide on calculating number of screws for a project contains key considerations on screw spacing.
Screw Type and Depth: You should be aware of your drywall thickness and the material of your studs. The thickness of the drywall will determine the length of the screw, and the type of stud will determine the thread type. Refer to the previous section to determine the right length. Coarse thread drywall screws are suitable for wooden studs, and fine thread drywall screws are ideal for metal studs.

Dependable Practices

Spacing: While hanging drywall, screws should be placed about 12 inches apart for walls and about 8 inches for ceilings. This distribution ensures even support throughout the drywall sheet. Use a tape measure to mark points for screws and screw them in using a W pattern. Start by hanging drywall sheets by their corners and then move onto the middle surface.
Depth: It's crucial to set the screw at the correct depth. It should sit slightly below the surface but not tear through the drywall paper. Many professionals use a dedicated drywall screw gun, that automatically sets the screw at the correct depth.
Avoid Edges: Keep screws at least 3/8" away from the edges of the drywall to prevent crumbling or breakage.

To learn about the total number of drywall screws required for a project, check out our post How Many Drywall Screws Do I Need Per Room?

Alternatives to Drywall Screws

Drywall Nails: Before screws became the standard, drywall nails were widely used. They're cheaper but can lead to "nail pops" over time, where the nail head protrudes from the wall due to the movement of wood studs. They are also not ideal for thicker drywall as their load-bearing capacity is lower.
Cement Board Screws: If you're installing cement board (for tiling in bathrooms, for instance), you'll need specialized screws to resist corrosion from cement's alkalinity.
Trim Head Screws: For attaching wood trim over drywall, these screws are ideal. They have coarse threads and a small head that can be easily concealed with wood filler.

Why Not Use Other Screws?

While it might be tempting to use whatever screws you have on hand, other screws can cause issues:

Standard wood screws have a flat head that can tear drywall paper.
Deck screws are thicker and can pop out over time.
Metal screws don't have the right thread for wood or drywall.

Understanding Cost Implications

Choosing the right screws for your drywall project can significantly affect your total expenses. It's not just about ensuring structural stability, but also avoiding additional costs associated with repairs and replacements. Using the wrong screws, especially those that are not rust-resistant, can cause problems in humid environments and may result in premature degradation of the structure, leading to costly repairs.

Quality Screws Matter

High-quality screws ensure the longevity and durability of your drywall installation. While their initial cost may be high, top-tier drywall screws designed for specific applications and environments can prevent failures and subsequent repairs,. This adds value to your project and reduces the overall lifecycle cost of the installation. So pick screws that align with your project's unique requirements to achieve cost-effective and long-lasting installations.

Conclusion

Selecting the right drywall screw ensures your walls are sturdy and safe and achieve a smooth, seamless finish ready for painting or wallpapering. By understanding the different types of drywall screws and their appropriate use cases, you can confidently embark on your drywall project, ensuring longevity and a professional look. Remember, in construction and DIY, using suitable materials and tools for the task at hand always pays off.