Is it alright to hang drywall vertically instead of horizontally in a tiny shower stall?

Question

I need to replace the "greenboard" and cement board in my shower stall; which measures 3 feet by 3 feet by 8 feet. I'd have a much easier time if I could just hang the drywall & cement board (both measure 4 feet by 8 feet) vertically (8 foot length from floor to ceiling & cut the 4 foot wide section to fit the shower's width).

What are the reasons for hanging drywall "type" material horizontally instead of vertically?

Answer 1

In residential drywall is applied horizonal, if you have 8 foot ceilings two 48 inch sheets cover the wall if you have 9 foot ceilings you can buy 54 inch sheets so you only have one joint w/ factory edges called FLATS to tape not cut edges called Butts which are a lot more work to tape. In commercial applications steel studs are used, you stand the sheets up so the butt joint is above the ceiling height. You can hang your board however you like in your situaton. Whatevers easiest.It doesnt matter.

Answer 2

Drywalling has never been my primary occupation but I have installed a lot of it over the last 40 years. During that time I can't remember ever hanging a sheet horizontally unless it was a patch on an existing wall.

As I see it, all that is to be gained with horizontal installation is a reduction in taping. I really question the assertion that horizontal installation adds strength. It seems to me that when one screw is installed every 16 inches on the center seam as opposed to a screw every 6 inches on a vertical seam the strength should go to the vertical. I could be wrong but when 14 1/2 inches out of 16 inches is left unsupported I really have to question the strength argument.

I do a little figuring before I start and when I am done, I have factory edges everywhere but the corners. It's just a matter of measuring the stud placement and deciding where to hang the first sheet in the middle of the wall. I recently did my kitchen as I have described and with careful taping and preparation for paint It is very very difficult to find any of the joints. The paint is high gloss and the walls are not textured in any way. I made a mess of one hole for a switch but like I said this is not my full time occupation.

In your situation I really think vertical makes more sense as there will be NO seam in each of the walls aside from the corners. Now that has to be stronger than having a center seam. Add the increased ease of installation and I can't imagine doing it any other way than vertical.

Have fun, I have a bath that will require the same treatment SOON. BTW, are you looking for a job??? LOL

Answer 3

Hanging Drywall Vertically

Answer 4

You've received some factual information and some false information. Drywall was engineered by the inventors to be hung horizontally regardless of its length. Common lengths are 8' - 9' - 10' - 12'. When hung vertically you run the risk of having to cut off the 'flat' (factory papered edge) because the framing is not on 4' center which then turns that joint into a half-butt which is more difficult to hide the joint. Even if the framing is perfect, vertical 8' joints require the taper to get on his hands and knees for the bottom and on a ladder to tape the top. The only advantage to vertical on proper framing is no butt joints. Been hanging and taping drywall as contractor for last fifty years.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is it alright to hang drywall vertically instead of horizontally in a tiny shower stall?
I need to replace the "greenboard" and cement board in my shower stall; which measures 3 feet by 3 feet by 8 feet. I'd have a much easier time if I could just hang the drywall & cement board (both measure 4 feet by 8 feet) vertically (8 foot length from floor to ceiling & cut the 4...

Answer 6

Vertical is just fine and actually makes better sense in this instance. If the widths were anything greater than 4' you'd be better off doing it horizontally.
The reason for horizontal placement is you end up with fewer lineal feet of seams to finish. Since in most rooms, you can get drywall to go the length (up to 16') you can avoid many butt joints. Therefore, for each 4 foot length of wall, you'd have 8 feet of seams to finish in a horizontal application, while you'd have 12 feet of seams in a vertical aplication.

For beginners, I suspect vertical installation may actually be easier because it's easier to finish the seam at the bevelled edge than it is at a butt joint.

Answer 7

Most drywall is hung "across" the studs or rafters, to add strength to the structure, and stability. It also places the joint seams about halfway up the wall, which hides them pretty well. In a space as small as you are working, you would actually be better off running your board vertically.

Have Fun!

Answer 8

Drywall has no "grain" and can be hung any way you like..... it is typical to hang it horizontally on wood studs for the sake of helping to keep the studs straight, but it is not a requirement

Answer 9

Go for it the way you intend to. I have done whole rooms that way. It is generally easier to work with sheets horizontally, especially as you can get 12 foot by 4 foot sheets and do less taping.

Answer 10

Of course....it's really just a matter of preference and ease.