If you own a home, you know how easy it is to put a hole in your drywall, whether it’s from a door handle, something dropped, or an accident from a child playing. The good news is that drywall is fairly easy to repair, especially the smaller holes, so it’s something even a novice homeowner can tackle. If the hole is really big (something bigger than 12 inches), it would probably be wise to replace the entire sheet of drywall rather than create one big patch. For all the other drywall holes you might come across, here are some ideas:

hole repair

Traditionally, when a hole in drywall needed to be patched, a contractor would try to square the hole as much as possible and then attach wood cleats to hold a new drywall square. Luckily, they have created aluminum patches, which can go directly over the hole without having to square it. The aluminum patch is strong enough to get through larger holes, and yet thin enough to be covered with a thin layer of putty. They work the same way as traditional drywall tape, where a layer of putty is placed over the mesh, allowed to dry, and then turned over the next day to add a second layer with a larger trowel. I recommend sanding between applications, but some people would say you could get away with just sanding after the second coat.

crack repair

Cracks often occur when a home begins to settle, so it’s not uncommon to find drywall cracks in both new and old homes. The good news is that this is an easy fix. Take a razor blade or utility knife and create a V-shaped channel along the length of the crack. Fill the crack with caulk or joint compound and then apply mesh tape over the top (although foil patch works well for holes, regular mesh tape is recommended for this application). Once the mesh tape is applied, cover it with caulk and smooth the ends. After it dries, continue to fade it out in a second application (a third if necessary). Once this is done, sand down to a smooth finish.

Repair of holes for nails and screws

The most common fix that will be required is to fill old screw holes or nail holes from pictures or fixtures that were attached to the wall. Another common screw and nail repair is when vibrations cause them to loosen. This is another easy solution. First, take the end of a trowel or screwdriver and tap the edges of the hole to create a small crater. If the drywall is loose, nail or screw a new fastener just below the existing hole. Take putty and apply it over the hole, filling it completely. Once dry, sand smooth.

corner repair

In more modern houses, metal corners were used to finish off the corners. Creates a nice sharp corner, but dents easily. The good news is that just as easily as it was dented, it can be put back into shape with a couple of light taps with a hammer. Once you’ve got it back into shape, check the wall for cracks along the metal bead. If you find any, you will have to apply mesh tape over it. Once you’ve hit it, apply a coat of putty, wait for it to dry, and then repeat the process. Then sand the patch down to a smooth finish.

So instead of hiring a contractor to help you patch any holes in your drywall, follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to fix your own drywall (putting that money back in your pocket!).