What This Site Covers
The site is organized around four categories that match how most people end up dealing with drywall:
Repairs are the reason most of you are here. Holes, cracks, water damage, screw pops. I've dealt with all of them in my own home and I write about what actually works, including the specific products and dollar amounts I spent.
Installation covers hanging new sheets, whether you're finishing a basement or replacing damaged sections. I hung my first basement mostly alone, which was a terrible idea, and the articles reflect those lessons.
Finishing is the part that separates decent DIY work from obvious amateur patches. Taping, mudding, sanding, and getting a smooth result takes practice. I share what I've learned over dozens of projects.
Textures are the thing nobody explains well. Matching existing texture is one of the most common questions I get, and it took me years to get consistent results. The texture guides include the specific equipment settings and techniques I use.
How I Write These Guides
Every article on this site is based on work I've actually done. When I say a repair cost $35, it's because I went to Home Depot and spent $35. When I describe a technique, it's something I've used on a real wall in a real house. I include photos of my own work when I have them, and I'm upfront about what I got wrong on the first try.
I also update articles when I find better methods or when product prices change significantly. A few of the older repair guides have been revised two or three times as I've learned faster or cheaper ways to get the same result.
I try to reference manufacturer guidelines and building codes where relevant. For bigger structural questions, I always recommend consulting a professional. My experience is with cosmetic and standard residential drywall work, not structural repairs or commercial projects.
About Me
Outside of drywall, I work a regular desk job in IT project management. I live in the same house I bought in 2009 (it's a 1978 ranch that has provided endless drywall education), and I have two kids and a dog who have collectively been responsible for at least 30% of the wall damage I've repaired over the years.
I'm originally from Michigan and have lived in Ohio since college. Most of my drywall experience is with Midwest housing, which means I deal with a lot of basement moisture issues, temperature swings that cause seasonal cracking, and older homes with plaster-over-lath that previous owners patched with drywall in creative ways.
Advertising and Affiliate Disclosure
This site displays advertising and may include affiliate links to products on Amazon and other retailers. These help cover hosting and domain costs. I do not accept payment for product recommendations and advertising does not influence what I write or recommend. When I mention a specific product, it's because I've used it on my own projects.
Get in Touch
If you have a question about a project, spot an error in one of my guides, or want to suggest a topic, I'd like to hear from you. Visit the contact page to send a message. I try to respond within a few days, though it sometimes takes longer during busy stretches at work.