What does a Drywall Installer do?

Drywall Installers handle a specific part of the construction or renovation process. Their work takes place on new construction and renovation sites and happens after the framing is done. Other steps that typically take place beforehand include installing, running electrical wiring and installing plumbing pipes. Since the drywall panels cover everything behind them, work that happens inside the walls has to take place first. The goal of the Drywall Installer is to hang the drywall perfectly to create a secure, smooth wall for the space.

As a specialist, the Drywall Installer takes charge of preparing drywall sheets, which includes measuring and cutting them to fit certain areas of the wall. They fit the pieces together, working from one side of the room to the other and ensuring the sheets are next to each other. Once a section is installed, they apply special tape to the seams followed by a compound to smooth the seams out. On some construction sites, separate Drywall Finishers handle this step. If you hire both roles, make your Drywall Finisher job description distinct to focus on the precision of taping and sealing the joints.

Drywall Installer skills and qualifications

Drywall Installers typically come into the position with basic construction skills. Having previous experience or training helps candidates gain those qualities. Examples of skills and qualifications to include in your Drywall job description are:

• Understanding of basic drywall handling and installation

• Ability to use hand and power tools safely

• Effective verbal communication skills

• Familiarity with reading blueprints

• Attention to detail

• Accuracy with measurements

• Ability to move panels into place and install fasteners

• Understanding of and willingness to follow construction site safety practices

Drywall Installer experience requirements

The amount of experience you require in your drywall job description depends on your expectations for the position. If you’re willing to train a new Drywall Installer, you might not expect any experience. Related experience in the construction or renovation field could give a candidate a foundation for the position. If you need a team member who can reach full productivity quickly, you might request at least a year of drywall installation experience.

Drywall Installer education and training requirements

Drywall Installers don’t need to meet any standard education requirements. Some applicants complete a drywall training program at a trade school or community college, but it’s not typically a requirement in a Drywall Installer job description. Training often happens on the job, with newer Installers learning from experienced team members.

Job description samples for similar positions

Do you need a different set of skills for your construction site? Here are job descriptions for similar positions that might fit your needs:

• Painter

• Carpenter

• Metal Stud Framer

• Framing Carpenter

Drywall Installer job description FAQs

What are the daily duties of a Drywall Installer?

On an average day, a Drywall Installer reports to the job site and prepares the tools and materials for work. If they’re in the middle of a job, they assess the progress from the day before to see where they need to pick up that day. They measure and cut drywall and install it on the structural framework, which is already installed.

When the installation is complete, they tape and seal the seams using a joint compound. Other contractors might be working on different parts of the construction or renovation at the same time, so Drywall Installers may need to work around them. At the end of the day, they clean their tools, tidy the work area and secure any tools and equipment that stay on-site.

What qualities make a good Drywall Installer?

Precision is necessary for measuring and cutting drywall panels correctly. It’s important to be detail-oriented to ensure they follow the installation standards you set. They may also need effective communication skills to work with other Drywall Installers and contractors.

What should you look for in a Drywall Installer resume?

Previous experience working with drywall in a professional setting is helpful. You might accept other similar experience in construction or the trades. Work experience with some of the same skills, such as measuring, cutting and keeping work sites safe, can transfer to the Drywall Installer position.