Can You Put Drywall Over Drywall?

If the walls in your home could use a refresh–and more than a fresh coat of paint–can you put drywall over drywall? In some cases, yes, you can, but this isn’t always the right solution. Here’s what to consider before you put new drywall on top of your existing drywall.  

Why Would You Put Drywall on Top of Drywall?

Your home's walls have a history, and over the years, they've developed a few dings and scratches. While in some cases, patching up the drywall and painting it can suffice, more extensive damage calls for more extensive repairs.

If your walls have a lot of holes, gouges, or marks, putting drywall on the existing drywall can be one way to give them a facelift. You may also decide to put drywall over drywall if you've come to regret your previous design choices, such as old wallpaper or paneling.

Benefits of Putting Drywall Over Drywall

In certain cases, putting new drywall over old drywall is a cost-effective and speedy way to refresh a room. A few of the advantages of putting drywall on drywall include:

• It's less extensive than tearing out and replacing existing drywall.

• It can help soundproof a room.

• It can cost less than installing all-new drywall.

• It can improve the insulation in a room.

Drawbacks of Putting Drywall Over Drywall

Putting drywall on top of existing drywall isn't a magic solution and may not always be the right call. Some of the potential disadvantages of doing it include:

• It can make it challenging to find wiring and piping behind the wall.

• It can mask severe problems with the walls.

• It reduces the size of the room. 

• You need to use extenders on outlets and light switches to make them flush with the new layer of drywall.

When Should You Not Put Drywall on Drywall?

In some cases, you're better off replacing the walls entirely, rather than putting a layer of drywall over top. For example, if the existing drywall is severely damaged and crumbling, it makes more sense to remove it than to cover it up. 

The same is true if your walls have a lot of moisture damage or mold growth. The mold will continue to grow beneath the new layer of drywall. 

If you plan on doing extensive work behind the walls, such as replacing the wiring or fixing the plumbing, you might as well remove and replace the current drywall once the work is finished.

Type of Drywall to Use

Drywall comes in four thicknesses and several lengths. When you're putting a new layer of drywall on top of an existing layer, choose the thinnest option, one-quarter of an inch drywall. This layer will be enough to cover up any imperfections or irregularities in the current drywall without taking up too much space in the room. 

Should You DIY or Go Pro?

How hard is it to hang drywall depends on your comfort level with DIY projects and lifting 50-pound or more sheets of drywall. Hanging drywall on top of existing drywall can be slightly more difficult than installing drywall from scratch, as you need to locate the studs beneath the current drywall. You also need to extend the windowsills, trim, outlets and light switches in the room. 

If that sounds too much, your best bet is to hire a professional drywall installer. A pro drywall contractor can also help you decide if putting drywall over drywall is the right move or if you're better off replacing your walls entirely.