Home and Garden | Cutting Drywall Openings - Inside Wall

Drywall is used for the surface of most walls built today. Also known as plasterboard and wallboard, it is easy to handle, quick to install, and costs relatively little.

Besides measuring, marking, and cutting large pieces to fit the wall, you may also need to cut holes for outlet boxes and switches in some pieces of wallboard.

There are several ways to make these openings; two methods are explained below.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 15 minutes per opening
Estimated Project Cost: $20.00 -$30.00
Start Tips: For best results, use sharp blades.
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from drywall dust.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Measuring tape	Hammer
Pencil	Piece of scrap wood
Straightedge	Utility saw
Utility knife	Crowbar
Awl or large nail

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Mark the position
To cut an opening, first take measurements for the opening and transfer these measurements to the piece of drywall. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Draw the outline
You can draw the entire outline of the opening from measurements, or if you want a more precise cut, use the object the hole must fit around as a template for drawing the outline. In either case, enlarge the outline 1/8-inch all the way around to ensure a good fit. Use a straightedge to draw accurate lines. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Start the cut
Punch through the drywall using an awl or a nail at each corner of the outline so that these points will show on the back (Fig. 3). Using these points as a guide, draw an outline of the shape on the other side of the drywall.

Fig. 4

4) Score the outline
Using a utility knife and following the outline, score through the paper and about 1/4-inch into the plaster (Fig. 4). Flip the board over and mark the outline between the corner holes that show through from the front. Then score through the paper and into the plaster from that side.

Fig. 5

5) Complete the cut
Turn the board to the front side and, using a hammer, tap out the scored piece (Fig. 5). The edges of the cut can be cleaned up or enlarged with the utility knife.

Fig. 6

Alternative method
Because drywall is relatively soft, it shows indentations where objects have hit or pressed against it. The method explained below takes advantage of this characteristic.

1) Set panel in place
Place the drywall panel in position against the studs or wall, just as if you were installing it. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 7

2) Tap panel over the utility box
Place a piece of scrap wood against the panel wherever the box is located, and tap the wood lightly using a hammer. The edges of the box should make a slight indentation in the back face of the drywall panel, indicating the shape to be cut out. (Fig. 7)

Fig. 8

8) Cut out the hole
Remove the panel and, working from the back face of the panel, jab a utility saw through one of the corners of the indentation, and then cut out the opening following the indented outline. Be careful not to damage the front face of the drywall panel (Fig. 8). If necessary, use a utility knife to enlarge the hole to fit around the box.

Cutting Openings in Drywall