How To Patch Holes In Drywall In 9 Easy Steps Video

Whether it’s by accident or intent, sooner or later, a wall or ceiling gets gored and has to be patched. Many people don’t know where to start when they’re learning how to patch a large hole in drywall. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to make a solid, virtually invisible repair. You don’t even need to buy a repair kit.

What Do You Need to Patch Drywall?

There aren’t any special tools needed for drywall repair. A scrap of drywall, a self-adhesive wall repair patch, some spackling or joint compound, and a few common tools are all it takes if you use the hole-patching technique demonstrated by This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. Tom’s patching method—cut the hole to fit the patch, not the other way around—is virtually foolproof. Working the joint compound is more of an art. “Apply thin coats,” he says. “And don’t fuss with it. After two or three strokes, leave it alone until it’s dry.”

Steps for Patching Small Holes

Steps for Patching Medium-Sized Holes

Steps for Patching Large Holes in Drywall

Step 1: Cut out the patch

Using a piece of scrap drywall, cut a square or rectangle that is an inch or two larger than the hole. Hold the square over the hole and mark its outline on the drywall with a pencil.

Step 2: Prep the hole

Use a drywall saw to cut along the outline until you create a square hole in the wall.

Step 3: Snap back the drywall

Snap back the drywall pieces inside the outline, then cut each one free with the knife.

Step 4: Add strapping

Take a scrap of wood a few inches longer than the hole and slide it behind the drywall. Secure it in place by driving screws through the drywall and into the wood. Place the scrap drywall in the hole and screw it to the wood.

Step 5: Attach the patch

Align the arrow on the patch with the X on the wall Press the patch firmly against the adhesive. Drive two screws, staggered, through the patch and into the strapping.