How to Remove Drywall

• One of the most important things to keep in mind during drywall removal is to avoid cutting into plumbing, HVAC vents and electrical outlets.
• Use a stud finder to locate any obstacles behind the wall, such as pipes and electrical fixtures. Mark the areas with tape and avoid cutting or tearing into them later.

Avoid the spread of drywall dust, especially in a big project that involves removing all of the drywall from a room.

• Move small pieces of furniture outside the room and cover larger pieces of furniture with drop cloths or tarps. You can also use plastic sheeting.
• Use a respirator mask to protect yourself from drywall debris.

Tip: Remember that there may be nails and screws imbedded into the drywall that you can successfully remove without damaging the wall. Lay a wide putty knife flush against the wall, touching the nail. Grip the nail near its base with a pair of end cutting pliers and rock back and forth until your nail or screw comes out of the wall.

• Use a utility knife to cut the top portion of where the moulding meets the drywall.
• Then use a pry baror other prying tool to remove moulding or baseboards that block access to the drywall.

• Sometimes you may need to remove a relatively small section of drywall to repair water damage or install a built-in air conditioner or other appliance.
• First, measure the section of drywall you need to remove and mark the dimensions with a pencil.
• Make the initial cut with a reciprocating or oscillating saw with a circular blade. Only cut deep enough to cut through the drywall and paneling.
• Carefully cut the rest of the hole.
• If the severed segment doesn’t fall out immediately, pry it loose with a drywall knife or prying tool and throw it away.

• Use a drywall or utility knife to cut through the joint compound at a wall corner or ceiling corner, to make it easier to tear at those places. (For partial removal, mark the removal boundary with a saw cut along a stud.)
• Loosen the drywall along the floor with a pry bar, if possible.
• Use either the face or claw of a hammer to punch a series of small holes in the drywall along the stud bays near the ceiling. Then connect the holes to create a hand hold.
• Dry vacuums are helpful for dust accumulation as you navigate your drywall project.

Tip: Safety goggles and gloves will manage the risk of getting dust and debris in your eyes or elsewhere.

• Removing drywall without having to demo the entire wall can be accomplished with the help of a magnetic ball stud finder. Removing the nails and screws will aid in removing the drywall without causing excess dust to disperse everywhere.
• If possible, put drywall chunks directly into heavy-duty garbage bags or a disposable container.
• Once all of the drywall is removed, pry loose any drywall nails or screws that remain on the studs.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to collect any remaining dust or debris from your work area.

Tip: Always wear sturdy work gloves when pulling out drywall by hand.