Walls and Ceilings - 1/4 rock sizes

Anyone know if its possible to get 1/4 rock in 4x14 sheets?

Not at the supply yards I've seen. Although 2 sheets of 4x8 would probally be alot cheaper by the time you got that 14' sheet.

I've never seen a 14' long anything. Probably have to go with 8 footers

14' rock is possible to get but it is a special order, and takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks to get it, on a good day. It's also very expensive and comes with a minimal sheet required purchase, something like 30 sheets or so, But don't quote me on that. Try contacting USG.

www.usg.com


Good Luck

I agree if you've got the $$ and you're ordering enough sheets, USG, Sheetrock, or Temple would run the order for you, but that's not very practical in most cases.

Not a whole lot of call for anything over a 8' sheet in 1/4" rock, too flimsy & subject to breakage. Even drywall supply houses only stock 8' in 1/4". We only use it for domes, archways, etc., what is your application going to be?

Thanks all,

I am covering up an old plaster and lathe ceriling with 1/4" rock. The old ceiling has a swirl pattern on it and lots of damage so the easiest way to redo it is just cover it up.

I was trying to avoid butt joints on the ceiling by getting 14' long sheets, but that is clearly not going to happen.

Would you go to 1/2" in 14' lengths to avoid the butt joints on a ceiling or go with 8' 1/4" rock?

I would definitely recommend the 1/2" rock for a ceiling. 1/4" is too thin & will fail much sooner than 1/2". As to using long sheets to avoid butt joints, yes it's a very good idea, but I will say that tight fitting long sheets on a ceiling is a very tough job unless you're experienced with hanging drywall & have the proper equipment & a good helper.

It's very difficult to do by yourself using a panel lift, without breaking corners out of sheets, etc.

We pros use a set of adjustable benches (sawhorses) & one guy takes his end high while the other lowers his end to get the sheet square into place then it must be lifted straight up. Take careful measurements, & allow like 1/4" of play when you cut the sheets to length. It's also a good idea to check length every 4' in case your room isn't exactly square.

Hope that helps.

Dell you know that the only good helpers out there in the trade are the guys who have been doing it for years. LOL.

You could go with 12' 1/2". You'll still have a butt joint, but less of them than if you used 8'. Good Luck

I hear ya boardslinger, good RELIABLE help is always in short supply!

Anyway for a diyer I'd agree with the 1/2" 12's, it'll make the installation alot easier & the shorter butt joints won't be near as difficult for a novice finisher to make look acceptable.

Like I said, tight fitting lids isn't a job I'd recommend for a novice.

IF that ceiling was in very good condition, I might consider taking a respirator and a mini-grinder with a cup brush to it.

You can create a new pattern with that cup brush. Don't dig into the skim coat, that would be a mess.

You could grid it with a chalkline, and work each square with a pattern of your choosing.

It would go pretty fast. A full-face shield is an excellent idea.

That board is going to be soft at the least, that better be a real soft brush. :D