Backer-board source for drywall joints?
CVBReno
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I read some of the threads recently on drywall butt joints. It makes sense to put the joints between studs for a flatter finish.
Problem is, where do you get the special backer boards that create a tapered indentation at the joint? I read about “ez backer” and similar products, but the two drywall suppliers I visited in town have never heard of such a product. Do you make your own, or is there a good internet source?
Replies
I couldn't find them locally either. I made my own. I mentioned how I made them in this thread:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=84343.15
It takes a little bit of experimenting to get it just right. I overdrove many of the screws the last time I did it and ended up using twice as many screws as I should have. Not that it really matters because all of the screws get covered in what is now a tapered joint.
I've been assured by another BT'er that smooth, flat butt joints can be had without backer. I only tape and spackle occasionally so maybe it's a matter of proficiency.
-Don
i've had good luck doing it a few ways... (make'n my own) i save all my scrap 3/4" sheet goods....anything... plywood or osb... 48" for walls is usally good because one end will hit the plate and kick it at least an inch past the edge of the drywall so you can catch it/screw with the next sheet also... i use anything close to 3" wide... up to anything not wide enough to rip into 2... ie... 4" wide i wouldn't rip into 2- 2" strips... maybe... :)...
if it's a ceiling and i've take'n the time to make sure (frame'n, shims & plane'n) i'll have a flat slick ceiling I'll take the time to make up 6" tp 8" wide by 52" to 54" long strips... to these i will staple a 1" wide strip of corigated cardboard 48 inches long centered on each outer edge... if you screw about 6" on center about 1.25 back from the edge... this will form a void or low spot to help you have a slick joint... not fool proof but then what is with the new level of fools out there?
hope my long winded description didn't confuse you... takes only a few minutes to make em up if you know you'll be needed them you'll have your scraps already around and you'll have saved some packing cardboard for the shim stock...
p