How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole

What You'll Need
Here's what it will take to fix a large drywall hole:
  • Scrap piece of drywall
  • Utility knife
  • Pencil keyhole saw
  • Small board
  • Flathead screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Spackling or wallboard joint compound
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer and paint
  • Paintbrushes
Sometimes a wall can get a large hole or a section can be damaged by water or other causes. Here's how to fix it without a drywall repair kit:

Step 1: Cut scrap piece of drywall with utility knife into square or rectangle. Scrap piece
should be a little bigger than hole or damaged area. If you don't have piece of drywall, purchase drywall patch from hardware store. Set patch against damaged area, and lightly trace around it with pencil. Cut out outlined area with keyhole saw. Keep saw cut on inside of traced line so hole in drywall will be exactly the same size as patch.

Step 2: To hold wallboard patch in place, install small board about 6 inches longer than long dimension of hole. Put board into hole, center it horizontally, and hold it firmly against inside of wallboard. To help keep it there, fasten ends of board to drywall with flathead screws driven through wall at sides of hole; countersink screws below surface of drywall.

Step 3: Use spackling compound or wallboard joint compound as glue to hold patch in place. Spread compound on back of drywall patch and around edges. Set patch into hole and adjust it so it's exactly even with surrounding wall. Hold it in place until compound starts to set. Let compound dry at least overnight.

To fix a large drywall hole, you need a backing board.

Secure a backing board on the inside of the wall to brace
the patch; then coat the edges of the patch with spackling
compound and set it into place in the hole.
Step 4: Once compound is dry, fill patch outline and cover exposed screw heads with spackling or joint compound. Let dry, lightly sand area, prime, and paint.

With these tips under your belt, you should be ready to tackle those unsightly holes, and keep your drywall looking its best.

Not what you're looking for? Try these:

  • Materials: Just having the tools you need on hand for repairs isn't always enough to do the job. You'll often need various materials, such as lumber or drywall, to complete a task. Check out this article for tips on materials.
  • Drywall: Drywall, also known as gypsum board, is the building material used to put up interior walls in a home or other building. Find out all about drywall in this helpful article.
  • How to Install Drywall: Hanging drywall can be done by a do-it-yourselfer, but joining the pieces together does take some practice. Learn how to install drywall in your home.