So, you’ve got a hole in your drywall. It happens. You misjudge the width of a hallway when moving furniture, the kids get a little too rowdy, or my personal favorite, “how did that get there?” Fear not! Fixing a hole is easier than you think, and you can learn a new skill by reading up on how to patch drywall in no time.

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For smaller holes (less than 5” x 5”), you can get away with these handy wall repair patches. They come in different sizes, and are very easy to install, and you can paint right over them! For holes larger than 5”x5”, we’re going to have to work a little harder.

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Step 1: Draw your guidelines

Start by assessing the damage and drawing a rectangle around the hole using a carpenter's square. You’re going to cut the same size from a different piece of drywall, so be sure to keep the corners square and overall dimensions a round number, to make things easier on yourself.

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Step 2: Clean up the edges & make your patch

Before you start cutting, reach into the hole to ensure there are no cables, pipes, or wires in the immediate area. Following the rectangle you drew around the hole, use a drywall saw to make the hole perfectly rectangular, so your drywall patch will fit well. Once you have the hole cut, double check your measurements and cut a matching size from a scrap piece of drywall that is the same thickness as the existing. Test-fit your patch by holding it up to the hole in the wall — ensuring that any gaps don’t exceed 1/8”. If your patch is too small or too big, go back to the drawing board and cut a new piece. Once you’re sure it’ll fit well, clean up any rough edges with a utility knife.

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Step 3: Add supports

Using 1”x2” boards, cut two pieces that are 4” wider overall than the clean cut hole in the wall. These will act as a “backer” of sorts for you to secure your new patch to. Feed the boards through the hole one at a time, align them horizontally across the hole, and drill through the drywall on either side and into the boards using drywall screws. Insert your drywall patch into the newly supported opening and attach to the support boards using drywall screws.

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Step 4: Tape & spackle

Tape around all edges using joint tape, joint compound, and a taping knife to remove any excess compound. Allow to dry completely before moving forward. Once dry, cover the patch and the joints with a thin layer of joint compound using your taping knife again. Fill any screw holes with spackle as needed. Allow to dry overnight.

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Step 5:  Almost there!

Carefully sand the entire area with a sanding sponge, taking extra care to not push too hard on your new patch. You don’t want to have to start from the beginning again! Add another coat of joint compound, allow to dry, and sand again. Wipe down the wall and patched area using a dry, lint-free cloth to remove excess dust.

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Step 6: Time for paint

If you don’t have any extra paint to match your existing color, take part of the drywall you removed to your local Kenyon Noble paint counter for a color match. Using a small roller or paintbrush, apply two coats of paint to the patched area and just outside, blending as necessary to match the existing wall.

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That’s it! You can now add “drywall fixer-upper” to your list of home improvement qualifications. Now you can admire your handiwork, then go back to enjoying your hole-free living room.

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Shopping list:

Drywall to cut a patch

Measuring tape

Pencil

Utility knife

Putty knife

Drywall joint compound

Drywall sanding sponge

Paint

Paintbrush or roller (depending on patch size)

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While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.

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