I have a hole in one of my sheetrocked walls, which was caused by a doorknob hitting it. The hole is about three inches in diameter and catches my eye every time I go into the room. Is this something I can easily repair myself?
Signed,
Hole in the wall
Dear Hole in the Wall,
Easily is a very subjective term. I’ll give you a list of processes that I feel will make the repair a very simple task.
First, you will want to correct the swing of the door so that it will no longer be able to damage your wall. Basically, there are three different types of door stops that would work well for you: A wall mounted stop that is mounted to your wall parallel to your door knob; a wall mounted stop that is typically mounted to your base board; a hinge mounted stop that is mounted to your door’s hinge. The hinge stop works by coming to rest against your doorway trim. If you have a solid base board, I would recommend the second choice. If your base molding is made of tile or vinyl, another option would be advised.
Reach in through the hole to ensure that there are no wires or pipes in the immediate area. Once you have determined the area is clear, take a cardboard box (maybe a small cracker box) and center it over the hole and trace the perimeter with a pencil. Then cut the sheetrock around the perimeter using a utility knife. Be careful to keep your fingers away from the blade.
Use the same cracker box and place it on your new piece of sheetrock and then trace it out and cut. To save money, you may want to go to a supply store and ask if you can cut out a small piece from a damaged sheet. Make sure that your new patch is the same thickness as the sheetrock on your wall.
Cut two pieces of 1x3 pine approximately four inches longer than the width of the hole and place behind the hole in your wall. Attach by using 5/8-inch long sheetrock screws.
Insert the new patch and screw it to the pine boards.
Using a six-inch taping knife, apply an even bedding of joint compound around the perimeter of the new patch. Then place paper tape onto compound and smooth with taping knife..
Let dry and then lightly sand and wipe down. Apply a second coat using a 12-inch taping knife, let dry, sand and apply third and final coat.