Should You Glue or Screw? The Best Drywall Installation Method for Your Project
- xpressdrywallandta
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
It All Starts With a Mistake
A homeowner named Mark had a plan.
It was a long weekend in Naperville, and he decided to tackle his unfinished garage. He watched a few YouTube videos, loaded his cart at the hardware store, and confidently started hanging drywall using only construction adhesive.
No screws. No anchors. Just glue.
On Sunday, it looked great. Smooth seams, clean corners, and a new coat of primer. By Tuesday, it looked like a disaster.
The panels had shifted, seams buckled, and a couple sheets had peeled back from the studs. All his effort—and a few hundred dollars—wasted. He ended up calling a pro to redo it.
So what went wrong?
Mark made the same mistake a lot of people do: thinking glue is strong enough to hold drywall on its own.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about drywall installation best practices—whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a contractor. We'll cover when to use glue, when to use screws, and why the pros often use both.
Why the Method Matters More Than You Think
Drywall might seem simple—it’s just a panel that covers your framing. But behind the finish coat is a decision that impacts:
🔧 Structural integrity
📏 Seam performance
🚫 Crack resistance
🔇 Sound insulation
💧 Moisture protection
Get the fastening wrong, and you’re likely to deal with popped screws, loose joints, or bowed walls within months. Worse, you might face expensive repairs, failed inspections, or mold from hidden gaps.
Option 1: Using Glue for Drywall
Drywall adhesive is commonly used to speed up installation and reduce screw pops, especially on interior walls with wood studs.
It’s ideal for:
Large, flat walls
Interior partitions
Low-impact residential areas
When used correctly, construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails Drywall or Loctite PL Premium) adds rigidity to drywall, reducing long-term movement and noise transfer.
The Pros:
✅ Faster installation on big surfaces
✅ Reduces the number of screws needed
✅ Helps minimize future seam cracks and nail pops
The Cons:
❌ Not a substitute for mechanical fasteners
❌ Doesn’t work on ceilings (gravity always wins)
❌ Some adhesives release strong odors or VOCs—choose low-odor versions
Pro Tip: Even when using glue, you still need screws or nails along the edges and corners to meet building code and ensure panels don’t shift during drying
Option 2: Using Screws for Drywall
Drywall screws are the gold standard for professional installs. They’re used on nearly every job—residential or commercial—and especially where precision and safety matter.
Screws are perfect for:
Ceilings
Basements
Metal studs
Any job that requires inspection or long-term durability
The Pros:
✅ Code-compliant and reliable
✅ Strong hold in wood or metal framing
✅ Easier to inspect and adjust during installation
The Cons:
❌ Slower install compared to glue
❌ Can over-penetrate and damage the paper face if not installed carefully
❌ May require extra effort when working alone or on ceilings
For best results, use coarse-thread drywall screws for wood studs and fine-thread screws for metal. Keep screw spacing at 12 inches on walls and 8 inches on ceilings.
The Best of Both Worlds: Glue + Screws
This is where the pros live.
At Xpress Drywall, we often use both adhesive and screws—especially for:
Commercial drywall installation
High-traffic areas (hallways, garages)
Areas exposed to moisture or temperature changes
Soundproofed rooms or multi-family units
Using glue plus screws gives you double the hold: the adhesive spreads the load evenly across studs, while the screws lock everything in place and meet inspection requirements.
Think of it like wearing a belt and suspenders—maybe overkill, but you’re not taking any chances.
Why Commercial Clients Always Use Both
We recently worked on a multi-unit office build in downtown Chicago. The client wanted top-tier finish work—zero cracking, zero movement, and a clean paint job in every suite.
We knew the job would face high foot traffic, HVAC fluctuations, and fire rating requirements. Our solution?
Applied adhesive to all wall studs
Secured panels with screws every 12 inches
Used fire-rated drywall for safety compliance
Sealed seams with moisture-resistant compound
Six months later, the walls still look brand-new. No pops. No repairs. That’s the power of doing it right the first time.
Which Should You Use? Here’s the Breakdown
Best Option | |
Ceiling installations | Screws (always) |
Basement or garage walls | Glue + Screws |
Commercial or office buildings | Glue + Screws |
Small room interior wall | Screws (minimum) |
DIY repair project | Screws or Both |
Moisture-prone area | Glue + Screws |
Download Our Free Guide: “How to Hire the Right Drywall Contractor”
Avoid the headaches of DIY mistakes or unreliable contractors. Our guide covers:
Key questions to ask before hiring.
Red flags to watch out for.
How to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use just glue to install drywall?
No. Glue alone won’t hold drywall securely, especially over time. It also won’t pass most building inspections.
What’s the best drywall adhesive?
Use construction adhesives like Liquid Nails Drywall or Loctite PL Premium Fast Grab. Avoid general-purpose glues.
Are nails okay for drywall?
You can use drywall nails, but screws are more secure and less prone to popping out over time.
Should I glue drywall to ceilings?
Never. Gravity makes adhesive unreliable on ceilings. Use screws spaced 8 inches apart across joists.
Is combining glue and screws overkill?
Not at all. It’s a best practice, especially in professional builds. You get better strength, soundproofing, and fewer long-term problems.
Final Takeaway
Drywall might seem easy, but the small choices—like how you attach the panels—can make or break a project. Glue helps. Screws secure. Using both is what gives your walls the strength to last.
If you're planning a drywall project in Chicago, Naperville, Orland Park, or anywhere in the suburbs, don’t risk sagging panels or cracked seams.
Get a Free Quote for Your Drywall Project
Contact us today for expert drywall installation and finishing services. With 20+ years of experience, we ensure a seamless, stress-free process from start to finish.
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