Repairing large holes in drywall—anything over six inches—is different from fixing a small hole in drywall. Small holes can be patched over with drywall tape or a self-adhesive drywall patch, but large holes need a more rigid material to span over the larger opening.
Patching Small Holes in Drywall
Small holes in drywall, typically less than 6 inches in size, can be easily repaired using drywall tape or self-adhesive patches. These materials are designed to cover the hole and blend in with the surrounding drywall surface.
Patching Large Holes in Drywall
For larger holes, over 6 inches in size, a more substantial repair is required. These holes are too big to be covered by a simple patch and need a piece of drywall to be cut and inserted into the opening.3 This process involves cutting the hole to a square or rectangular shape, measuring and cutting a matching piece of drywall, and then securing the new drywall piece in place with screws and joint compound.
Considerations for Patching Large Drywall Holes
When patching a large drywall hole, it’s important to ensure the new drywall piece is properly supported and secured to the wall framing. This may require adding additional wood backing or studs to provide a solid attachment point. The edges of the patch should also be carefully finished with joint compound and sanding to blend seamlessly with the surrounding drywall.