HH Homeowner's Handbook
Home / Interior & Paint / Patch a large drywall hole
TASK NO. 047 Preventive

Patch a large drywall hole

Interior & Paint
Trigger
Doorknob dents, larger damage
Who does it
DIY
Est. time
2-3 hrs (+ dry time)
Est. cost
$15-30
Difficulty
●●●○○
Step by step

  1. Cut a clean square/rectangle around the damaged area.

  2. Screw a wood or drywall-scrap backer behind the hole for support.

  3. Cut a drywall patch to fit and screw it to the backer.

  4. Apply joint compound and paper/mesh tape over the seams in thin layers.

  5. Sand between coats, then prime and paint once fully smooth and dry.

Video guide
How to Patch Holes in Drywall in 9 Easy Steps - This Old House
Watch this guide
✓ Source checked against this task.
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Bill of materials