What Size Screws For 5/8 Drywall On Ceiling? (Find Out Now!)
When installing drywall, it is crucial to use screws that offer a long-lasting hold. That means choosing the right size and type for your specific project. Typically, screws can range anywhere from one to eight inches.
For 5/8-inch drywall, you should use 1 3/8-inch or 1 5/8-inch screws for best results. Longer screws will not negatively impact your results but using them will add time to the project. Using screws that are too short will compromise the stability of the entire installation.
Before you head to the store, let’s talk about all the considerations you should make when getting screws for your drywall installation.
Do You Need to Hire Drywall Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
What Determines Screw Sizes
There are two main reasons why drywall panels of varying thicknesses require different size screws for installations. While the answers may seem intuitive, it’s important to talk about them anyway.
Thickness of Drywall Panels
As you may have guessed by the title of this article, the thickness of your drywall is the most important thing to consider. It’s important to find a nail that is long enough to secure your drywall to the studs in the ceiling. Otherwise, you risk destabilizing everything.
Room for Countersinking
The countersinking process ensures that the screws will sit evenly with the ceiling, so you can’t see anything jutting out once completed. It’s important to have the right size screw that allows for the proper amount of countersinking. This will make everything look better and ensure it is structurally sound, too.
Types of Drywall Screws
Drywall screws provide a stronger hold overall than nails, but they are more expensive upfront. That said, you will need fewer of them to install drywall effectively. Furthermore, we can’t compare screws and nails in this instance as screws are the only option when it comes to ceiling drywall projects.
Here are the four types of drywall screws:
Coarse Drywall Screws
These types of screws feature coarse threads that is ideal for gripping into wood. They can secure the drywall panels into wooden studs, which will be behind the drywall itself. Do not use coarse screws if you have metal studs as they will most likely ruin the metal.
Fine Drywall Screws
Fine screws have smaller heads and are self-threading. This makes them ideal for securing drywall to metal studs rather than wood. If your home has metal studs, go with a fine screw. Conversely, do not use fine screws for wood studs. They will not hold as well, which will cause issues down the road.
Self-Drilling Screws
These screws have very sharp points and threads that allow them to drill, tap, and fasten all at once. You can use them with both wood studs and metal studs or frames. You can drill self-drilling screws through a pilot hole or directly into the wood with an electric drill.
Trim-Head Screws
Trim-head screws feature a circular head that ensures proper countersinking. They are similar to a finishing nail, which makes them ideal for securing any wood trim over the drywall boards.
Drywall Nails
As a rule of thumb, you should always use drywall screws over nails when working on drywall ceiling installations. However, it’s still helpful to know about the difference between the two in case you find yourself in the middle of a different drywall project in the future.
Drywall nails are usually less expensive than drywall screws and will function fairly well for smaller projects. However, they usually work best for wall installations—not ceiling installations. There are three main types of drywall nails:
- Drywall nails are ringed or barbed. Those divots in the nails offer a strong hold overall.
- Cement-coated nails have a smooth shank that is coated in a resin to make them stronger.
- Cupped-head nails feature a rounded head that is easier to countersink for a nice, smooth finish.Â
Additional Considerations
Drywall Anchors
There are two types of anchors used to fasten screws to the surface. You will use masonry and concrete anchors for harder walls and hollow and drywall anchors for more fragile materials. Be sure to choose the right one or else it will loosen overtime and potentially cause damage.
Number of Fasteners Needed
The best way to ensure your drywall is installed properly is to use the correct number of fasteners. This amount will vary depending on local building codes, so be sure to check for any requirements before you begin your project.
Maximum Length of Screws
Longer screws aren’t going to be harmful to the drywall, but they will not provide any additional stability either. Additionally, they are more difficult to install. For that reason, you should try to find the shortest possible screws without compromising stability.
Related Questions
Can I use screws with any material in drywall projects?
Yes. You can use different types of drywall screws for both wood and metal studs. Nails, on the other hand, should only be used with wood.
What are type W and type S drywall screws?
S-type screws feature a sharp point and are designed to secure drywall to steel while W-type screws are longer, thinner, and made to install drywall onto wood surfaces.
Do You Need to Hire Drywall Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Final Thoughts
There are many different factors to consider when buying screws for your ceiling drywall project. When installing 5/8-inch drywall panels, use 1 3/8-inch or 1 5/8-inch screws to ensure proper stability. In addition to size, you must also think about the type of screw and the quantity you need. All this together will ensure you get the best fit for your project, so you can enjoy long-lasting results.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
More by Kerry Souder
