Drywall Hanger

A drywall hanger (also known as a drywall installer or sheetrock hanger) is a construction trade professional who specializes in measuring, cutting, and securely attaching drywall panels (also called gypsum board or sheetrock) to the wooden or metal framing (studs, joists) of walls and ceilings in buildings. This role typically comes before the drywall finisher's work—the hanger installs the raw panels, leaving visible seams, screws, and edges that the finisher then tapes, muds, and smooths for painting. Key Responsibilities

Measuring and cutting drywall sheets to fit precisely around doors, windows, outlets, and corners. Lifting and positioning heavy panels (often 4x8 or 4x12 feet, weighing 50–100+ lbs each). Fastening panels to framing using screws (preferred over nails for strength) or nails, ensuring proper spacing and depth to avoid "popping." Installing panels on ceilings first (to provide backing for walls), then walls. Using tools like drywall lifts, T-squares, utility knives, screw guns, and ladders/scaffolding. Sometimes handling specialty boards (e.g., moisture-resistant for bathrooms, fire-rated).

Hangers often work in teams for efficiency and safety, especially on ceilings. How to Become One Like drywall finishing, most enter via apprenticeships (2–4 years through unions like the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades or contractor programs). No college degree needed, but strength, balance, math skills (for measuring), and endurance are crucial. It's a highly physical job with risks of strains, falls, and dust exposure. Hangers and finishers are often separate specialties, though some workers do both ("rocker" in trade slang).