All-Purpose Compound:
A dry pre-mixed gypsum compound used for taping to cover joints and to cover fasteners (screws, nails, etc.). Also referred to as mud, spackle, joint compound.

Beveled Edge:
Drywall has two factory edges that are tapered (beveled). Placing two sheets together with these factory edges against each other will make a valley (recessed joint) that will be filled up in the taping and finishing process.

Blister:
A bubble in the wall caused by tape that did not get joint compound behind it. Can also happen if the drywall gets damaged and the paper facing pulls away from the core.

Bullnose:
An alternative to the square corner bead for outside corners. The bullnose corner has a rounded edge.

Butt Joint:
The joint resulting from the flat, non-beveled edges of two sheets of drywall being installed against each other.

Corner Bead:
A strip of angled material used on outside corners to give them a clean, sharp appearance. a preformed angle bead that covers the ruff cut drywall corners to make a smooth sharp finished corner.

Drywall:
Prefabricated sheets of compressed gypsum material sandwiched between face paper and backing paper. The main material for building walls in. Used in homes and commercial buildings. Also know as sheetrock. (Ask us about other options, such as mold/moisture-resistant and paperless drywall.)

Fire Taping:
Taping the joints of a fire wall in an unfinished area to prevent the spread of fire. Does not require a finish coat. Can also refer to taping joints in areas like mechanical rooms that do not require finish coating.

Fire Wall:
A fire-resistant wall that may extend to or through the ceiling. Designed to retard the spread of fire from one part of a building to another.

Finishing:
The drywall process that begins after the drywall is hung. Includes taping, coating, skim coating, sanding, and texturing.

Furring:
Metal or wood strips fastened to a wall. Furring strips provide something to which the drywall can be attached.

Green Board:
Mold/moisture-resistant drywall. Green or purple in color. Used in high-humidity areas, like bathrooms.

Gypsum:
A mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate. Used in making drywall and joint compound.

Hang:
To attach drywall, usually to metal or wood studs or furring strips.

Joint:
The seam at which two pieces of drywall come together.

Joint Compound:
A dry pre-mixed gypsum compound used for taping to cover joints and to cover fasteners (screws, nails, etc.). Also referred to as mud, spackle, all-purpose compound.

Joint Tape:
Paper or mesh material used to seal the joints between sheets of drywall. Joint tape is applied to the joints with joint compound.

Lath:
A building material used as a base for plaster.

Mud:
A dry pre-mixed gypsum compound used for taping to cover joints and to cover fasteners (screws, nails, etc.). Also referred to as all-purpose compound, spackle, and joint compound.

Nailer:
Stud or furring strip to which drywall is screwed or nailed.

Primer:
Special formula paint. Applied as first coat to drywall to seal the surface in preparation for finish coat(s) of paint or wall coverings.

Score:
To scribe a line on the drywall surface with a knife.

Skim Coat:
A thin layer of joint compound applied to the entire wall. The best way to hide imperfections in the surface and give the wall an extra smooth look. (A Level 5 pre-primer may be rolled or sprayed on as a substitute for the skim coat.)

Soffit:
Interior soffits are used above cabinetry or to hide duct work.

Stud:
Framing material (metal or wood) that forms a wall. Usually placed every 16 inches.

Taping:
The process of applying tape (paper or mesh, as applicable) to each joint.

Texturing:
The process of applying a decorative finish to the drywall. Textures can be applied by machine or by hand.