How repair a large hole in sheetrock between window and corner.

The hole is jagged and about 18" to 24" long and in places almost as wide. Would it be more secure to replace entire sheetrock area with one big piece between window and wall corner. The whole area is about 4-1/2' long and 76" high. If so how would you attach it at corner and remove the sheetrock that is there to leave a straight edge. I'm guessing a sawzall or a "knife" that saws sheetrock.
Appreciate any suggestions or ideas.
Thank you.


  4 answers
  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Jan 13, 2018

    If you run a utility knife down the corner and top will cut the tape. It would be easier to remove the sheet and replace to get a nice finish. Once you remove the sheet you will see that the rock is screwed to the studs and there will be one in the corner since the present sheet had to be tied in to a stud. Cut the face of the sheet rock using your knife and an "L" square. Cut the piece to size, install, tape corners and seams, mud evenly, sand, prime and then paint. With any luck you may be able to back the screws out of the rock to remove.

    • Wendy D'Agostino Wendy D'Agostino on Jan 14, 2018

      Thank you for such a quick and very clear to understand response. I will follow your instructions. I thought it would be safer and a more permanent solution to replace the large piece just had no idea how to do it. It looks a little daunting (mostly due to size) but your instructions are easy to understand and it sounds like replacing the whole will mean less finagling around the edges than a smaller hole.

      Was reading other DIY projects on this site regarding doing the edges of drywall but none showed how to replace a large piece.

      I'll let you know how it turns out, will try and take pictures along the way.

      Once again thank you.

  • William William on Jan 13, 2018

    A patch will look like a patch if not done right. A large hole as your would be easier to replace with a whole sheet. Follow Joychevi instructions and your good.

    • Wendy D'Agostino Wendy D'Agostino on Jan 14, 2018


      Thank you for your response, Joy gave great instructions and I agree it's better to do it "right" the first time or it will be a bigger headache down the road.

      Thank you


  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jan 14, 2018

    As long as you have the wall open, check what's going on inside there. Insulation okay? Any gaps that should be filled? Do you see evidence of insects or pests? You can take care of that, now, too. Also, remember to prime your new piece of drywall with a good primer - preferably one that resists mold, like Kilz.

    • Wendy D'Agostino Wendy D'Agostino on Jan 15, 2018

      That is a great suggestion, I will definitely do that. Where we live in New England mold and mildew is very prevalent. Half of our town is under water and right on the coast.

      Thank you






  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Jan 14, 2018

    I watched the repair of a smaller hole on The This Old House on TV yesterday and they showed the repair for a smaller hole. They also have a web site you can tap into for expertise help. Another option is to cut the hole with straight edges making sure that you cut back from the edge of the stud so that you have enough stud to screw to. Once you have done this, cut a piece the size of the hole. With a hole that size there is probably another stud in the middle so this will give you something to screw to make it solid. Screw the piece in the corners and in the middle if possible. If there is no stud in the middle you may be able to put a board into the space and screw it to the studs on the side. Make sure the added board is even with the outside of the side studs. There is a sticky drywall tape available which you put on all seams. Then mud with the proper compound. Smooth over with your trowel so there is not too much to sand after. Let dry and then sand smooth. Prime and then paint. Be careful not to be too rough with the sandpaper as you could make the paper which covers the drywall rough and it will show when you paint.

    This may be an easier solution for you. Good Luck!

    • Wendy D'Agostino Wendy D'Agostino on Jan 15, 2018

      I sure wish you were my next door neighbor, both of your responses have been great: extremely detailed but also very easy to understand and follow; you have a real gift in your ability to explain how to do something that seems complicated and make it very doable. Thank you, I'm going to watch the video and see if that would work for this project. I will let you know what happens.

      Thank you for your time as well.