How to Patch a Large Hole in Drywall

What to Do With Drywall Holes Larger Than 6 Inches

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/01/24
Fact checked by Alexandra Kay
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 - 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 days
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $50

Any sudden impact on drywall from a person or object can cause a large hole. Fixing a hole over 6 inches is different from fixing a smaller hole in drywall. You can patch small holes with drywall tape or a self-adhesive drywall patch, but large holes need a more rigid material to cover them. Learn how to patch a large hole in drywall with this easy method.

Need more help? Talk to a drywall repair expert

Our partners can help you compare quotes from top-rated professionals near you


Get a Quote

Advertiser Disclosure
The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which The Spruce receives compensation.
tools for repairing drywall
​The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Framing square
  • Pencil
  • Drywall saw
  • Tape measure
  • Wood saw
  • Drill with screwdriver bit
  • Utility knife
  • 6 inch drywall knife
  • 150-grit sanding sponge
  • Rag
  • Paintbrush

Materials

  • Scrap lumber or plywood strips, at least 3 inches wide
  • Piece of drywall (thickness must match drywall in repair area)
  • 1 1/4 inch coarse-thread drywall screws
  • Self-adhesive mesh drywall joint tape
  • Drywall joint compound
  • Primer
  • Paint

Instructions

How to Patch Large Holes in Drywall

The simplest solution is also the best: cutting a patch from another piece of drywall and securing it with wood backing strips and drywall screws. Once the patch is in place, tape and "mud" (apply joint compound) over the seams, just like when installing new drywall. If you finish the patch carefully, it will not be visible. Follow these steps.

Warning

Make sure there is no wiring or plumbing behind the drywall surface before cutting by looking through the hole with a flashlight.

  1. Measure and cut the Opening

    • Trim the edges of the hole to create straight sides and a square or rectangular overall shape.
    • Use a framing square and a pencil to mark cutting lines on the drywall.
    measuring a hole in drywall

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

    • Cut along the lines with a drywall saw. 
    • Measure the size of the opening after you have cut it.
    preparing the opening
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

  2. Install the Backing Strips

    • Cut two pieces of lumber or plywood a few inches longer than the long sides of the hole (if it's a rectangle).
    • Place one piece into the hole, parallel to one of the long sides, so the strip is centered over the drywall edge (half is behind the drywall and half is exposed).
    • Secure the strip with drywall screws driven through the drywall and into the strip.
    • Keep the screws about 1 inch from the drywall edge, and space them about 6 inches apart.
    • Repeat the same process to install the other backing strip along the opposite edge of the hole.

    Tip

    If the hole is more than 10 inches wide, use the method above to frame the entire opening with lumber strips.

    installing backing strips
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  3. Install the Drywall Patch

    • Cut a piece of drywall to fit the hole. It doesn't have to be a snug fit, but the seams should be not more than about 1/8 inch wide.
    • Position the patch over the hole and secure it to the backing strips with screws.
    • Keep the screws about 1 inch from the edges of the patch and space them 6 inches apart. 

    Tip

    The patch must be the same thickness as the existing drywall; typically, this is 1/2 inch. 

    installing drywall patch
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  4. Tape the Seams

    • Cut strips to the length of drywall joint tape using a utility knife.
    • Cover each seam with a strip of joint tape.
    • Overlap the tape strips at the corners. Make sure the tape lies flat, with no wrinkles or bulges. 
    taping seams
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  5. Apply Drywall Joint Compound

    • Cover the drywall tape with a thin layer of compound using a 6-inch drywall knife. You should be able to see the mesh through the compound.
    • Let the compound dry, and then scrape the surface with the knife to remove any burrs or clumps.
    • Apply another thin layer of compound, extending it beyond the edges of the first layer. Use the knife to feather the edges of the wet compound over the surrounding drywall so it gradually tapers to nothing.
    • Let the second layer dry and then scrape again.
    • Add a third layer. Let the third layer dry.
    putting mud on the seams
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin 

  6. Sand the Mud

    Sand the dried compound with a sanding sponge to smooth the surface. Be careful not to oversand, as this could cause the mesh tape to show through.

    Tip

    If preferred, wet-sand with a wet-sanding sponge to keep down the amount of dust. Clean off all sanding dust with a dry rag. 

    sanding down the patch
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  7. Prime and Paint the Patch

    • Cover the entire patch area with a coat of primer, using a paintbrush.
    • Let the primer dry.
    • Apply two or more coats of paint to match the surrounding area, as needed.

    Tip

    If the wall or ceiling needs a new coat of paint, this is a great time to do so. This will help hide the patch even more. Sometimes, new paint, even if it is the same color, appears more vibrant than the existing paint, which may have faded over time.

    painting the finished drywall
    ​The Spruce / Margot Cavin 
    Drywall Primer Basics and Application
FAQ
  • How big of a hole in drywall is too big to patch?

    A hole over 8 or 10 inches in diameter could be considered too large to patch. However, it's not necessarily the size of the hole but rather how the hole is affecting the structural integrity of the drywall panel. The hole may be smaller but there may be additional cracks, which can mean replacement of the drywall panel is necessary.

  • Can I use spackle instead of drywall mud?

    fDo not use spackle to replace drywall mud when fixing a large hole. Drywall mud is the same thing as drywall joint compound, which is what should be used fixing a large hole in your drywall. 

  • Which is stronger, spackle or joint compound?

    It's easy to confuse spackle and joint compound (also called drywall mud). Spackle may be weaker than joint compound but it is best for filling in holes. Spackle is more elastic than joint compound, dries faster, and does not shrink that much. Joint compound is best for taping and finishing large holes in drywall.

  • How big of a gap can spackle fill?

    Spackle can fill a gap that's about 1/2-inch wide, or less. If the gap is larger than this but still small, you will want to patch it with another piece of drywall.

  • What's the best way to patch a 2-inch drywall hole?

    A 2-inch hole is fairly small, so it can be easily fixed with an adhesive drywall patch. This patch can be found in a drywall repair kit that also includes any necessary tools.