Fixing Gaps in Drywall

These gaps are a real eyesore but they are actually an easy fix. The best time to fix them is before the treads and risers are installed. Here is how I handle it.
Tools needed:
6 inch taping knife: amzn.to/2wHzQMD
mud pan: amzn.to/2Pgvr9V
paper tape: amzn.to/2uXJMBb
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate I make a small commission from purchases through these links. Thank you for the support!!!!

[@kellym6380]

Love this channel. I have a contractor doing some work in our laundry room and now that the room looks better some of the pre-existing cosmetic issues are more apparent. Rather than asking for a bunch of add-ons, I used this video and the one on over cut outlets to make the repairs myself last night. I showed him this morning and he said if I ever need a new job, I’m hired. :)

[@LiveEasy]

You were already my hero for how helpful your videos are, and then I see you busting a treflip. 🤘🏻

[@Executableapplication]

I hate how easy you make this look! You’re a true professional.

[@dojafoja]

Just wanted to drop you a comment and say thanks for all the great videos! I'm a professional painter of 21 years and run my own company. I watch your videos quite often, not because I want to be a drywaller, but because it makes me a better painter! Some of your tips and tricks have turned me into a rockstar when it comes to my patching game. I can honestly say that I patch better than a large majority of professional drywallers, in my area of course. As a painter, I understand how critical it is to get a patch smooth, without any speed bumps. Thanks for helping me achieve that with your great videos!

[@makize8428]

Hello from Zwickau Germany .Im bosnian handyman working at the moment in Ger ,and your tips and tricks are very useful thank you on effort God bless you .🇧🇦💙

[@GuiltyMalice]

Dude you’re a friggin skateboarder, that’s awesome man! Also you’re a friggin true craftsman. I’ve learned a lot watching you. I run my own business and work by myself so I do everything from roofing to flooring and everything in between. I am a better taper/spackler learning from your videos. Thanks for sharing bro.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🙂🙌

[@josephflores246]

Just wanted to say this was a great help…. Repatching some drywall in the bathroom and it worked great

[@richardgab7591]

I'm a fussy taper (for 34 years) and I agree with your methods. Proper pre-filling and use of paper tape (never Fiba Tape) will leave a durable result that I can stand behind.

[@Nottotv]

Fiba tape works well with older homes that has plaster.. Don't really get all the hate on fiba tape.

[@richardgab7591]

@@Nottotv I get what you're saying about old plaster homes. However I have found in the past that in higher stressed areas (like around stair treads) there is too much stress for Fiba tape to handle. I do production taping on new homes, so I routinely use paper tape and this makes the job go faster, so I don't carry Fiba Tape in my tool box. However I do carry a roll of Fiba Fuse for repairs, which in my opinion is as good as paper tape (but costs twice as much where I live).

[@manyirons]

Just finished patching a room full of holes (and thanks for all your tips). After it's repainted, the next project is to remove carpet from stairs. Perfect timing!

[@tracys2354]

Instead of meditating I watch these quick set vids!

[@PaulPeck]

Nicely done Ben! 👊😎

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks Paul!!!👊😃

[@donovanbeavers3274]

Love your drywall work, I always appreciate your tips.

[@MyUeueToob]

hey v-car... i am diy’er that is super grateful of your vids. am doing a major home reno and learnings tons from you. i like your innate sense of humor manifest itself in your vids. keep it going man!

[@justenmatheny9176]

I found your channel a few days ago and I watch your videos everyday, almost watched them all ha

[@mrtopcat2]

Super. You keep coming up with never and never ideas and I keep learning and learning more and more tricks.

[@ratfinder7812]

Hi, I just want to say thank you for the videos, I have learned tons... Plus, I own a pest control company in Los Angeles, and was trying to figure out how to structure a youtube channel and I noticed you take one detailed aspect of each project and make it simple and easy to understand... I'm gonna follow your format. Thanks again, plus I always let all ads run through, I hope that helps your ad revenue.

[@davidbosco9314]

Never heard of dry taping! This is an awesome tip. Thanks!!!!

[@DrewSorensenMusic]

As a DIY rookie, I did a repair similar to this around an over cut electrical outlet (Thanks to your videos). I found for my skill set, the mesh tape was super easy to use for a repair like this. I placed the tape first, and then just packed mud (all purpose) through the mesh. Had to let it set a few days, but I’m not doing this for profit. One coat, sanded, and ready for paint. Looks great. Thanks for your videos.

[@edover50]

I flat taped with con fill over some odd angles in my basement this week, I pre filled the entire basement with con fill then for the first time today used my new Columbia compound tube and started the flats. A little learning curve but had a smile on my face the whole time. I’m so eager to do the corners using my corner applicator and flushers. I’m sooo happy with the results so far and absolutely thanking you because you’re the one who gave me the confidence ( and tools) to make this happen. Thank you so much for these videos Ben. Ed

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Here is my advice for the corners. Thin it down until you think it's too thin. Then thin it down some more😱. I think I mentioned in the video that you should see that big bubble come up when mixing. The hardest part is getting just the right amount of mud. I often have it running down the wall when I put too much on. Also, when applying it imagine you are playing the accordion. You pull with your upper hand to reduce the friction on the wall while pushing with the plunger hand. This will help you move faster and smoother with more consistent results. Good luck!!!

[@edover50]

I’ve watched that video so many times I pretty much have it engrained. Totally soupy and and yes I waited for the bubble glug, so my flats were a little runny but it turned out nice. I’ll totally go thin thin on the corners just as you say...again so thankful for you Ben!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

@@edover50 you can always start with it a bit thicker and do some tests too until you get it right. I often don't mix up a whole bucket at angle consistency. Just half, otherwise you wind up with a whole bucket of sloppy mud that isn't good for anything else.

[@edover50]

Vancouver Carpenter, totally will! I was unsure about volume so did that when I mixed the flat mud as well, glad I did as it went farther than I expected. I used my tray to catch the wiped mud and recycled that into the bucket, I felt “so pro” when I tipped the bucket to suck it up like you did in the video...lol. I’m just doing it piecemeal, taking my time and thoroughly enjoying the process. I started with the flats for the walls to get a feel for the tube and am tackling the ceiling today. My plan is to do flats first then inside corners and finish with outside corners which are paper bullnose, some 90s and some no coat 45s. Also found the con fill quite gritty and sanded lightly after just to clean it up...was worried about the applicator sliding smooth..was sanding after waisted effort?

[@vancouvercarpenter]

@@edover50 no need to sand. Just scrape the nibs off.

[@udengineer2002]

Yeah I’d be picking out wood trim moulding to put over those gaps. I definitely don’t have that kind of skill with the tape and mud. Getting better though thanks to some of your other videos. Keep making them they are great!

[@chrisgraham2904]

I did a very similar repair 10 years ago. Filled the gap with auto body BONDO to just below the surface, then skim coated with a very thin layer of drywall compound, followed by primer and paint. BONDO never shrinks....perfect repair to this day.

[@fishrman29]

I have been struggling and doing my repairs so beyond sub par. LOL . thank you for these great videos!!!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@freddyo2k10]

Oh my Gaaaaaawd...they waay you move that spatula is amazing...like John Wick on drywall!!👏👏👏

[@BigBush05]

Love this video man, short sweet and right to the point

[@derkaderkaize]

Should have stuck that Tre Flip, so close dude. Thanks for these awesome videos.

[@aquario2876]

Nice job Vancouver Carpenter! Another option could have been to imbed fibafuse into your 20 min setting compound at first step ! Then a finish coat of all purpose!! Your videos are awesome! Tks for posting👍🏽

[@RetrospectsToo]

Damn I wish I would have seen this 8 months ago when we sold our house!! Idk what I have enjoyed more you Home repair videos or your skate videos

[@dennispuleo9575]

I, who isn't good at sparkling Loves to watch someone who is Thanks so much

[@johnjacobsen2736]

your videos are entertaining educational and very enjoyable... thanks!

[@dwighthebert4052]

My parents gave me a skate board for Christmas in 1964. I was practicing wheelies on the driveway and accidentally shot the board in to one of my mom’s 12” clay pots. I hastily swept up all of the dirt and pot shards and threw them away. Next spring, my mom said she couldn’t understand why anyone would steal a 40 pound clay pot with the dirt in it.

[@Bri-tg6xr]

This had me laughing hard, nice story. Love the throw back.

[@BeckVMH]

On behalf of your mom, “Dwight! Shame on you young man! But... I’m glad you finally owned up to your wrong doing. Although it certainly took awhile.” 😊

[@codykanz1350]

Damn you're good. Thanks for posting such useful, straightforward vids.

[@sayyoulovesatan666]

I like how you use SAE when referencing to a measurement 🤙 keep up the great work.

[@MommaGofSI]

Thanks so much. Was so confused on how to solve this issue. 👏🏾

[@haveagreatday3664]

Oh my gosh!!! This is my exact problem!!! Took off the carpet to paint the stairs and there are HUGE gaps on the sides...but on the treads and risers, not the wall. So we got some backer rod and caulk so it can be paintable and flexible. Still scared to caulk it but I’m not sure what else to do that would last.

[@chaldean7043]

Hi, I just want to thank you for all your great and easy to follow videos. I'm working on my first drywall ceiling job at home and i always start by looking at your videos before starting my work. Now that i have placed my drywall, the gaps between the ceiling and plaster walls are quite large, maybe one inch at some places. Do you have any good advice how to fill these gaps when you have an empty space behind the drywall gap in a ceiling? You mentioned that you put in some drywall in this video to pre fill, do you have other videos where you fix this kind of newb problems?

[@javiermejia3444]

Wow man you make it look so easy👍🏿

[@davidmcclellan4621]

Not gonna lie man. You're an artist with drywall.

[@shaneckel]

Of course you skate. You watch any Dime videos? Just found your videos. Been a huge help. Thanks for uploading and keep up all the good work.

[@hightttech]

Thanks. You and kirk are 👍

[@JohnChuprun]

Nice video, thanks!

[@BadDad420]

This guy is awesome

[@clintmckoy]

Thanks friend.

[@peterchaploutskiy2555]

Hey thank you doing a good content and quality videos, since subscribed always enjoy you channel. Do you have or planing to take a video how to properly fix a stress cracks? Thank you

[@kbogues313]

Great content 👌🏼

[@Napoleon-Blownapart]

Expanding foam in the gap, cut back, fill.

[@mayalimayasizkarisik]

Yeah it seems like overkill. PU foam does the same trick.

[@clarencebayer79]

I'd rather demo some carefully done plaster/mud than expanding foam, fuck that noise lol

[@stargateproductions]

That's not a common method over here in North America.

[@Napoleon-Blownapart]

@@stargateproductions Trust me, gets the job done quickly and the foam stops movement so no cracking.

[@drmtbc]

I just bought expanding foam for this, but the label warns it is highly combustible when cured. Not really desirable for our main exit route in case of fire.

[@ShawnSmith-uy3zr]

Thank you for sharing 😎😎😎

[@jaytee_13]

I have a similar situation. The previous owner of our home replaced carpet on the steps with hardwood. Can I fill in the gaps with premixed all purpose joint compound or do you specifically need quick drying mud? Thanks for all your videos. They are all so helpful and to-the-point.

[@michaelt721]

Great video! Question: After the big gaps are filled with quick mud and dry, can I use quick mud with tape for the entire job, or should I use a lightweight top mud with the tape? Thanks!

[@timchokas2540]

When filling gaps like this to along seems on a wall, do you fill first, let dry then tape the next day? Also, do recommend using a faster drying more "hard" compound? Thanks for you video's. For me, they are by far the most understanding and helpful.

[@danielsmith1690]

Best camera kill ever!

[@Anh4BaoNguyen]

It’s very helpful and the ex-owner also took the carpet from the stairs. Right now I saw some steps has gap between tread & riser (about half inches). And of course very noise when I steps on 🥲. Would you recommend clear silicon for that?

[@ratcat1997]

Hahahaha...So good....I thought that was you that also does the skateboard bits ...I really dug your video on skateboarding on different decks through out the decades...like those super flat mid 90s boards ..Man skating was fun back then...hahaha..And thanks for all the tips on the drywall

[@dannyramos3323]

@vancouvercarpenter can you make a video of putting mud around an interior window!

[@dragon77721]

You never worry about getting crap in your mud.

[@okie-rider]

Thanks Adam Corolla

[@cribbsprojects]

Totally useful learning video there, as usual. Do you ever get to do repairs on lathe and plaster buildings? Or is Vancouver all drywall land...?

[@carsondinwoodie5840]

Take some pink insulation and mix it with your mudd on your hoc to both reinforce it and reduce shrinkage. That stuff will shrink crack and chip out and be a return trip.

[@Tankers]

You should come to my house. I'm sure you could make 5 more videos on the random repair work I need, and will likely never attempt to do on my own.

[@Tankers]

Would you do work Port Moody?

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Not on a regular basis but for a bit of content maybe. It really depends on what it is.

[@lukereed3415]

Tre flips getcha everytime 😁

[@-.._.-_...-_.._-..__..._.-.-.-]

They way you set up your camera to film yourself skateboarding reminds me of Uncle Rico.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🤣 I actually have a second channel.

[@ZhaoHH]

I should have watched this video before I did my laminate flooring on stairs. I thought it was OK using caulking after floor was finished.

[@smiller2114]

Question: how would you repair a hole in drywall where the insulation is also damaged?

[@shawnr771]

I see the sheet rockers own a tape measure and a sharp knife.

[@tikeetorch420]

Hell yeah shredding the gnar lol. Nice.

[@leelovely2894]

YOU ROCK😍😍😍

[@SCA.Laurents]

Stick that 360 flip next time! Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna have to put it to use in the near future

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I got it right after but with no sound. I filmed for a whole day with no sound because the mic was plugged in but not working:( Oh well. At least I figured it out before filming this:)

[@conradyo9274]

I love fiba fuse

[@entmeister]

Lol, I've watched your other skating channel and this channel on and off for a bit. Knew you looked similar but am just now realising you're the same person.

[@heartbreakbrook]

My stairs are carpeted and this fixes one of my problems, but my other problem is that the front faces of the stairs aren't even permanent. They're pieces of old countertop that someone cut to size and popped into place, and they carpeted over that. How do I fix this so that I can put hard floors down on my stairs?

[@grizzly8859]

Hey V.C. Walked on to a job and seen the drywaller's used a "tape" of some kind, pinkish red in color on all them seems. Have you heard of it seen it or used it, your thoughts? ( used for a first coat, very similar to a masking tape)

[@ratfinder7812]

Also, do you think you can do a video on your camera rig?

[@barbied.5932]

Soo easy for YOU! 😳🤗

[@michaelsa892]

Will this work for a inside corner with a large gap also flat tape it then put the corner tape on

[@stargateproductions]

I like to mix up my 20 min with dirty hot water and I usually throws a bit of plaster of paris into the mix, it sets in a few minutes!

[@carriebrown4727]

Skater...I would not have guessed you broke it while skateboarding! 😄

[@ss.superspeed]

How the hell do you measure that lip of the 2x4 poking out so there is no gap? Been looking for days

[@spencercolgan]

Nice work. Is it warm weather in Vancouver Ben, at this time of the year?

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Warm compared to the rest of Canada. On a nice day it can get around 10 degrees in the sun as long as there is no cold wind. Hovers around zero at night or in the shade.

[@OldJoe212]

Good to see you working for a living again. Do you ever use Plaster of Paris for any repairs? The times I've used it, it drys really hard and doesn't seem to shrink. Comments please.

[@LivingRedefined]

lol "SHOOOOOOOOT". Great video!

[@tina11ys]

Tre flip🤙

[@Flowjunkie311]

In one video you used backing rod and silicone to fill a hole. In this video you use just setting compound. So what do a use for a gap between a bathroom tile wall and a newly drywalled ceiling? Please Help me obi wan carpenter!

[@theirishman088]

every time you put the mud on was it the 20 min mud or something else?

[@scottlamp3097]

I had to do a similar repair last week where the drywall tape that was covering the flange of a fiberglass shower was peeling off. I'm hooked on using the FibaFuse tape now. Also one thing I like to do sometimes: I will pack those gaps with pieces of mesh tape. It's kinda like having wire in concrete.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@timcc001]

My bucket of pre-mix joint compound has become very runny. Can I add setting-type powder to the pre-mix in a pan to make small, usable amounts?

[@yoshi450gmail]

You could add hot mud to this mix as long as you understand it’ll harden up.

[@currymon]

dude honest question for you and i hope it does not jinx you or myself, how do you keep skating at your age and ensure you dont bust an ankle and knock yourself out of work for days / weeks / who knows...?

[@normansabel1850]

Mix the 20 min with fixall for a real fast and much stronger fix.

[@yoshi450gmail]

Damn I was really hoping to see some miracle cure that was not what I was already doing.

[@kennysimpson7177]

Whata your input on the speed skimmers ??

[@Charlie77779]

Would sheet rock 90 work as a filler?

[@poche660]

I would have pre-dampened with a little spritz. Have you tried that?

[@stargateproductions]

You can do that, honestly it doesn't seem like it does a lot unless there is a lot of dust in the area.

[@josephhoener5764]

You might have spent some time describing the "quick set" product you used -- showed the bag or something.

[@waldiggidy4098]

Flat glidwall tape that or zip bead it

[@trendingnow5422]

Tape joint between cement board to gypsum board in bathrooms?

[@stargateproductions]

Just tape them with regular joint compound and paper tape. You have to waterproof the surface anyway.

[@kesagatame]

I want vacuum that so bad right now....damn ocd.

[@michaelsherron7815]

Have you ever used Structo-Lite? I use Quickset for issues like these as well, but a fellow contractor says that Structo-Lite is easier to handle plus it can be used to fill gaps when installing tub surrounds in the bathtub. What do you say. Thanks.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

We have a similar product called concrete fill here. I use it all the time but the set time is 60 min not 20.

[@michaelsherron7815]

@@vancouvercarpenter Cool.

[@MrPDTaylor]

Do a Ben DeGros special.

[@Gretsch0997]

Shag rug would cover it

[@lurklingX]

Lollll

[@lyricspencerbooks8467]

"Here's another good one." Lmao

[@Bri-tg6xr]

I've got inside corner ceiling to wall joints cracking in various places in my house, a foot long in some places, any way to fix this easily without ripping out the whole row of tape? Could I just tape/mud over it?

[@stargateproductions]

Cut out the damage, fill and tape over the cracks. Finish the corner like normal

[@Bri-tg6xr]

Yeah I was hoping I wouldn't have to cut the damaged part out, that sucks. Looks like I have a new summer project.

[@stargateproductions]

@@Bri-tg6xr I understand but if you don't remove the damage, it may cause blisters and other issues down the road. Best to do it right from the startm

[@tonyp9179]

Bro, are you Adam Carolla now?

[@f.demascio1857]

He is looking a bit Corrola-ish.