Gypsum Wallboard Fasteners

Nails used to fasten gypsum wallboard must conform to Table R702.3.5 of the International Residential Code. Screws must be approved for drywall application. Nails or screws used to anchor gypsum wallboard should not break the facing paper.

3/8 Inch Gypsum Board

* A pair of nails spaced 2 to 2 ½ inches apart may be used with the pair of nails spaced 12 inches on center.
Application Orientation to Framing
 Maximum Spacing of Framing Members
 Maximum Spacing of Fasteners: Nails*
 Maximum Spacing of Fasteners: Screws
Ceiling Perpendicular 16 inch OC
 7 inch
 12 inch
Wall Either direction
 16 inch OC
 8 inch
 16 inch

Size of Fasteners for Application of Gypsum Board to Wood Framing

Nails

  • 13 gage, 1 1/4 inch long, 19/64 inch head
  • 0.098 diameter, 1 1/4 inch long, annular-ringed
  • 4d cooler nail, 0.080 inch diameter, 1 3/8 inch long, 7/32 inch head

Screws
Type S or W and penetrate into wood framing a minimum of 5/8 inch with a minimum screw length of 1 inch.

1/2 Inch Gypsum Board

* A pair of nails spaced 2 to 2 ½ inches apart may be used with the pair of nails spaced 12 inches on center.
Application Orientation to Framing Maximum Spacing
of Framing Members		 Maximum Spacing
of Fasteners:
Nails*		 Maximum Spacing of Fasteners: Screws
Ceiling Either direction
 16 inch OC
 7 inch
 12 inch
Ceiling
 Perpendicular 24 inch OC
 7 inch
 12 inch
Wall Either direction
 24 inch OC
 8 inch
 12 inch
Wall
 Either direction
 16 inch OC
 8 inch
 16 inch

Size of Fasteners for Application of Gypsum Board to Wood Framing

Nails

  • 13 gage, 1 5/8 inch long, 19/64 inch head
  • 0.098 diameter, 1 3/8 inch long, annular-ringed 
  • 6d cooler nail, 0.092 inch diameter, 1 7/8 inch long, 1/4 inch head
  • Gypsum board nail, 0.0915" diameter, 1 1/8 inch long, 19/64 inch head

Screws
Type S or W and penetrate into wood framing a minimum of 5/8 inch. Minimum screw length 1 1/4 inch.