How do I repair a hole in drywall?
The fix depends on the size. Small holes, such as nail and screw holes, take spackle or joint compound. Medium holes need a mesh or metal patch under compound. Large holes need the damaged section cut out and a new piece of drywall fitted. Then sand, prime and paint.
How it is usually fixed
- Small holes (nail and screw holes up to roughly half an inch): fill with spackle or joint compound, let it dry, and sand smooth.
- Medium holes (roughly 1 to 6 inches): trim loose edges, cover the hole with a self-adhesive mesh or rigid metal patch, then spread joint compound past the edges so the repair does not bulge.
- Large holes: cut a square around the damage, back it with strips screwed behind the wall, fit a new drywall piece, tape the seams and cover with compound.
- Sand lightly, add a second coat if needed, then prime and paint so the patch does not show.
When it is not a handyman job
If the drywall is soft, crumbling or stained from water, find and stop the water first. Plumbing and roof leaks go to licensed independent contractors.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What we do on a visit
- Patch holes of any size
- Tape, sand and prime the repair
- Match the paint on the repaired area
- Fix door-knob and anchor damage
Common questions
Do I need to repaint after patching drywall?
Yes. A patch needs primer and paint to disappear. Matching an older color exactly can take a sample, so send a photo or the paint name when you share the job.
How big is a small drywall hole?
Guides draw the line in different places. Nail and screw holes are small. Holes from about an inch up to several inches are medium, and anything larger usually needs a new piece of drywall.
Can you fix a hole left by a doorknob?
Yes. A doorknob hole is usually a medium repair. The damaged edges are trimmed, the hole is backed with a patch, then compound, sanding, primer and paint finish it. A wall-mounted stop behind the door can prevent a repeat.
What are nail pops and can they be fixed?
Nail pops are small bumps or cracks where a drywall fastener has worked loose. They are a common repair. The fastener is reset or replaced, then covered with compound, sanded, primed and painted. Send a photo if you see several in one room.
Can you match a textured wall?
Sometimes. Matching texture depends on the type and how old it is, and it can be harder than the patch itself. Send a close photo and one from across the room, and we will tell you how well a match is likely to blend.
Related repairs
We serve Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Barrington Hills, Bannockburn, Deerfield, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette, Highwood, Northfield, Riverwoods, IL.