Drywall Repair Guide
What will your drywall repair involve? Answer three quick questions and see the answer instantly — before sharing any contact info. Then review the full reference guide below.
What Will My Drywall Repair Involve?
Answer three quick questions and see what the repair usually involves — right away, no contact info needed.
Wall type
Damage size
Cause
This guide describes typical repair approaches, not a final quote. Send photos for a specific estimate.
Drywall Repair Reference Guide
A complete reference for Madison and Dane County homeowners dealing with drywall or plaster damage. No prices — just what each repair usually involves.
Wall Types
Drywall (also called sheetrock or wallboard) is the standard in homes built from roughly the 1950s on. Plaster and lath is found in older Madison-area homes — wood lath strips covered with layers of plaster. The repair approach differs: drywall uses paper tape and joint compound, while plaster repairs use setting-type compounds that bond to the old surface.
Damage Sizes and Repair Methods
- Nail hole or dent: a dab of joint compound, sanded smooth.
- Under 6 inches: a backed cut-in patch, feathered into the wall.
- 6 inches to 2 feet: section replacement from stud to stud.
- Larger damage or sagging ceiling: full panel replacement and re-fastening.
Common Causes
- Impact: doorknobs, furniture bumps, and accidental holes.
- Water: leaks from above or behind — fix the leak first.
- Settlement: stress cracks that open and close with the seasons.
Texture Matching
A repair that doesn't match the surrounding texture stands out under paint. Common textures include orange peel (a fine splatter), knockdown (flattened splatter), and smooth. We match the existing texture so the patched area blends in.
Plaster and Lath Repair
Older Madison-area homes often have plaster and lath walls, and we repair those too. Setting-type compounds bond to the old plaster and lath so the wall looks like it was never damaged. Cracks in plaster are taped and embedded to reduce recurrence.
If there's water damage: fix the leak first, then repair the wall. Water damage will come back if the source isn't resolved.
Send Photos for a Specific Estimate
Owned and operated by a local handyman with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Most drywall repairs can be estimated by phone or email with photos.