FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Drywall

Guide Home
  • Drywall Basics
  • Tools and Materials
  • Hanging Drywall
  • Taping and Sanding
  • Special Installations
  • Drywall Repairs
  • Plaster
How-To

Repairing Holes in Drywall

Here's how to fix everything from a ding from a doorknob to a much larger patch job.

By Myron R. Ferguson
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Keep the toolbox stocked: The author likes to keep drywall repair kits handy. Shown here are precut patches for small holes, metal clips for larger areas, and precut patch kits for electrical outlets.

Holes in the drywall surface that result from long-term wear and tear can range from small nail punctures to large gouges. The extent of the repair depends on the size of the hole. Nail holes, nicks, and small dents can simply be covered with compound; small holes require paper or mesh tape for reinforcement; and larger holes may require the use of furring strips to support a drywall patch.

Repairing small holes

A small nail hole (such as that left when a picture hung on a wall is repositioned) can usually be filled with just one or two coats of compound. Remove any loose material first and depress the area around the hole slightly with the handle of a utility knife.

Small holes or dents created when a blunt object, such as a doorknob, hits a wall can usually be repaired without major work. Completely cover the damaged area with mesh tape, crossing the tape over the hole. Depending on the size of the hole, you may be able to fill it with joint compound before applying the tape. Next, apply joint compound over the tape with just enough trowel pressure to force compound through the tape. Feather the edges of the compound and do not build up the center too much; otherwise, you’ll create a bump that will be visible in certain lighting. Apply the second and third coats, feathering the area further and keeping the center even.

 

Repairing Small Holes

Small holes—whether from doorknobs, removed nails, or moving accidents—can be patched with a store-bought patch or with mesh tape.

self-repair patch
Patch the hole: To repair a small hole (under 2 in. or so in diameter), cover it with a self-repair patch or crisscross the hole with layers of mesh tape.

Patch the hole
Mesh tape should be pressed in slightly to create an indentation.

Cover it with compound
Cover it with compound: Apply joint compound to the patch. If working with mesh tape, use a taping knife to force some of the compound through the mesh and into the hole. Finish with two additional coats of compound.

 

Repairing large holes

If an area is badly damaged, cut it back until you reach solid drywall. To make the repair, cut a drywall patch and use it as a template to form the damaged area into a square, rectangle, or circle. Once the damaged area is removed, the opening will probably be too large to repair with mesh tape and compound alone. An actual piece of drywall will be used and it has to be attached in some way. To provide a fastening surface for the patch, use a furring strip (or strips) cut about 6 in. longer than the hole. Slide the furring into the hole and secure it in place with drywall screws fastened through the panel and into the furring. Cut and shape the patch to fit the hole, and then screw the patch onto the furring.

 

Store-bought drywall clips
Store-bought drywall clips: Wood furring or scraps of plywood are the most common materials for backing up large holes when another piece of drywall must be fitted into place, but you can also use metal drywall clips.

Now you’re ready to tape the patch. First, fill in any large gaps with joint compound, and then cover the edges with fiberglass-mesh tape. Cover the tape with a thin layer of joint compound. Once again, be sure to feather the edges properly and be careful not to build up the patched area too much. Larger holes require at least three coats of joint compound to be concealed properly. Because the patch is secured to the panel and is a solid part of the drywall, it is unlikely to crack or come loose. For really large holes, furring strips won’t be effective and you’ll have to cut the drywall back to the nearest framing member and add cross framing, as when eliminating a door or window.

 

Repairing Large Openings

Large holes—anything larger than your hand—should be trimmed back to solid drywall, furred out, and patched.

Assess the situation
Assess the situation: This looks like a great deal of damage, but if you use the right techniques, repairing a large hole isn’t that difficult.

Position a drywall patch
Position a drywall patch: Cut a drywall patch a little larger than the opening. Hold the patch over the damaged area and trace its outline on the wall.

Keep the edges clean
Keep the edges clean: Use a utility saw to cut out the damaged area.

Fur out the opening
Fur out the opening: Slip furring strips into the squared-up hole and attach them to the drywall with screws.

Attach the patch
Attach the patch: Position the drywall patch and screw it to the furring.

Add compound and tape
Add compound and tape: Fill gaps around the patch with joint compound, then cover the seams with mesh tape and a coat of joint compound.

Smooth it out
Smooth it out: Cover the entire patch with a second coat of joint compound, feathering the edges to avoid creating a bump.

 

Previous: Repairing Popped Drywall Fasteners Next: How to Patch a Large Hole in Drywall

Guide

Drywall

Chapter

Drywall Repairs

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Drywall

Drywall

Trusted, comprehensive guidance for choosing, hanging, taping, sanding, and repairing drywall—the right way

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Drywall Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Drywall Basics
  • Types and Uses of Drywall
  • Planning the Job
Tools and Materials
  • Hanging Tools
  • Taping Tools and Materials
  • Sanding and Finishing Tools and Materials
Hanging Drywall
  • Prep for Hanging
  • Measuring and Cutting Drywall
  • Guidelines for Hanging and Fastening Drywall
  • Hanging Ceilings
  • Hanging Walls
  • Hanging Airtight Drywall
  • Trim Accessories/Corner Beads
Taping and Sanding
  • Taping Basics
  • Taping Seams
  • Taping Inside and Outside Corners
  • Sanding
Special Installations
  • Tricky Transitions
  • Curved Surfaces
  • Other Special Installations
  • Decorating with Drywall
Drywall Repairs
  • Patching Holes, Cracks, and More
Plaster
  • Working with Lime Plaster
  • Plaster Repair
  • Classic Plaster Techniques

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

This is your last free article.

Don't miss another expert tip or technique from building pros. Start your free trial today.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data