Drywall Repair: Complete DIY & Professional Guide for 2026

Drywall damage is one of the most common home repair issues, from small nail holes to large water-damaged sections. Whether you're a homeowner tackling a DIY project or considering professional help, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about drywall repair.

Need a local crew? We handle drywall repair in Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Hamilton, and Grimsby.

Table of Contents

1. Types of Drywall Damage
2. Tools & Materials
3. Small Hole Repair
4. Large Hole Repair
5. Crack Repair
6. Water Damage
7. DIY vs Professional
8. Costs & Pricing

Types of Drywall Damage

1. Small Holes (Less than 1 inch)

Common causes:

• Doorknob impacts
• Nail or screw holes
• Small furniture bumps
• Picture hanging mistakes

Repair difficulty: Easy (DIY-friendly) Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour Cost: $5-$20 (DIY)

2. Medium Holes (1-6 inches)

Common causes:

• Furniture impacts
• Moving accidents
• Plumbing access holes
• Electrical work

Repair difficulty: Moderate (requires patches) Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $20-$100 (DIY), $150-$300 (professional)

3. Large Holes (6+ inches)

Common causes:

• Major impacts
• Water damage
• Structural issues
• Renovation work

Repair difficulty: Challenging Time: 4-8 hours + drying Cost: $50-$150 (DIY), $300-$800 (professional)

4. Cracks

Common causes:

• House settling
• Temperature changes
• Foundation movement
• Poor initial installation

Types:

• Hairline cracks (cosmetic)
• Structural cracks (foundation issues)
• Corner cracks (framing movement)

Repair difficulty: Easy to moderate Time: 1-3 hours Cost: $10-$50 (DIY), $100-$400 (professional)

5. Water Damage

Common causes:

• Roof leaks
• Plumbing failures
• Flooding
• High humidity

Signs:

• Brown stains
• Soft, crumbling drywall
• Mold growth
• Peeling paint or texture

Repair difficulty: Moderate to challenging Time: 1-3 days Cost: $100-$500+ (professional recommended)

Tools & Materials Needed

Essential Tools (All Repairs):

• Utility knife - For cutting drywall
• Putty knives (3", 6", 10") - For applying compound
• Sanding block - 120-grit sandpaper
• Tape measure - Accurate measurements
• Pencil - Marking cuts

Small Hole Repairs:

• Spackling paste or joint compound
• Putty knife (3")
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Primer and paint

Medium Hole Repairs:

• Self-adhesive mesh patch or California patch kit
• Joint compound (setting type recommended)
• Drywall tape
• Primer and paint

Large Hole Repairs:

• New drywall sheet (matching thickness)
• Furring strips or backer boards
• Drywall screws (1-1/4")
• Drywall saw
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• Drill/driver

Professional Tools:

• Automatic taper
• Corner bead crimper
• Drywall lift
• HEPA sander
• Mud mixer

Small Hole Repair (DIY Method)

Step-by-Step: Nail Holes & Dings

Time: 30 minutes + drying Difficulty: Easy

1. Clean the Area

• Remove loose debris
• Wipe with damp cloth
• Let dry completely

2. Apply Spackling

• Scoop small amount on putty knife
• Press into hole firmly
• Scrape smooth, slightly overfilled

3. Let Dry

• Wait 1-2 hours
• Check manufacturer instructions

4. Sand Smooth

• Use 120-grit sandpaper
• Sand until flush with wall
• Wipe away dust

5. Prime & Paint

• Apply primer (prevents flashing)
• Let dry (30 min - 1 hour)
• Paint to match wall

Pro tip: For multiple small holes, fill all at once, then sand and paint together for efficiency.

Medium Hole Repair (1-6 inches)

Method 1: Self-Adhesive Mesh Patch

Time: 2-3 hours + drying Difficulty: Moderate

1. Prepare the Hole

• Clean edges of loose debris
• Don't enlarge hole unnecessarily
• Ensure edges are firm

2. Apply Mesh Patch

• Peel backing off adhesive mesh
• Center over hole
• Press firmly around edges

3. First Coat - Joint Compound

• Apply thin layer over patch
• Extend 2-3 inches beyond patch
• Let dry 4-6 hours

4. Second Coat - Feather Edges

• Apply second, wider coat
• Feather edges 6-8 inches
• Let dry overnight

5. Third Coat - Final Smoothing

• Apply thin final coat
• Blend with surrounding wall
• Let dry completely

6. Sand & Finish

• Sand with 120-grit paper
• Wipe dust with damp cloth
• Prime and paint

Method 2: California Patch (No Backing)

Best for: Holes without accessible backing

Time: 2-4 hours + drying Difficulty: Moderate-Advanced

1. Cut Square Patch

• Measure hole
• Cut drywall square 2" larger
• Score back of drywall 1" from edges

2. Snap Off Extra Drywall

• Leave paper facing intact
• Creates paper border around patch

3. Trace & Cut Wall

• Trace patch onto wall
• Cut wall opening to match
• Remove damaged drywall

4. Install Patch

• Apply joint compound to back of paper
• Press patch into opening
• Smooth paper edges flat

5. Mud, Tape & Finish

• Apply joint compound
• Let dry and sand
• Repeat 2-3 times

Large Hole Repair (6+ inches)

Professional Method: Full Backing

Time: 4-8 hours + drying Difficulty: Advanced

1. Cut Square Opening

• Mark rectangle around damage
• Cut with drywall saw
• Remove damaged section
• Expose studs if possible

2. Install Backing

Option A: Studs Available

• Screw patch directly to studs

Option B: No Studs (Floating Patch)

• Cut furring strips 6" longer than hole
• Slide behind drywall top and bottom
• Screw through drywall into strips

3. Cut & Install Patch

• Measure opening precisely
• Cut new drywall to fit
• Install with 1-1/4" screws
• Screw heads slightly recessed

4. Tape Seams

• Apply joint compound
• Embed paper drywall tape
• Smooth with putty knife
• Let dry 4-6 hours

5. Apply Multiple Coats

First coat: Cover tape, fill screw holes Second coat: Wider, feather edges Third coat: Final smoothing

Each coat must dry completely (4-24 hours)

6. Sand & Finish

• Sand with 120-grit, then 220-grit
• Prime entire repair area
• Apply texture if needed
• Paint to match

Pro tip: Feathering edges 12-18 inches beyond repair makes patches invisible.

Crack Repair Guide

Hairline Cracks

Time: 1 hour + drying Difficulty: Easy

1. Widen crack slightly with utility knife (creates V-groove)
2. Fill with joint compound or paintable caulk
3. Smooth flush with putty knife
4. Sand, prime, and paint

Recurring Cracks (Structural)

Warning signs:

• Crack returns after repair
• Grows wider over time
• Doors/windows stick
• Floor slopes

Action: These indicate foundation or framing issues. Call a structural engineer before cosmetic repair.

Corner Cracks

Common cause: House settling or poor corner bead installation

Repair:

1. Remove old corner bead if damaged
2. Install new metal corner bead
3. Apply 3 coats joint compound
4. Sand smooth and paint

Water Damage Repair

Warning: Critical First Steps

Before repairing water-damaged drywall:

1. Find and fix the leak source

• Roof inspection
• Plumbing check
• HVAC assessment

1. Test for mold

• Visible mold = professional removal
• Hidden mold testing available

1. Ensure complete drying

• Use fans and dehumidifiers
• May take 3-7 days
• Use moisture meter to confirm

When to Replace vs. Repair

Replace if:

• Soft or crumbling
• Visible mold growth
• Sagging or deformed
• Strong musty odor

May repair if:

• Only staining present
• Drywall still firm
• No mold detected
• Small affected area

Water Stain Removal

1. Seal with stain-blocking primer

(Kilz or Zinsser BIN)

1. Apply two coats for dark stains
2. Paint to match wall color

Important: Never paint over water stains without primer. Stains will bleed through.

DIY vs. Professional Repair

When DIY Makes Sense:

• Small holes (less than 1")
• Hairline cracks
• Single nail holes
• No water damage
• You have time and tools
• Cosmetic, not structural

When to Hire a Professional:

• Water damage present
• Mold suspected
• Large holes (8"+)
• Multiple repairs needed
• Ceiling repairs
• Recurring cracks
• Texture matching required
• After popcorn ceiling removal
• Structural concerns

Benefits of Professional Repair

At EPF Pro Services, professional repairs include:

• Perfect texture matching - Invisible repairs
• Proper moisture remediation - Prevents mold
• Structural assessment - Identifies underlying issues
• Fast completion - Days vs. weeks DIY
• Warranty coverage - 3-year guarantee
• Professional finish - Paint-ready smooth

Costs & Pricing (2025 Ontario)

DIY Costs:

Small repair kit: $10-$30

• Spackling
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Primer

Medium repair kit: $30-$75

• Joint compound
• Mesh patches
• Taping knife
• Paint

Large repair kit: $50-$150

• Drywall sheets
• Screws
• Tape
• Compound
• Tools

Professional Pricing (Burlington/Oakville/Hamilton):

Small holes: $75-$150 per hole Medium holes: $150-$300 per patch Large holes: $300-$800 per repair Ceiling repairs: +25-50% (difficulty) Texture matching: +$50-$200 Water damage: $200-$1,000+ (depends on extent)

Full room repair: $500-$2,500

Cost Factors:

1. Size of damage
2. Number of repairs
3. Ceiling vs. wall (ceilings cost more)
4. Texture matching required
5. Water damage extent
6. Accessibility (high ceilings, furniture)
7. Painting included or separate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Primer

Paint applied directly over repairs shows "flashing" - dull spots visible in certain light.

Solution: Always prime repairs before painting.

2. Not Feathering Edges

Visible lines around patch.

Solution: Extend each coat 2-4 inches beyond previous coat.

3. Rushing Between Coats

Wet sanding, cracking, or poor adhesion.

Solution: Wait full drying time between coats (4-24 hours).

4. Over-Sanding

Damages paper face, creates fuzzy texture.

Solution: Use light pressure, multiple passes.

5. Wrong Joint Compound

All-purpose compound shrinks in large repairs.

Solution: Use setting-type compound for holes 2"+.

6. Ignoring Water Source

Mold growth, recurring damage.

Solution: Always fix leak before repairing drywall.

7. DIY Complex Repairs

Poor finish, visible patches, wasted time.

Solution: Call professionals for large or multiple repairs.

Texture Matching Guide

Smooth Walls

Easiest to match. Multiple coats of joint compound + sanding creates invisible repair.

Orange Peel (Most Common)

DIY: Use texture gun or "hopper" sprayer Professional: Matched perfectly with commercial equipment

Knockdown Texture

Process:

1. Apply texture spray
2. Let dry 10-15 minutes
3. Knock down high spots with trowel

Professional recommended - timing is critical

Skip Trowel

DIY difficulty: Very challenging Professional recommended: Yes - requires experience

Pro tip: Save leftover texture from original application for future repairs.

Preventing Future Damage

1. Install Door Stops

Prevents doorknob holes - the #1 cause of drywall damage.

2. Use Wall Anchors Properly

• Drywall anchors for lightweight items
• Find studs for heavy items (TVs, shelves)
• Never overload drywall

3. Address Foundation Issues

Settling causes recurring cracks. Fix foundation = stop cracks.

4. Maintain Proper Humidity

• Keep at 30-50% RH
• Prevents cracking and mold
• Use dehumidifiers in basements

5. Fix Leaks Immediately

Water is drywall's enemy. Address leaks within 24-48 hours.

6. Regular Inspections

Check for:

• New cracks or holes
• Water stains
• Nail pops
• Corner bead damage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I paint directly over spackling?

No. Spackling absorbs paint differently than drywall, causing "flashing." Always prime first.

How many coats of joint compound do I need?

Minimum 3 coats for invisible repairs:

• First coat: Fill and tape
• Second coat: Build up and feather
• Third coat: Final smoothing

Large repairs may need 4-5 coats.

Why do my repairs keep cracking?

Possible causes:

• Not letting compound dry fully
• House settling (structural issue)
• Wrong type of compound
• Application too thick

Can I repair drywall myself or should I hire a pro?

DIY if:

• Small holes (under 2")
• You have 2-3 days
• Not water damaged
• Wall repair (not ceiling)

Hire professional if:

• Large damage
• Multiple repairs
• Water damage
• Ceiling work
• Texture matching needed
• Need it done fast

How long does drywall repair take to dry?

• Small holes: 1-2 hours per coat
• Medium/large: 4-24 hours per coat
• Full repair: 2-5 days minimum
• Humid conditions: Add 50% more time

How much does professional drywall repair cost?

Ontario 2025 pricing:

• Small holes: $75-$150
• Medium patches: $150-$300
• Large repairs: $300-$800
• Full room: $500-$2,500

Get accurate quote for your project

Can water-damaged drywall be repaired?

Sometimes. Replace if:

• Soft or crumbling
• Mold present
• Sagging
• Strong odor

Light staining can be sealed and painted.

Professional Drywall Repair Process

At EPF Pro Services, every drywall repair follows this proven process:

1. Assessment (Free)

• Identify all damage
• Check for structural issues
• Test moisture levels if applicable
• Provide detailed quote

2. Preparation

• Protect floors and furniture
• Set up dust containment
• Remove damaged drywall
• Address any water issues

3. Structural Repair

• Install backing as needed
• Secure loose sections
• Reinforce corners and edges

4. Drywall Installation

• Cut and install patches
• Secure with proper fasteners
• Ensure flush with existing wall

5. Taping & Mudding

• Apply tape to all seams
• Multiple coats joint compound
• Feather edges for invisibility
• Proper drying between coats

6. Sanding & Smoothing

• HEPA dust-free sanding
• Progressively finer grits
• Perfect smoothness

7. Priming & Texturing

• Seal with quality primer
• Match existing texture
• Professional finish

8. Final Inspection

• Quality check every repair
• Touch-ups as needed
• 3-year warranty

Why Choose EPF Pro Services

With 700+ completed projects in Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton, we're the region's drywall repair experts.

Our Advantages:

• Invisible Repairs - Perfect texture matching
• HEPA Dust Control - Clean process
• Water Damage Experts - Proper remediation
• 3-Year Warranty - Guaranteed quality
• Licensed & Insured - Full protection
• Same-Day Quotes - Fast response
• 700+ Projects - Proven expertise

Service Areas:

Burlington | Oakville | Hamilton | Mississauga | Milton | Grimsby | Stoney Creek

Need Drywall Repair?

Don't let damaged walls diminish your home's appearance. Professional repairs deliver invisible results that last.

Get your free quote today:

• Call: (289) 427-5478
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit: Book Your Drywall Repair

Special offer: Mention this blog post for 10% off repairs over $500.

Related Services

• Popcorn Ceiling Removal
• Interior Painting
• Baseboard Installation

Further Reading

• Popcorn Ceiling Removal Guide
• Choosing the Right Contractor
• Home Renovation Cost Guide

About the Author: Alex has over 15 years of experience in drywall repair and finishing. As project manager at EPF Pro Services, he's completed 700+ successful drywall projects throughout Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton.