How to Work Around Butt Joints

Ordinary butt joints are difficult to conceal. That's because the ends of drywall panels, unlike the edges, are not tapered. As a result, you have a seam that's at the finished level of the wall and still requires tape and compound to make it disappear. The risk, of course, is that you'll end up with a mounded joint.

You avoid that by applying a minimal thickness directly over the seam and then working away from the joint with a gradual buildup of compound that makes it hard to see.

But prevention is much easier than cure. You can buy or make inexpensive back blocking products that convert a butt joint into a recessed seam, making it much easier to conceal with tape and compound. If you're a beginner, back blocking is the preferred route because it gives you the best chance of producing a flat wall.

Back blocking isn't just for walls. The technique works well for ceiling panels too. Always use screws to fasten the panels to the back blocker.

Checklist

Time
Using a back blocker will probably add five or fewer minutes to each butt joint

Tools
Power drill/driver or drywall screw gun

Skills
Driving screws

Prep
Have tools and materials at job site.

Materials
Drywall panels, purchased or homebuilt back blocker