For everything we try to accomplish, there is a probability for success and a probability for failure. The problem I was having today was that no matter how much I considered the challenge of installing a few pieces of drywall on the ceiling, and no matter how long I developed my strategy, I could not improve my perceived odds beyond a 30% chance of catastrophic failure - a failure in which the 4 x 8 sheet of drywall would come hurtling to the ground in pieces. Like the Hindenberg... as in, "Oh ! The Humanity !!!!".
But I am happy to say that today, I succeeded. Don't know about tomorrow but here were the steps of the journey:
STEP 1. After measuring the length of the ceiling and the cutout needed for the roof window, and orienting to the spatial challenge of cutting on the floor opposite to and at right angle to the ceiling, do it 5 more times before cutting to get it to work out the same way twice in a row (turns out I am bad at this). But, finally, convinced it is right, cut the drywall and attach the spine you designed (to give it strength when it is picked up).
2. Set up the supporting cast of chairs and ladders, along with a ledger board at one end of the ceiling that will support the end of the drywall as it is being raised up.
3. Pick up the drywall, turn it over and lift it onto a few cow chairs.
4. Say a prayer, have good thoughts in your head and slide, drag, carry and coerce the board over so that it is under the section of ceiling where it will be installed.
4a (not pictured) When you realize that you have the wrong end toward the wall, spin the flippin' thing 180˚ with all the grace of the hippos in Fantasia - because it isn't too stable you know and you have to use your head (physically) to balance it. But, eventually, you get it done.
5. Somehow, lift one end up and rest it on the ledger board, just below the ceiling. Then after holding it up and moving the ladder over with your feet, rest it momentarily as you reach down for the deadman and - hoping you measured its required length adequately, lift the board with one hand and prop the deadman to the spine, pushing it the remainder of the way to the ceiling.
5a. (not pictured) Pause and allow your arms to recover, drain some lactic acid, regain their strength.
6. From the middle, press the board against the joists and begin installing the 1 1/4" drywall screws at the spots you measured and X'd out. Thank Bob Villa and Norm Abrams that the X's line up to the joists. Continue screwing until you feel the board is fully supported.
7. Release the spine from the board, remove it and install all remaining screws.
8. Step back, admire your work and treat yourself to a caramel macchiato at Starbucks, knowing that next time, you'll remember to orient the board properly before lifting it.
Post script: In my opinion, this is crazy to do by yourself. But somewhere between liking the challenge, not wanting to trouble my friends, and deciding it didn't make sense to rent a lifter for a few sheets, I decided to go for it. Two of the keys to the success were pre measuring and marking the spots where the drywall screws go AND marking middle lines on the board and the ceiling so you can easily see that you are placing the first board in the right spot.
Tomorrow, we'll try to duplicate the results with sheets #2, 3 and 4. Wish me luck !
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