Why Do You Hang Drywall Horizontally?

Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%. Keeping the footage of seams to a minimum will result in less taping and a better looking finished job. Hanging horizontally also allows the drywall to flow over the framing so that bowed studs create less of a problem.

Why is drywall laid horizontally?

Drywall panels installed horizontally increase the shear strength of walls. Shear strength is the ability of a wall to resist lateral loads, such as wind. The horizontal installation also reduces the likelihood of sagging in walls, which could lead to cracks and even collapse if it persists.

Does it matter which way you lay drywall?

Structural strength – Drywall is typically stronger when hung in the long direction than it is in the short direction, which means less chance of sagging when attached perpendicular.