Can You Glue Drywall to Concrete? (Explained!)


Although the idea of using glue to attach drywall may sound crazy to some, it’s a practice that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. But can the same be said about gluing drywall to concrete? 

Gluing drywall to concrete can be done in some types of installation, such as in the basement. It’s, however, crucial to use the correct type of adhesives (like Gorilla Adhesive). Also, furring strips are highly recommended, as gluing your drywall directly to concrete makes it vulnerable to moisture and cracks.

You’ve just finished taping and mudding your drywall, but you’re unsure if you should attach it to the concrete wall behind it. You don’t want to ruin all your hard work by attaching the drywall wrong, do you? What if I told you that you could just glue your drywall? 

Can Drywalls Stick to Concrete with Glue?

Yes, you can stick drywall to concrete using glue. It’s as easy (if not easier) as applying a drywall sheet to concrete using high-quality adhesive, a driver bit, and an electric drill. 

While drywall can be attached to the wall using 2-inch screws, in some cases, it’s essential to glue your sheet to the concrete block in some types of installations, such as the basement. In some cases, your Drywall screws may rust over time, which makes using glue a better option in some scenarios.

Although most construction adhesives should do the job, getting one specially designed for drywall is highly recommended.  

A few companies offer these drywall adhesives. Your best bet is Gorilla Adhesives. They offer some of the best products.

Is It Ok to Glue Drywall to Concrete?

Many people tend to avoid gluing their drywall because they fear it will not stick. This might be true if the wrong type of glue is used or if you’d want to stick drywall directly on a concrete block.  

That being said, it’s certainly not a good idea to stick drywall to the concrete block directly using glue. There are several drawbacks. Instead, you should attach furring strips to the wall first. I know this may sound like yet another thing that needs to be done and, by so doing, making the drywall job longer. But believe me when I say that doing this will only benefit you in the long run.

Generally, you can attach drywall to concrete using most construction adhesives. However, this practice is not recommended. This is because attaching drywall directly to the concrete can make it vulnerable to moisture, causing cracks, especially if the concrete wall is exposed to water.

In addition to that, sticking drywall to concrete using glue is a permanent approach. In the future, if you want to remove the drywall, you’ll have to put in a lot of effort. Moreover, this approach will be quite time-consuming and laborious. 

There are few chances you’ll be able to remove drywall firmly glued to concrete. Hence, it’s recommended to attach furring strips to the wall beforehand. Afterward, you can nail or screw drywall to the furring strips and won’t have to face any problems.

What To Put Between Drywall and Concrete?

If you want to put drywall to a concrete wall, it’s highly recommended to cover it with a vapor barrier first. The vapor barrier will protect your drywall from moisture, which is the worst that can happen to your drywall. However, similar to glue, you can’t just use any type of vapor barrier. Luckily, in this case, you do have multiple options. 

Using a stud wall is also quite beneficial when attaching drywall to the concrete wall. This barrier will act as a cell membrane, shielding your drywall and keeping it safe. You can install it against the concrete and then attach your drywall.

Alternatively, most contractors prefer furring strips. This vapor barrier is easy and quick to install. Moreover, it does not take much space, offering a smooth finish. The best thing about furring strips is that you can glue them to concrete without worrying about any consequences. 

What Is the Correct Way to Attach Drywalls to Concrete?

The best option is to attach furring strips to the concrete before sticking the drywall. This approach is the simplest, easiest, and fastest. While they will protect your drywall from moisture, you can easily remove the drywall if needed. Some prefer drywall over drywall for extra moisture protection. If you want to know more about it, read this article.

It’s important to note that it’s not a waterproof solution, meaning that moisture can still damage your drywall, even with furring strips. Therefore, you should also glue tar or plastic paper to the wall before you attach the furring strips. Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to attach drywall to concrete using furring strips:

Things you Need:

  • 1-inch drywall screws
  • 1×3 inch lumber
  • Masonry bit
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • 3/8-inch wood bit
  • Metal screw anchor
  • Hammer drill
  • 4-foot level
  • Drill
  • Circular saw

Cut Furring Strips

First, using the circular saw, you must cut the strips from 1×3-inch lumber. This will allow you to place them around 16 inches apart from each other on the entire wall. You must extend the strips from the top to the bottom of the wall. Afterward, drill 3/8-inch holes end to end with each strip.

Mark the Wall

Starting from one end to the other, make marks on your wall, preferably 16 inches apart from each other. The distance between the last two marks could be less than sixteen inches.

Plumb the Strips

Use a 4-foot level for plumbing the strips on each mark. Afterward, a pencil marks the strips’ positions on the wall.

Install Sleeves

Next, you have to still 1½ inch holes on each pencil mark. You can use a masonry bit and a hammer drill for this purpose. Make sure the hole’s diameter is the same as the anchor sleeve. Afterward, install sleeves in each hole.

Replace the Strips

Afterward, drive screws into holes and sleeves and replace the strips. Keep screwing until the screw’s head is even with the surface. 

Install your Drywall

Last but not least, install your drywall on the strips. You can use 1-inch screws or nails for this approach. With this approach, the furring strips will shield your drywall and protect it from moisture. However, don’t forget to use tar paper or plastic paper before installing the furring strips on the concrete wall.

FAQs:

Can You Glue Drywall to Brick?

If you want, you can directly glue drywall to the brick using a high-performance construction adhesive. To do so, you must first apply adhesive to the drywall’s back. Also, make sure to use a drywall-specific adhesive for better results.

This approach is applicable if your brick wall is properly plumb and flush. Also, remember that moisture can reduce the lifespan of your drywall. Therefore, don’t forget to put a vapor barrier between your drywall and the brick wall.

How Can I Cover My Concrete Walls Cheap?

For the basement, you can directly glue the drywall to the concrete. This means you don’t have to get any additional material, making it the most budget-friendly approach. However, the parge coat is certainly the best approach if you want to cover your concrete walls without spending a fortune.

While the parge coat is cheap, it allows you to cover the concrete wall both inside and outsides. It’s usually a thin cement layer applied over concrete walls. Covering your concrete walls with a parge coat has several benefits. It’s easily painted and offers a smooth finish.

What Is the Best Adhesive for Concrete?

There are hundreds of concrete adhesives available out there that are worth every single penny. While it’s good, too many options make it difficult to pick a single product. However, when it comes to the best adhesive for concrete, Gorilla adhesives are certainly leading the industry.

In the Gorilla family, you can find several construction adhesives. They are the most positively reviewed products out there. So, you can rest assured we are not the only people who like it. These adhesives can be used on various surfaces, including concrete, wood, and drywall.

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