Drywall is the most-tackled DIY project in America. Three out of five we get called to fix were 'patched' by a homeowner first. Here's when to swing the spackle knife yourself.
Do it yourself
Small dings and nail holes are easy with DryDex spackle and 220 sandpaper.
- Nail and screw holes
- Surface scuffs
- Small dings under 2 inches
Call a pro
Anything that needs mesh tape, multiple coats, or texture matching almost always looks better when a pro does it.
- Doorknob holes
- Holes larger than 4 inches
- Ceiling repairs (gravity is unforgiving)
- Knockdown or orange-peel texture matching
- Anywhere visible in raking light
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Small holes: DIY with DryDex.
- ✓ Texture or ceiling: hire a pro.
- ✓ Raking light is unforgiving — practice patches first.
Frequently Asked
How long does a typical drywall patch take?
A 6" patch with paint takes about 90 minutes including dry time. Texture-matched ceiling patches usually need a second visit for paint.