Staggering drywall

[Arky217]

If you are installing 4' x 8' sheets of drywall on a large ceiling area, is it a good idea to stagger the joints like you would when installing roof sheathing, or does it really matter with drywall ?

Arky

[rick91351]

I am not a dry waller however my dry wall friends say stager it. 

[PEG688]

You want to stagger it so the taped butt  joints are not all lined up, it'll make the taping job look better.

As far as structurally there's little gained out of GWB and how it's installed, generally. There are some instances where it can be considered part of a brace wall panel , with special nailing schedule and blocking.     

[Redoverfarm]

Rick is right Arky.  Basicly the same as sheeting.  Never allow adjoining seams to meet.  I would suggest renting a drywall lift for the ceiling.  It makes it alot easier.  Unlike walls the sheetrock is hung on a angle and is harder to hold and line up.

[Jeff922]

If it is possible, you want to AVOID butt-joints - especially on a ceiling.  Butted panel ends (without the beveled tape-recess) are hard to hide and require more mud-work.  If you can get longer panels, definitely do it.  I have some 10' and 12' panels in my Victoria's and it made life a lot easier.