Drywall corner beads are the underrated hero when it comes to giving your drywall installations the perfect look. They are an essential component when it comes to giving your interior walls and ceilings a professional finish.
Corner beads provide your drywall corners with superior strength and protection and ensure that the corners remain clean and straight. They come in a variety of types, each with their own specific uses and benefits based on what your project requires. Best of all, they are easy to install yourself and only require minimal planning and tools to get the job done right.
If you are seeking high quality plasterer supplies, visit BetaBoard at one of our stores or get in touch online to discuss how we can help you with your next project.
What Are Drywall Corner Beads?
Corner beads are the products used on the outside corners where two pieces of drywall meet. It provides a nice, easy finish and prevents damage from occurring to the corners. Drywall is known for its durability, but its corners are vulnerable to chipping and cracking, which is why corner beads are used.
Beyond preventing damage, corner beads also provide a smooth finish, ensuring a professional appearance as your adjacent drywall pieces seamlessly link into each other. They are typically only used in outside corners and create a seamless 90-degree angle.
What Are the Types of Drywall Corner Beads?
There are a few types of corner beads available, each with their own unique material and function. Choosing the right type depends on the finish you desire, the type of corner, the environmental conditions of the space, and your skill level at installing them yourself. The below two types are the ones most used when installing drywall.
Metal
The most common corner bead, metal has been used to protect drywall corners for generations. They are typically installed by either nailing or screwing them into the drywall, while they can also be stapled or attached with an adhesive. While metal is the strongest and most durable of the bead types, it is also the hardest to install due to needing additional fasteners and its sharp edges which make safety gloves a necessity.
Vinyl
The plastic equivalent of metal corner beads, vinyl beads offer a more lightweight and flexible option. They are commonly installed with an adhesive though staples and screws can also be used. Unlike metal, vinyl beads are resistant to denting and usually retain their appearance and structural integrity longer than their metal counterparts. Vinyl is suitable for wet or humid environments, such as bathrooms, due to not rusting or corroding, while its natural flexibility makes it useful for the curves metal can’t quite cover.
How Do I Install Drywall Corner Beads?
The exact steps required to install your corner beads will depend on the type of bead you choose. Metal and vinyl corner beads can both be installed with adhesive, which is the preferred option to cause minimal damage and marking to the drywall. Once the adhesive has set, use staples along the corner bead to ensure it stays in place. The bead will be installed after the drywall has already been attached to the wall and ceiling and will be applied to the outside corner where the two pieces of drywall meet.
Once the bead is perfectly in place to protect the corners of your drywall, complete the job with drywall joint compound, or “mud”, to give the drywall and its corners a smooth, flawless finish. We always advise to invest in some extra corner beads just in case any mistakes are made during the installation process.
Searching for Drywall Corner Beads?
At BetaBoard, we are a leading supplier of building supplies in Queensland. Whether you are searching for plasterboard anchors or PVC plastering beads, we are sure to have what you need for your next residential or commercial project. We have over 32 years of experience in the industry and pride ourselves on being the specialists when it comes to everything walls and ceiling.
Our online ordering system makes it simple to order and quote the products you need and have them delivered directly to you. We service the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast areas and provide everything from external cladding to acoustic panels.
Protect Your Drywall Today!
When it comes to corner beads, we supply only the highest-quality metal and PVC options, while we also stock specific types and shapes if your corners require something more unique. Get in touch online to discuss our products or visit us at one of our stores to browse our extensive range for yourself.
