Plan compound for taping and finishing a drywall job. Enter board area, your rate and pail size.
How it works
Area ÷ 1,000 × gallons per 1,000 sq ft, then rounded up to whole pails. Tape estimates at 370 ft per 1,000 sq ft.
Before you order
- Setting compound for the first coat dries harder and speeds up a big job.
- Thin coats and a wide knife use less mud than heavy coats you have to sand.
- Keep a lid on pails and scrape the sides so dried bits stay out of your finish.
Common questions
How much mud is in a typical job?
A three-coat taped finish takes about 9 gallons per 1,000 sq ft of board. That is close to two big pails.
Why is lightweight compound different?
It sands easier and weighs less, and manufacturers list slightly different coverage. Adjust the rate if your label gives one.