Learning how to patch a large hole in drywall — anything bigger than a fist — is more involved than a small nail hole patch but still completely doable for a beginner. The key is giving the patch something solid to attach to.

What You’ll Need

A drywall saw or utility knife, a piece of drywall slightly larger than the hole, two furring strips or thin pieces of wood, drywall screws, joint compound, drywall tape, a putty knife, sandpaper in 120 and 220 grit, primer, and paint.

Step 1 — Square Up the Hole

Use a drywall saw to cut the jagged hole into a clean rectangle or square. Clean edges make the patch much easier to fit and finish.

Step 2 — Cut a Patch Piece

Cut a piece of drywall to match your squared-off hole exactly. Use the cutout as a template — trace around it onto your new drywall piece and cut it to fit.

Step 3 — Install Backing Strips

Slide two furring strips or thin wood pieces into the hole so they extend several inches beyond the hole on each side. Hold them in place and drive drywall screws through the existing wall into the strips on both sides of the hole. These give the patch something to screw into.

Step 4 — Install the Patch

Place the drywall patch into the hole and drive drywall screws through it into the backing strips. The patch should sit flush with the surrounding wall surface.

Step 5 — Tape the Seams

Apply drywall tape over all four seams where the patch meets the existing wall. Press it firmly into a thin bed of joint compound.

Step 6 — Apply Joint Compound

Cover the taped seams with joint compound using a wide putty knife, feathering the edges outward several inches beyond the tape. Let it dry completely — usually overnight.

Step 7 — Sand, Prime, Paint

Sand smooth starting with 120 grit and finishing with 220. Apply a coat of primer before painting — skipping primer is the number one reason patches look different from the surrounding wall after painting.

Just moved into a new home? Check out our guide on what to do when you move into a new house.

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