Common Drywall Holes and How to Repair Them Properly
Holes in drywall can happen for many different reasons, and knowing how to repair them correctly can help keep your walls looking smooth and professional. Whether the damage comes from old wall fixtures, home renovations, or accidental impact, choosing the right repair method is important for achieving the best results.
Maybe your new home already has damaged drywall patches, or perhaps you recently removed shelves, curtain rods, pictures, or decorative trim. Sometimes, even a small project can unexpectedly turn into a larger demolition job.
No matter how the drywall damage happened, here are some common types of holes you may encounter and the best ways to repair them.
DIY Drywall Repair: Coin-Sized Holes
Small holes that are slightly larger than nail or screw holes are very common. These often appear after removing wall anchors, relocating thermostats, or taking down mounted fixtures.
While tiny nail holes can usually be filled easily with drywall compound, coin-sized holes can be more difficult because the compound may not stay in place properly. In many cases, the filler can sag, fall into the wall cavity, or require multiple coats to create a smooth finish.
Solution
A simple and effective solution is to first fill the inside of the hole with caulking and allow it to dry completely. This creates a backing surface that helps support the drywall compound and prevents it from slipping into the wall.
Once the caulking has cured:
- Apply drywall compound over the area
- Smooth it evenly with a putty knife
- Allow it to dry completely
- Sand the surface smooth
- Paint the repaired area
DIY Drywall Repair: Extruded Holes
Extruded holes often occur when screws or anchors are removed from drywall. Instead of leaving a clean opening, the drywall surface tears outward, creating raised or uneven edges around the hole.
Although these holes can still be repaired with drywall compound, the raised edges can make the repair more noticeable if not corrected first.
Solution
Before patching the hole, gently push the damaged drywall back inward. You can do this using:
- A dowel
- Hammer handle
- Another solid object
Lightly tap the raised edges until they sit flush with the wall surface.
This creates a smoother repair area and helps the patch blend more naturally with the surrounding wall. If necessary, you can slightly enlarge the damaged area and repair it normally afterward.
DIY Drywall Repair: Larger Geometric Holes
Larger drywall openings are often left behind after removing:
- Built-in shelves
- Wall units
- Electrical boxes
- Decorative installations
These repairs require a more structured patching method.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Patch
Carefully measure the damaged area and cut a new piece of drywall to fit the opening. Make sure the replacement drywall matches the thickness of the existing wall.
Step 2: Attach the Patch
If one side of the hole aligns with a wall stud, you can screw the drywall patch directly into the stud.
However, if no stud is available, you will need to install a wood backing behind the wall to support the patch.
Installing a Backing Support
- Cut a small piece of wood slightly longer than the hole
- Insert it through the opening
- Hold it firmly behind the drywall
- Drive screws through the existing wall into the wood backing
This creates a secure surface for attaching the drywall patch.
Once the backing support is installed:
- Screw the drywall patch into place
- Apply drywall compound over the seams and screw heads
- Use drywall tape for additional strength, especially on larger seams
Allow the compound to dry fully, then sand the surface smooth. Repeat with additional coats if needed for a seamless finish.
Helpful Tip
When cutting your drywall patch, it is usually better to cut the piece slightly smaller rather than too large. A patch that is too tight can be difficult to install and may damage the surrounding wall edges during fitting.