Drywall corner beads provide a precise finish for drywall installations. They help outside corners where two materials meet to join seamlessly without needing repeated cutting and filling. Corner beads not only give a quality finish but also enhance the durability of your drywall. Various options are available depending on the project’s required finish.
What Are Drywall Corner Beads?
A corner bead is a drywall accessory designed to protect and finish the delicate outside corners of your walls. It usually comes in lengths of 8 to 12 feet and provides a clean, professional look for these corners.
Corner beads also help you apply joint compound smoothly by guiding your taping knife, ensuring a flat and even finish.
Drywall Corner Bead Types
Here are 3 main types of corner beads for drywall installations:
- Metal Corner Beads
- Vinyl Corner Beads
- Paper-Faced Corner Bead
Metal Corner Beads
Metal corner beads are commonly used and are made from galvanized steel, making them rust-resistant. You can install them by nailing, screwing, stapling, or using adhesive, and they provide a sharp corner for a clean finish.
Metal beads are available in two shapes: square (90 degrees) and bullnose, which features a rounded edge for curved corners. They can adjust to fit curved arches, but this flexibility makes them prone to twisting during installation. The bead’s finish can impact how well it holds the mud, with some finishes performing better than others. Some suppliers add gypsum laminating paper to the outer surface of the bead to improve adhesion.
Vinyl Corner Beads
Vinyl corner beads are like plastic versions of metal ones. Typically, people install them with adhesive, but they can also use staples or screws for added support. Vinyl beads are flexible and don’t dent easily, unlike metal beads.
However, they are slower and more complex to install, with a higher risk of incorrect placement. Using adhesive incorrectly can cause cracked mudding and make the bead pull away from the corner.
Paper-Faced Corner Bead
Paper-faced corner beads are a type of drywall trim used to create smooth, clean edges on corners. These beads have a metal or plastic core covered with paper, which helps them blend seamlessly with drywall surfaces once mudded and painted.
Types of Paper-Faced Beads
There are two types of paper-faced beads: metal and composite.
Paper-Faced Metal:
This type has a metal core covered with paper. It is popular due to its rigidity and ease of installation. Paper-faced metal corner beads are quicker to install than traditional metal ones but aren’t as effective at hiding drywall flaws. They are available in square and bullnose shapes.
Paper-Faced Composite:
This type has a plastic core with a paper face. It is quick and easy to install and requires less mud because it is very thin. However, it shows flaws in the drywall, so it’s best used when the drywall is hung perfectly straight. Paper-faced composite beads come in square, bullnose, and baby bullnose (a smaller version of bullnose) shapes.
Vinyl Corner Bead vs Metal Corner Bead
Pros of Using Vinyl Corner Beads
Vinyl Corner Beads Are Cheaper
Vinyl corner beads are a better option than metal beads. This is because they are more cost-effective. This is due to lower transportation and storage costs. Metal corner beads easily become damaged during storage, developing dents, deformities, or rust. Vinyl corner beads, on the other hand, do not rust or deform, reducing damage concerns.
Vinyl Corner Beads Are More Durable
Vinyl corner beads are more durable than metal ones in the long run. Metal corner beads can bend and dent under stress, requiring replacement when damaged. Vinyl corner beads are more durable because they require repairs only if they sustain damage.
Vinyl Corner Beads Are More Flexible
Vinyl corner beads offer greater flexibility than metal ones. You need to clip metal corner beads to bend them, while vinyl corner beads can bend easily without losing strength. This makes them ideal for curved walls, archways, and other curved edges.
Cons of Using Vinyl Corner Beads
One major drawback is that joint compound does not bond as well to vinyl as it does to metal, making it harder to cover. This often requires fanning out further than with other materials.
Installation of vinyl corner beads also demands more skill and care. If you are new or like doing projects yourself, metal corner beads are easier to install and may be a good choice.
Pros of Using Metal Corner Beads
Cheaper Upfront Cost
Metal corner beads have a lower initial cost compared to vinyl. If you can manage the transportation and storage well, metal beads could be a viable option.
Easier Installation
Metal corner beads are easy to install compared to vinyl ones. They typically require screws and staples, while vinyl corner beads might need adhesive for installation.
Cons of Using Metal Corner Beads
Less Durable
They can easily bend and dent, and you might find some metal beads damaged by the time you reach the job site.
Susceptible to Rust
Metal corner beads are not suitable for wet environments, like bathrooms, as they can rust. They are also prone to rusting in moisture-rich or salty environments, such as coastal areas.
How to Install Corner Bead
Typically, corner bead installation happens after taping, though some prefer to do it first. Here’s how to install different types of corner beads:
Metal Corner Bead:
- Place the metal bead in the center of the corner, covering both sides of the drywall evenly.
- Use a staple gun, pneumatic stapler, screw gun, or nail gun to attach the bead. Staple along the edges, not the center, to keep the corner sharp.
- Apply three layers of joint compound to coat the metal bead.
Paper-Faced Metal Corner Bead:
- Apply a thick layer of taping mud to the drywall corner.
- Press the corner bead into the center of the mudded corner.
- Use a corner roller to secure the bead and remove excess mud.
- Wipe away extra mud and apply a layer of taping compound with a drywall knife. Let it dry before adding more coats.
Paper-Faced Composite Corner Bead:
- Apply a thick layer of taping mud to the drywall corner.
- Press the corner bead into the center of the mudded corner.
- Use a drywall knife to remove excess mud.
- Let the corner bead dry, then coat it with a thin layer of taping compound.
Vinyl Corner Bead:
- Spray adhesive on the drywall corner, covering it completely.
- Spray adhesive on the inside of the vinyl corner bead.
- Press the vinyl bead onto the drywall corner and hold it for a few seconds to secure it.
- Use a staple gun with T50 staples to attach the vinyl bead. Since vinyl is thinner, use smaller staples to avoid damage.
- Once the vinyl bead is secure, apply one or two coats of mud.
Contact ROA Drywall For Drywall Corner Beads Installation
ROA Drywall specializes in drywall bead installations and is knowledgeable in selecting the right corner beads for drywall finishing. We also offer drywall installation, drywall repair services and textured services. Reach out to us today for additional details.