Exploring Common Types of Drywall Corners
Installing corner beads and treatments on drywall provides vital reinforcement and protection for vulnerable corners. With the many options available, it's important to understand the types of drywall corners to choose the right solution for each application.
We'll compare the features, benefits, and ideal use cases for each type. Whether you're a pro taper or a weekend warrior, this guide will help you select the perfect corners for your next drywall project.
Bullnose Corners
Bullnose corners create a smooth, rounded edge rather than a sharp 90-degree angle. The curved surface resists damage from impacts, providing lasting durability. Bullnose corners also create an attractive aesthetic for accent walls or decorative trim finishing.
Key Features and Benefits
- Creates a stylish, decorative look
- Resists dents, chips, and other damage
- Easy to clean with no sharp edges to trap dirt
- Safe for high-traffic areas like hallways
Ideal Use Cases
Bullnose corners excel for:
- Accent walls
- Columns or decorative trim
- High impact areas
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Children's rooms
- Curved walls
Available Styles and Dimensions
Bullnose corners come in a variety of styles and dimensions. The most common options include:
- 90-degree bullnose corners with 1/2" radius
- 3-way 135-degree bullnose corners
- 4-way bullnose corners for box columns
- Custom bullnose strips for curved walls
- Extended bullnose corners with 1-1/2" radius
Pro tip: Pay attention to corner angle and width when selecting bullnose products to ensure optimal fit.
Corner Beads
Corner beads consist of a paper- or plastic-faced strip with perforated flanges positioned over each side of an outside drywall corner. The corner bead creates a clean, straight edge and prevents cracks or damage to the vulnerable corner.
Benefits of Corner Beads
Installing corner beads delivers the following advantages:
- Creates straight, consistent, professional-looking corners
- Protects corners from cracks, chips, and fraying paper
- Saves significant time during drywall finishing
- Produces crisp paint lines and prevents shadowing
- Facilitates quick cleanup compared to hand-taped corners
Types of Corner Beads
Several varieties of corner beads exist, including:
- L-Beads : For standard 90-degree outside corners
- J-Beads : For bullnose inside corners
- U-Beads : For finishing trimmed door/window openings
- Offset Beads : For stepped corners and specialty angles
Tips for Installing
Follow these best practices when installing corner beads:
- Make precise cuts for full corner coverage
- Pre-fill any large gaps before mounting
- Secure with staples, nails, or drywall adhesive
- Avoid excess pressure on bead to prevent cracks
- Cover flanges fully with joint compound
Flex Trim Corners
Flex trim consists of thin, flexible plastic strips that adapt to inside and outside corners. The flexible vinyl material also serves well for curved surfaces that rigid corner bead can't accommodate.
Benefits of Flex Trim
Flex trim corners deliver key advantages including:
- Contours easily to curved walls
- Adapts to off-angles and uneven corners
- Thin profile takes less compound to cover
- Lightweight and easy to cut onsite
Ideal Applications
Use flex trim corners for:
- Arches
- Rounded or oval columns
- Curved staircases
- Bay windows
- Drywall repairs on contoured surfaces
Installation Tips
Succeed with flex trim corners using these helpful hints:
- Pre-creasing strips facilitates bending
- Apply adhesive to the back side before mounting
- Use staples only when necessary
- Slowly form flex trim into place
Tear-away Bead Corners
Tear-away bead corners utilize a corner bead strip with removable strips covering each flange. After taping and finishing, the strips tear off to leave an exceptionally crisp corner edge.
Ideal Use Cases
Tear-away beads excel for:
- Highly visible areas where appearance matters
- Corners that will receive semi-gloss or gloss paint
- New construction projects
- Corners that need to look extra sharp
Installation Process
Installing tear-away involves a simple 5-step process:
- Mount tear-away beads on corners
- Tape corner joints as usual
- Apply corner finish compound over strips
- Let compound fully dry and harden
- Pull removable strips outward from each side
The tear-away action leaves a perfectly straight, clean corner ready for painting. Use a utility knife to score along the edges initially if strips don't pull off easily.
No-Coat Ultra Corner
No-coat ultra corners utilize a patented clinically tested anti-microbial vinyl trim with a foam backer rod. The innovative design installs without the time-consuming process of applying and sanding joint compound.
Features and Benefits
No-coat corners deliver exceptional advantages:
- Installs 5x faster than traditional corner bead
- Creates precise, uniform corners every time
- Flexible design fits 90-degree and bullnose corners
- backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Installation Tips
Follow these guidelines for flawless no-coat corners:
- Wipe corner with alcohol before applying
- Measure precisely and cut to length
- Remove paper backing and press firmly into place
- Smooth entire surface with roller or sponge
It's that simple! Enjoy perfectly finished corners with no compound mess or sanding needed.
Metal Corner Beads
Metal corner beads consist of galvanized steel, aluminum, or zinc flanges wired or welded together at 90-degree angles. Metal beads deliver heavy-duty reinforcement well-suited for commercial builds.
Comparison to Plastic Beads
While more expensive than plastic options, metal corner beads offer strengths including:
- Superior impact resistance
- Higher durability and longevity
- Better adhesion over problem substrates
- Enhanced crack resistance
Application Tips
Succeed with metal corner beads using these pro pointers:
- Use galvanized staples to prevent corrosion
- Drive fasteners at 12-16" intervals
- Pre-fill gaps with setting compound
- Embed fully into finish coat layers
Flexible Corner Guards
Flexible corner guards provide thin vinyl or rubber protection against wall damage from impacts. They adhere directly to corners with pressure-sensitive tape or adhesive.
Benefits of Corner Guards
Flexible guards offer key perks like:
- Fast and easy "peel-and-stick" application
- No tools needed for installation
- Discreet appearance blends with any decor
- Cost-effective solution for high-traffic areas
Ideal Applications
Typical applications for flexible corner guards include:
- Hallways
- Waiting rooms
- Cafeterias
- Shop floors
- Warehouses
- Operating rooms
Drywall Terminator Corners
As the name implies, terminator corners "terminate" drywall edges for a seamless appearance. These embedded corner beads trap the gypsum core securely within a tear-resistant vinyl trim.
How They Work
Terminator corners involve a unique 3-layer construction:
- Outer vinyl corner guard
- Foam spacer
- Inner corner bead
Together, these components deliver reinforced durability and clean, uniform corner edges.
Installation Process
Install terminators using these simple steps:
- Slide onto drywall before mounting sheets
- Fold beads inward
- Secure corner edge into place
- Finish corner as usual with tape and mud
Terminators produce expert finishes every time with no torn paper or damaged edges.
Rubber Corner Guards
Rubber corner guards offer heavy-duty protection against wall damage from carts, beds, cleaning equipment, and other impacts.
Benefits of Rubber Guards
Rubber corner guards provide exceptional advantages:
- Extreme durability to shield vulnerable corners
- Thick ribs flex and rebounds from repeated hits
- Mold and bacteria-resistant
- Easy installation with adhesive or screws
Ideal Applications Include:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Hotels
- Assisted living facilities
- Commercial kitchens
Pro tip: Select colors to either blend in or create a visible safety zone in dangerous areas.
Outside Drywall Corners
An outside drywall corner forms where two drywall sheets meet at an external 90-degree angle. Leaving them exposed risks cracks, damage, and unsightly edges.
Finishing Options
Common techniques for finishing outside corners include:
- Hand-taping
- Installing corner bead
- Applying veneer plaster
- Attaching vinyl or metal corner guards
Installation Process
Follow these best practices when hand-taping outside corners:
- Fold paper seam outward
- Pre-fill gap if needed with setting compound
- Embed paper tape into first coat
- Apply second coat fully covering tape
- Feather out final coat approximately 12" wide
Take care to maintain a straight, consistent corner line for best results.
With the many types of drywall corners available, it's essential to match the right product to each application. Factors like budget, durability needs, corner function, and aesthetics help determine the ideal selections.
Arm yourself with knowledge on all the various options before starting your next drywall project. Understanding different corner types equips you to achieve success mastering this vital -- and often frustrating -- detail.