Patch Drywall
Nail holes and doorknob dings are a beginner job. A large hole, or any hole from water, is where people get into trouble.
This is a judgment page, not a step-by-step how-to. The procedure lives in the vetted links at the bottom.
The call
A nail hole, a dent, or a hole you can cover with a mesh patch is a DIY. Hire a drywall finisher if the damage is larger than a patch kit, the paper is bubbling from water, or you need the repair to disappear on a wall that gets raking light.
- Difficulty
- Time
- 1–3 hours, plus drying time
- DIY estimate
- $10–$40
- Pro estimate
- $150–$450 for a small patch
2 of 5
Rough national estimate, not a quote. Prices move with the city, the brand, and whatever the job turns into once you open it up.
Tools
- TODO: affiliate link
Putty knife, 4 to 6 inches
- TODO: affiliate link
Sanding sponge
- TODO: affiliate link
Dust mask and safety glasses
- TODO: affiliate link
Utility knife
Materials
- TODO: affiliate link
Lightweight spackle for nail holes and small dents
- TODO: affiliate link
Self-adhesive mesh patch for a doorknob-sized hole
- TODO: affiliate link
Joint compound, if the patch needs a second coat
- TODO: affiliate link
Primer, then paint to match
Affiliate slots are placeholders. A live shop link will be marked as sponsored. See the affiliate disclosure.
Safety notes
- If the hole is near an outlet or switch, shut the breaker off and confirm the power is dead before you cut.
- Joint-compound dust is irritating. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses when you sand.
- A brown stain or soft gypsum means water. Find the leak before you cover it.
- Don't sand lead paint. On a home built before 1978, a painted wall can contain lead. If you are unsure, stop and get it tested.
Do I need a permit?
Patching a hole is not a permit job.
Filling a nail hole or closing a small opening in existing drywall does not require a building permit. Opening a wall to move wiring, plumbing, or a structural stud is a different project. If you are about to do that, use your state page and call the local building department.
Permit triggers are local. This is general information, not legal advice. All state pages · Disclaimer
Best How-To Videos & Articles
We link to guides that already exist. We don't rewrite them.
- How to Fix a Hole in Drywall
Family Handyman · Article
- How To Patch a Hole in Drywall and Other Common Repairs
Family Handyman · Article
TODO: add a verified YouTube link for this project.
Questions people ask first
- Is patching drywall a beginner project?
- Small holes are. The hard part is the finish: thin coats, drying time, and paint that matches. A large hole or water damage is worth hiring out if the wall has to look perfect.
- How much does it cost to patch drywall?
- A patch kit and compound are often $10–$40. A pro for a small patch is often $150–$450. Those are rough estimates, not a quote.
- Do I need a permit to patch drywall?
- No, for a surface repair. You may need one if the work includes new wiring, plumbing, or framing. Confirm with your local building department before you open a wall.