The majority of drywall joints are completed with a layer of joint compound and drywall tape. The drywall installer sands the dried mud to produce a continuous, smooth wall.
Corner beads come into play because this method fails to function on outside corners.
Corner beads are bits that cover the drywall’s exterior corners. They could be made of metal, plastic, vinyl, or paper.
The eight most typical drywall corner bead kinds are listed below.
The eight varieties of corner beads
– METAL CORNER BEAD
The most typical kind of corner bead is made of metal. Even novices may easily install it because it can be fastened to the wall with screws, nails, adhesive, or compound.
CORNER BEAD FOR VINYL
Corner beads made of vinyl function identically to those made of metal, despite their differing composition. These beads can be attached with screws, nails, compound, glue, or adhesive.
BEADS FROM ARCHWAY
Archway beads, as their name suggests, are intended for for use in arches. They can be nailed, stapled, or adhered depending on the type, and because they are flexible, they make lovely corners around arches.
BEADS WITH A BULL-NOSE
The corners of bullnose beads are rounded rather than squared off. So, you might attempt this kind of corner bead if you’re seeking for something different from the usual square corner.
TRIM BEAD J
J-trim beads are used by contractors to conceal exposed drywall panel edges. Depending on the drywall that needs to be covered, they are available in various thicknesses.
Near shower stalls, window jambs, and other locations with exposed drywall edges, J-beads are most frequently used.
L BEAD
A trim element known as an L-bead is utilized between panels that butt up against one another. L-beads are frequently used where drywall meets paneling or where a counter meets a wall.
A JOINT FOR EXPANSION
To accommodate for natural expansion and contraction brought on by humidity, expansion joints—which are constructed of metal or plastic and installed between drywall panels—are used instead of beads. These are for lengthy wall and ceiling additions that span at least 30 feet.
BEADFACED PAPER TRIM
Paper-faced bead trim is a more recent variety of bead on the market. You can use this flexible metal bead on both inside and outer corners.
WHAT CORNER BEAD IS EASIEST TO INSTALL? Corner beads made of vinyl and galvanized metal are equally affordable and simple to install. Spray glue, fasteners, nails, and screws are all options for installation.
IS IT BETTER TO USE PAPER OR METAL CORNER BEADS? Metal beads are excellent for exterior corners, but if they are not securely taped and mudded, they may eventually shatter. Although paper-faced tape bead resists cracking, novice drywallers may find it challenging to install.
FOR A 45-DEGREE CORNER BEAD, WHAT DO YOU USE? Unlike in the past, you can now get metal and vinyl 45-degree corner beads at most hardware stores. Use flexible paper-faced bead trim tape as an additional alternative for your 45-degree corners.
LAST THOUGHTS There are numerous varieties of corner beads available. Although flex metal tape is becoming more and more prevalent, metal and vinyl corner beads are still most frequently used for exterior corners.
No matter what kind of bead you use, take your time to put it correctly. Despite the fact that finishing corners may appear tedious, correct installation might keep you from having to redo your job in the future.
