Sawdust Girl®

Renovation, cabinet building and woodworking plans and tutorials. Build like a Girl®

Recovering from a flood – Installing PURPLE XP® Drywall

Basement, Basement Storage Closet

Recovering from my sewer saga will require a LOT of drywall installation and after my current issues and the moldy drywall I found in my Jack and Jill Bathroom from a leaky vent stack I’m really glad to be installing PURPLE XP® Drywall!  Unlike traditional drywall, PURPLE XP® uses a thick moisture, mold and mildew resistant paper on BOTH sides of the gypsum sheet.

This post is sponsored by National Gypsum PURPLE XP®Drywall.  #AskForPURPLE

Even though I’m not ready to take on a whole renovation of the sewer zone right now, I do need to deal with some of the chaos it has created.

Since I hauled EVERYTHING out of that bedroom and closet so I could demo, the rest of the basement is an unusable mess. We hauled a full truckload to Habitat ReStore and gave away a bunch of big items to friends that just bought their first house.  But we still have a lot that needs to be stored.  The main basement area is where we work out and watch tv — and we can barely get to the machines or sofa right now.

So, right now I’m going to FINISH a basement storage closet (that got framed about 3 years ago) and put things away.Basement storage closet

Now, this may seem like an unimportant project in the face of the chaos that my entire house has become.  (Literally every single room except Madison’s new bedroom is now under construction in some way!)

BUT, it needs to happen!

  • It needs to happen so I can have a win.
    • I so need a win right now!
  • It needs to happen so we can store the crap in the basement.
  • It needs to happen so I can store the crap in the garage that I need to move so I can USE my workshop …so I can build drawers…so I can finish the Jack and Jill Bathroom!
    • I SO want to finish the Jack and Jill bathroom which is what I was SO CLOSE to finishing before my whole entire life got flooded with poopy sewer problems.

So it’s happening!  The first step to finishing this closet is installing PURPLE XP® Drywall.

Installing PURPLE XP Drywall

I was able to most of the installation by myself but needed an extra set of hands here and there.Installing PURPLE XP Drywall on a closet wall

Penny bravely volunteered to help me get the 5/8″ thick PURPLE XP® Drywall installed on the closet ceiling.  5/8″ drywall is a lot heavier than 1/2″ and ceilings are a lot harder to install than walls.  Just sayin’.

This closet is only about 7’x7′ so it only took two sheets of drywall.  Thank goodness because I think a third time through our process would and my arms would have completely given out.  But we made it through two.

Installing PURPLE XP Drywall on the ceiling

  • First we lifted one sheet of drywall up and propped it on a ladder.

Installing PURPLE XP Drywall on a ceiling

  • Then Penny climbed her ladder and we pushed the drywall up so it was propping on her ladder (which was taller).

  • Then I climbed my ladder and we lifted the drywall into place.
  • Then I held the sheet of drywall in place above my head while Penny climbed down and moved her ladder so she had better leverage so she could hold it while I secured it with screws.

After finishing that task I had to go rest my arms for a few minutes before proceeding.  I’m not kidding, my arms were sooo tired.  But I was SUPER happy that we did it! Installing PURPLE XP Drywall

I finished installing the rest of the drywall by myself.  Listening to music.

It all went smoothly and I’m really feeling like this project is going to be the big win that I really really need.

It’s my big PURPLE box.  My own special TARDISI’m REALLY bad at predicting project timelines — but I set goals.  Generally they are unrealistic and I miss them hard.  But I still set them because lofty goals motivate me to knock things out!  I’m competitive.  Even if I’m only competing with myself.

I set a goal to install drywall and finish mudding this closet before the end of the day.  I started mudding at 10pm.
I’m mudding with ProForm® XP® Ready Mix with Dust-Tech®

It’s formulated to fall straight to the ground when sanded.  Even if you use a vacuum attachment when sanding joint compound, this technology will help keep the air quality better.

Mudding went surprisingly fast and I finished before midnight!  It needs another coat but my goal to finish only included the first coat.  So that’s a win!It felt like a win.  And now you have a chance to win something too.

National Gypsum PURPLE XP®Drywall   is giving away this fully stocked purple tool bag AND a $100 Visa gift card.

  • Enter through the Rafflecopter box below AND leave a comment on THIS blog post to enter.
  • There will be one (1) winner.
  • Giveaway ends at midnight (ET) Thursday, September 7.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

·

Comments

  1. We had a slab leak so still working on getting my house back, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

  2. I’ve been mudding drywall all day and I wish I had known about this mud. I’ll try it next time. It looks great!

  3. You are a superhuman! Purple XP Drywall sounds like just what I need for my laundry room gut remodel – love your blog!

  4. Our house flooded in the south Louisiana flood last summer. We had three feet of water and had to re-drywall the entire house. We have only the kitchen left but I swear I’m still cleaning up drywall dust. It’s like sand from the beach, I just keep finding it everywhere.

  5. I’ve bean working on cabinets in my craft room. Thanks to you, I felt like I could learn how to do it, and have the confidence to actuallly get them done. Just need countertops on them now.

  6. This is the year that I work on the outdoor projects. I tore down an old shed, built a new one, built an outdoor bench with the scrap from the shed, and next I get to build a retaining wall and fix some water damaged siding and house trim.

  7. You WIN! Yay!! You absolutely needed a win and you earned it – multiple times! Congrats on meeting your lofty goal!

  10. Congrats on your win! You’re an inspiration to me that I can tackle those homeowner projects.

  14. I rent an apartment so I don’t have many home improvement projects, but I plan to work on some cosplay/armor projects and perhaps some home decor/furniture projects in the future.

  20. I’m in awe of how much you have done already. I had a similar problem on a rent house I was doing. The setback was so devastating, I walked out the door and didn’t go back to that particular house for years. Eventually I realised I could cope so I pulled everything out of the kitchen and bathroom. I reconfigured the layout of the kitchen completly. Sometimes you end up with better because of a bad problem.

    As for you, you’re flying it now and I love your blog.

  21. Glad you got a win! I know the feeling of wanting to get at least one thing done and stuff organized.

  26. Win! Yay! Looks great, and I am sorry about your sewer woes.

    Is a drywall jack too big to work in your closet?

  27. I am trying to paint the outdoor storage shed and build a new door for it. We are trying sell this house. Paying for two houses is not fun! Lesson learnt do not move to new house without selling the old house.

  28. Even though our house is only 11 years old, there is ALWAYS something to be done. Currently, we are trying to make more storage in our kitchen.

  29. The job looks good. Any reason why you are using 5/8 on the ceiling? Is that code around you, or are you doing it for better sound proofing?

  31. Nice job, I hate muding ????
    Keep going! You motivate me to keep working …….but just not as fast ????

  32. You inspire me to finally tackle some of the things that I’ve been putting off for years! Nice job!

  34. Used the purple drywall for my basement to divide off crawl space and basement. Used it on top of block, its amazing and very tough. Looks just like new 2 years later.

  36. I wish I had that for my basement a few years ago. One big question is if the purple is hard to cover if you are painting a light color?

  37. I am about to start demolishing walls in our basement bathroom to see if the leak can be fixed. I will have to see if we can get the Purple here.

  38. You are truly amazing, you get so much work done. Can’t wait until you find your house and start flipping it! Would love for you to get your own DIY show.

  40. I’m trying to finish a tongue & groove a wall with stairs on it. It’s hard to measure and get good cuts to go around the treads and noses!

  41. After a slab leak caused us to reroute the plumbing overhead we are currently hanging dry wall on the kitchen and dining ceiling, complete tear out and remodel of the downstairs bathroom and laundry room. It’s finally coming back together. We still have the master bathroom completely gutted (for the last 7 years) from a remodel that was started then other issues took pressidence. A new well house will come before that master bath… but we will eventually get it all done.

  42. The plumbing issues sound awful (when are plumbing issues ever a good thing?!) but I love seeing your blog posts and what you get done! I’ve been seeing this purple drywall on blogs a lot lately and I’m intrigued. Thanks for including all of your useful tips and product recommendations! Would love to win the giveaway 🙂

  43. I’m dragging me feet on doing our hall bathroom remodel. But it needs to be done. I just need to commit to some tile choices so we can get started….

  44. Harvey finally reached KY . yesterday// 8 1/2 inches of rain in 18 hours… we will have some leaks to fix ( ceiling and walls) but nothing compared to Texas… pray for Texas..

  46. Your house should consider itself lucky that you are so talented. Otherwise you may have moved away by now!

  47. Hired drywall installed in our basement. I finished seams and painted plus trimmed it. Then installed plank flooring. At age of 65!

  48. I have so many projects I want to be working on, but everything is on pause while my parents are living with us.

  49. I have little projects only right now but they seem harder to get done. 🙂 I’ll have to share with my dad about the purple drywall!

  50. I am currently working on redoing our coffee table, the sanding it taking a while with all of the details in the wood.

  52. We have a kitchen add in to an exciting end of a family room. After watching seeing you I think we can tackle it! Thanks so much!

  53. You are overdue for a win! How tall is the ceiling in the basement? Years ago I watched my contractor cousin install ceiling sheet rock. He created 2 t-supports of 2×4 to hold it in place against the ceiling while he nailed. Since he was alone that day, I’m going to guess to get it up there, one end of the sheet was initially supported by the top of the ladder while he got the first support in place.

  56. I love all your tips and advice! Now I just need more time in my day to actually do some of the projects!!

  57. Looking good. This looks like a god product for our basement that doesn’t have any windows. Thanks for sharing

  58. I love your posts! I have learned so much and continue to learn with each of your project. I didn’t even know there was something like purple dry wall! Thank you for sharing your projects!

  60. ive been tearing down a small closet so i can build a bigger one cause i live in an old house where there is no i mean no closets

  61. In the process of finishing my “mom cave”. Just need to caulk the trim and do paint touch ups but while the weather is nice I am re-staining my fence. Maintenance, always maintenance.

  64. I’m working on putting new drywall on the basement ceiling where I hammered thru it to get at a live bird that got stuck in the ceiling….long story, but funny!

  67. Great job!! I just finished patching an old plaster wall and then skim coating it. It’s all primed and painted now and I love it!! Thanks for all the inspiration that you give me for me to tackle projects myself.

  68. In the process of finishing the basement family room, with two additional projects going on in the upstairs bedrooms. I feel ya!

  69. I am so happy you had a win. After yesterday’s post I was worried that you were gonna throw your hands in the air and say to heck with it. We reworking on a major reorganization of tools hardware and lumber in the garage. Also finishing up some garden projects, maybe another garden shed in my future.

  70. I’m always impressed with your work! I still wish I could talk you into working on my little houseboat with me.

  71. I’m dry walling my kitchen from when I had the pot filler and ice maker line installed. Its double drywall.

  72. This site is such an inspiration to me. I am starting to close off my formal dining room with French doors. These tools would sure help.

  73. This scares me. I am just starting on my master bath and the last thing I want to deal with is poopy water. Fingers crossed.

  74. I love your Tardis! I’m getting ready to tear out my pantry (built to hold a full size washer and dryer) and install upper and lower cabinets to open up my galley kitchen another 15 inches.

  75. Yeah! On your progress. Love reading your blog. I just finished cherry storage shelves for my sewing room. My next projects are a cutting table for my sewing room and bead board for our guest bath. Thanks for all you do.

  76. I am working on completely fixing up an ‘over the garage room’. Thank you for keeping me motivated!

  77. Girl, I know that was hard as hell lifting that drywall! You and your sister are so lucky to have each other! I always wanted a sister!

  78. Finishing the basement. Tore out the previous bath that did not work because previous owner used galvanized and copper pipe without the proper connections so it clogged. HAve reinstalled new 1/2 bath using PEX, just needs the door. Next on to the remainder of the basement to include a bar.

  79. We are rebuilding a 1948 cabin that everyone told us needed to be razed. But we were determined to keep as much of the original as possible, which has been about 70% of the “bones”. We are slowly progressing, as we do the work ourselves. Soon we will be installing dry wall for entire cabin. Thinking we need to check out this Purple XP for at least the bathrooms. Thank you for the info on this.

  85. Joint compound that doesn’t fly all over the place when you sand????? HEAVENLY!!! Got to get me some of that!!!!! Will definitely keep this kind of drywall in mind when we finally get to putting a bathroom in our lower level!

  86. Had trouble commenting on your Giveaway post, so here it goes…
    Have had a bare lathe wall in my kitchen from water damage for so long that my mother has announced that she’s actually getting used to it!!! Omg- I need to start drywalling & use this Purple drywall! Awesome stuff!

  87. So, I read “The You Don’t Need A Man To Fix It” book. Now I’m fired up to fix all that stuff! I aspire to someday be as capable as YOU!! Kudos on your own personal Tardis! It looks terrific!!

  88. I’ve promised hubs I will only do one project at a time in this new house and so I’ve got the front foyer as a good place to start. It’s tiny, but it will be awesome when it’s done. I’ve just scrapping crappy plasticy tiles (but heavier than standard stick-downs) off pure maple floors… and they used loads of adhesive. Ugh. Why. If interested, I’m on instagram as ajmaurer

  89. We had one side of our house from one end to the other get water damaged while trying to reroof our house in the spring of 2015. So I have been doing a bunch of sheet rock work inside. I had never heard of that type of drywall mud before this post, so i will definitely try it. Thank you for post

  90. I can’t wait to try you idea for the pine tongue and groove substitute. Such a great idea…will be using it in our entry. Thank you so much for you clear pictures and candid comments. The work never ends, but it sure can be satisfying. Thank you for all you sharing efforts!

  91. I would love to make a sliding barn door for my bedroom – the room is very small and the current door swings into the bedroom and just takes up so much room. That’s my next project!

  93. I am wanting crown molding in my den. It’s the only room left down stairs that doesn’t have it do I can’t wait to get started

  97. We recently had to break up our basement floor to fix a plumbing issue the previous owner of our home improperly “repaired.” We’re currently working on many, many other things that were not installed properly by the previous owners. Getting a little discouraged!

  98. Any win, large or small, counts! I started a drywall project in February that was put on hold May 25th when I had surgery for tonsillar cancer. I have some nerve damage from the surgery that is affecting my right arm but I’m about ready to get back at it again!

  100. STILL finishing our full basement finish. Current on the drawing board is the craft/laundry/pet/workout/utility room (it’s a rather big space that couldn’t be divided up with walls).

  101. We finished making a big shelving unit in the garage and got it organized, finally. We are trying to figure out a bike storage system for our large family. We had several ideas that didn’t work, but in the process ended up making a crate into a golf storage system with castors. I have been working for several years on a plan for our major kitchen reno. Seeing all your difficulties actually encourages me that though the process will be uphill, we will persevere. Love you blog.

  103. Thanks for all the inspiration. Just finished redoing my daughter’s room (just in time for high school) and now, of course, the younger ones need their rooms done! Hopefully I’ll get back to finishing my tiered box garden before winter comes! I’m making it the Fort Knox of gardens because we share our land with about a million chipmunks and squirrels!

  105. My husband and I bought our first house last year. It’s a cape style home with an UNFINISHED second floor. We’re hoping to turn it into an awesome master bedroom suite and these drywall installation tutorials will help for sure!

  107. No doubt, there’s always something to do when remodeling. My 125+ year farmhouse was a 10 year project that has morphed into a 15 year project. There’s never enough time or money to get everything done that you want to. So are your plans with your sister helping you on hold for a while?

  112. I am trying to update my kitchen right now. I want to install a shiplap wall. Then I am building a coffee bar and some floating shelves above! I’m quite excited to get it done. 🙂

  114. Thanks for your tips and product recommendation. The drywall would be perfect in my basement or in the panel room when I remove the knotty tongue and groove pine paneling. 😮 Loving the purple tool bag!

  115. Congrats on your closet win! Your blog is incredibly inspiring to this semi-novice diyer; thank you so much. I’m about to get started on tearing out an old basement drop ceiling in order to properly insulate the rim joist and soundproof so we can use the room above for watching movies. Your earlier post about all the versions of purple drywall planted the seed since they make a soundproof version that will be perfect for finishing over the rock wool batts!

  116. Way to keep on keeping on! We just had a sink overflow in an area that needs a boat load of plumbing work. Let the not-fun begin, ending with purple drywall.

  119. I’ve been mudding drywall and having a horrible time with the mud I bought. I’ll need to find some of the stuff you’re using!

  120. There are various things in the bathroom that desperately need attention!

    Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  121. I admire your skill and tenacity to beautify your home. I’ve been following you for years and every post leaves me in awe.

  122. I highly suggested the XP purple to my daughter after seeing your visit to their company. They’re remodelng in KS and i know its the better choice for their common bathroom walls! Great job!

  123. I’m looking to freshen up our home with some board and batten. We’re possibly redoing both bathrooms. We’re having laminate installed throughout the house.

  125. My husband, son and I built a mezzanine in our barn so that we could get some storage over our heads. We have to put in the tractor, the mower, the tractor attachments, etc. etc. We needed to recapture some floor space.

  126. I follow you quite often and love your blog! I will not subscribe at this time as I have way too much email coming in but I do come back quite often as I love some of the different things you do. I don’t have a basement problem but I sure could use this Purple XP product as I will eventually be doing my entire upstairs and my garage as it is in desperate need! Thanks for sharing!

  127. Currently working on replacing the outdoor lights (front door and garage door), installing a new hanging light in the foyer, and eventually, a 60″ ceiling fan in the great room!

  129. I feel your pain. Our finished lower level in our previous home, flooded when the sump pump failed outside in the lift pit. I went into a fetal position after that one! Hang in there, this too shall pass.

  131. Love checking out all your projects! Keeps me motivated to finish my own. Working on a home gym at the moment.

  133. Thank you for sharing both the good… and the bad… adventures of home upgrades. We’ve been in the middle of renovating our only bathroom for longer than I care to admit. It’s like one thing always leads to another thing and then another thing, etc in this old house of ours. What starts out as a relatively simple project ends up complicated before I even get halfway through. LOL Thanks for your motivation! and Good Luck!!!

  134. Ugh, plumbing problems are the worst. Your skills amaze me though. I love what you are doing to your hosue–especially the trim. I am a big fan of trim molding.

  135. Your motivation and skills inspire me. I’m working on getting my basement organized. I need to build some walls to separate my work shop from my wood storage, junk storage, and work out area. Right now it is an open, unfinished mess.

  137. Last Friday we finished installing 8″ Douglas Fir Shiplap as flooring in our Oregon cabin. Still need to go back up and go thru the finishing process and then pre-drill and install cut nails.

  138. Replacing the door from the garage into the utility room with something nicer to look at and more secure after a recent robbery. Not hard…just need to make the time! So proud of all that you are doing to your place in spite of the horrors of the plumbing nightmare!

  141. We just finished up a new pantry. This would’ve been so helpful! Joint compound that doesn’t make a mess? Sign me up!

  142. I’m installing kitchen drawer and cabinet pulls since none came in our current place lol..I’m also installing shelving in the living room. Thanks for the chance!

    Joey J.

  143. I’m building a wall of much needed storage cabinets and bookcases in my basement. It’s taking me 3X as long as I had hoped- but I keep checking your blog for tips, insights and encouragement to stick with it and make me believe that I can do this!! Thank you so much for all the tips and tricks and inspiration.

  144. Thanks for the updates! I have some drywall repair I just need to finish – after 4 years of procrastinating in favor of more exciting things! Any reason why you chose to go with 5/8 instead of 1/2 for the closet?

  145. I am currently working on patching and painting the hallway. Our next project will be landscaping.

  147. My parents want to build a laundry room in the basement. I will mention purple drywall because it is good for preventing mold and moisture. Thank you for the tutorial!

  149. A minor kitchen remodel turned into a major fix of almost our whole 1920s house when we discovered a corner of the kitchen was collapsing and the ceiling joists were butt ended and had come apart. Not good in earthquake country. We’re 3/4 of the way done, but it seems like the kitchen will never be done. I’ve never heard of purple drywall before.

Legal Stuff

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Disclosure

Recent Posts

Disclaimer:

Although it is my intention to provide accurate plans and clear instructions, not all plans have been tried and tested. Using plans or information found on SawdustGirl.com indicates that you agree with the Terms of Use policy and will accept full responsibility for the process and outcome of any project you attempt. All plans are for private use only. Plans and information published on SawdustGirl.com may not be reproduced, republished or distributed in any manner without written permission from Sandra Powell, Sawdust Girl. Actual projects built using Sawdust Girl plans may be published on your own site without instructions or "tutorial" as long as you provide a link to my original post with full post title or "SawdustGirl.com" as link title.