• Drywall

Different Types of Drywall Corner Bead & How to Install Them

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In drywall finishing, the process requires mudding, taping, and coating to achieve a stunning, professional finish on walls and ceilings. One essential component in this process is the corner bead, designed to enhance both the strength and appearance of corners.

What is drywall corner bead?

Drywall corner bead is an angled trim piece, applied along the length of outside wall corners where two drywall boards intersect. Its primary functions include stabilizing and reinforcing corners and concealing the visible seam, resulting in a seamless 90-degree angle.

Typically, corner bead is exclusive to outside corners due to its susceptibility to wear and damage. While corner beads can technically be used on inside corners, they are generally unnecessary when a simple paper tape installation can suffice.

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3 Types of corner bead

Corner bead is available in a wide range of materials and shapes to address your finishing needs.

Metal

Among the various types of corner bead, metal is the most traditional. It provides a robust solution for concealing imperfections in drywall board edges and achieving a sharp 90-degree angle, even when the drywall isn't flawlessly installed. However, metal corner beads can be time-consuming to install, as they require more joint compound compared to their counterparts. They typically come in both square (90 degrees) and bullnose shapes—which are rounded for curved corners.

Paper-faced bead

There are two varieties: metal-reinforced paper and composite. Within metal-faced paper, you get a blend of rigidity and easier installation. Paper-faced metal corner beads save time during installation but might not effectively mask drywall flaws. Shapes available include square and bullnose.

• Paper-faced composite. This option utilizes a plastic core, making it simple and quick to install with minimal mud required. However, be aware that it tends to reveal drywall imperfections, necessitating precision during installation. It comes in several shapes, including square, bullnose, and baby bullnose—perfect for tight spaces.

Vinyl

Vinyl corner bead is the most versatile, offered in numerous shapes, sizes, and styles. A unique feature is the arch bead, which has notches to allow bending and shaping to fit various trim sizes easily. Recommended installation involves spray adhesive followed by stapling to the drywall board.

How is corner bead installed?

Corner bead is typically installed post-taping, but some drywall finishers prefer to install it first based on personal choice. Here’s a brief installation outline for different corner bead types:

Metal corner bead

1. Position the metal corner bead centrally to adequately cover both sides of the drywall boards.
2. Use a staple gun, screw gun, pneumatic stapler, or nail gun to attach it down securely along the ribbed edges, thus maintaining the integrity of the corner angles.
3. Post-installation, a coating of joint compound is necessary, typically requiring three layers to achieve complete coverage.

Paper-faced metal corner bead

1. Apply a thick layer of taping mud to the drywall corner for coverage.
2. Align the corner bead with the corner and press it into the mud firmly.
3. Employ a corner roller tool to secure it in place, squeezing out excess mud as needed.
4. Remove extra mud and coat the paper tape with taping compound, allowing it to dry before adding subsequent layers.

Paper-faced composite corner bead

1. Begin with a thick layer of taping mud on the drywall corner.
2. Center the corner bead and press it firmly into place.
3. Use a drywall knife to clear excess mud.
4. Allow it to dry before adding a thin layer of taping compound.

Vinyl corner bead

1. Spray the drywall corner with adhesive, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Spray the inside of the vinyl corner bead as well.
3. Secure the vinyl to the corner, pressing for a few seconds.
4. Fasten it with a staple gun using T50 staples, which are appropriate due to the material's thinner structure.
5. Begin coating after ensuring complete attachment, which generally requires one or two mud layers.

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Metal Corner bead for INSIDE corner?

A friend mentioned using metal corner bead on the inside corners of their home with great results. Initially, I thought they meant the paper-backed version used for inside corners, but they clarified it was the traditional metal one flipped around and screwed into place before mudding. They felt confident it wouldn’t move because it was securely attached. I was skeptical since I've never seen this done before and worried it might lead to complications as edges could potentially peek through the mud over time.

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