After doing drywall for most of my life, and watching my dad do it before me, I’ve learned a thing or two about damaged corners. One of the most common calls I get from homeowners around here is about beat-up drywall corners: chipped, dented, cracked, or flat-out busted.
Most folks don’t think about drywall corners until they get smacked by a vacuum, the edge of a laundry basket, or a kid running around the house with a toy truck. And once that damage is there, it tends to stick out like a sore thumb.
So, if you’re wondering when it’s worth fixing, what it’ll take to fix it, or how to keep it from happening again, let’s talk it out. I’ll keep it simple, just like I would if we were having this chat in your kitchen.
When to Fix vs. When to Leave It Alone
Truth is, not every dinged or dented drywall corner needs to be repaired right away. Some folks don’t mind a little wear and tear, it gives the house some character. But here’s when I think it’s time to fix it:
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The damage is sharp or jagged: If it can cut someone or catch a sweater, your drywall corner needs fixing.
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There’s a crack that’s getting longer: That means something is shifting or was hit hard enough to crack the joint compound or corner bead.
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You’re painting the room soon: No point putting fresh paint on top of damaged corners. You’ll just have to do it again later.
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You’re prepping to sell your house: Buyers will spot damaged drywall corners right away. First impressions count.
If it’s just a small dent or scrape, you can usually touch it up with a little joint compound and paint. But if it’s crushed, cracked, or loose, it’s best to replace that section of corner entirely.
How Much Drywall Corner Repair Will Be Needed?
Every job’s a little different, but the good news is: damaged corners don’t always mean a big repair bill. Here’s how I usually size up what’s needed:
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Minor Dings or Scuffs: Usually a quick patch job. Clean it up, float some mud (that’s joint compound), sand it smooth, and you’re done.
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Cracked Corner Bead: That’s when we remove the old bead (the metal or plastic piece that forms the corner), put in a new one, and finish it like new.
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Large Damage or Multiple Corners: Might take more time and material, especially if the drywall itself is busted underneath.
Cost-wise, a single corner replacement (with painting included) typically runs in the ballpark of $250–$500 depending on how much needs to be done. If multiple corners or tight spaces are involved, it might be more. But I always give a fair price and stick to it, no surprises.
What to Expect the Day of the Repair
Most corner repairs can be knocked out in a few hours, but because mud needs to dry between coats, it can sometimes take two trips.
Here’s how a typical drywall corner repair job goes with me:
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Arrival and Setup: I’ll show up on time, cover the work area with drop cloths, and protect nearby furniture or flooring. I treat your house like I would my own.
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Remove the Damaged Section: If the corner bead is shot, I’ll cut out the damaged area, pull out the old bead, and prep the surface.
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Install New Corner Bead: I’ll secure a fresh corner bead, either metal or plastic depending on the area, and apply the first coat of joint compound.
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Let It Dry: We need to give that mud time to dry. Usually 24 hours.
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Return for Sanding & Finishing Coats: I’ll come back to apply one or two more coats, sanding in between until it’s smooth and flush with the wall.
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Paint: If you want me to, I’ll paint the area so it blends perfectly. You won’t even know it was ever damaged.
After the Drywall Corner Repair: Touch-Up and Maintenance
Once I’m done, you’ll have a corner that looks brand new, probably better than when the house was built. If I painted it for you, you’re all set.
If not, you’ll just need to paint it yourself or have your painter match the finish. I always recommend keeping a little leftover paint from your last paint job in case of touch-ups like this.
How to Avoid Corner Drywall Damage in the First Place
Let’s be honest, no one’s perfect, and corners are going to take hits. But there are some ways to help prevent the damage from happening again:
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Install Bullnose or Rounded Corner Beads: These are softer to the eye and a little more forgiving if bumped.
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Consider Flexible Corner Beads: These newer beads are made from vinyl and are more impact-resistant. Great for homes with kids or high-traffic areas.
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Add Corner Guards: In high-risk areas like hallways or basements, you can put in clear plastic or decorative metal corner guards. They’re cheap, and they work.
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Be Mindful of Furniture: A lot of corner damage comes from dragging furniture or vacuuming too fast around tight turns.
Types of Drywall Corner Beads
In case you’re wondering, here are the common types I work with:
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Metal Corner Beads: Classic, strong, but can rust if moisture gets in.
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Vinyl (Plastic) Corner Beads: Flexible, won’t rust, and good for damp areas.
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Bullnose Corner Beads: Rounded style, looks nice and is softer to bump into.
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Paper-faced Beads: These come with joint tape built in and bond well with drywall mud.
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Experimental/High-End Options: There are also newer impact-resistant corner systems like NO-COAT or Trim-Tex’s Archway Beads. I don’t use these on every job, but for folks who want top-of-the-line durability, they’re worth looking into.
My Final Word
Drywall corners might seem like small details, but they’re the first things to get banged up, and one of the first things people notice. The good news is they’re easy to fix when you’ve got the right tools, experience, and eye for detail.
If you’re dealing with a damaged corner and want it looking like it never happened — give me a call. I’ve been fixing drywall around the Triangle for over 40 years, and we still take pride in doing the job right the first time.
You can reach out anytime, and I’ll be happy to take a look.
Until then, be good to your corners.