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.
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.
I was able to most of the installation by myself but needed an extra set of hands here and there.
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.
- 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.
- Thank goodness I bought my DeWalt collated drywall screwgun because it only requires one hand to operate.
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! 
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 TARDIS
I’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.
Bobbi says
We had a slab leak so still working on getting my house back, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.
Heidi Harms says
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!
Celeste says
You are a superhuman! Purple XP Drywall sounds like just what I need for my laundry room gut remodel – love your blog!
Kelli says
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.
Linda says
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.
ALex says
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.
Carrie D says
You WIN! Yay!! You absolutely needed a win and you earned it – multiple times! Congrats on meeting your lofty goal!
Will G says
Redoing our deck.
Gerry says
Great job!
Alisons says
I’m waiting to get started on one of our bathrooms!
Elizabeth Maden says
Congrats on your win! You’re an inspiration to me that I can tackle those homeowner projects.
Katie Swafford says
I’m building laundry room cabinets!
Wendy says
A closet it still a finished project, and I think that can lift your spirits facing the current situation. And, as mentioned, you can store all the things scattered about that contributes to the feeling of chaos.
SusanG says
I’m starting slow with a paint job I’ve been putting off. Then bookcases for the WIN!
Celeste says
Love it! Never enough storage
kayley says
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.
Nikki says
I need to get going on my laundry room but have been putting it off because it is a big job!
Allisha says
Looks awesome! So glad you got a win…
Brooke Rose says
I need to get my basement taped and mudded. I could use this gift card for the supplies I need.
Edie S says
I’m just working on getting rid of stuff so I can see what I have that is worth organizing!????
Kimberly G says
I would like to fix up my bathroom.
Patricia Dunne Warshell says
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.
Denise Whittington says
Glad you got a win! I know the feeling of wanting to get at least one thing done and stuff organized.
Heather Lawrence says
I always love seeing what you’re onto next! So much motivation and inspiration~
Tammy says
You inspire me !
Hema Poonamalli says
Go Purple!
Kimberly says
So happy you got a win!
Molly O'Brien says
Win! Yay! Looks great, and I am sorry about your sewer woes.
Is a drywall jack too big to work in your closet?
Hema Poonamalli says
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.
Robin Hill says
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.
Tom says
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?
TRACI says
We are about to start a two bathroom remodel. Thanks for the tips!
Dena lilly says
Nice job, I hate muding ????
Keep going! You motivate me to keep working …….but just not as fast ????
Brenda Nieto says
You inspire me to finally tackle some of the things that I’ve been putting off for years! Nice job!
Jan says
Wish I had that much room in my basement!!
Tess van dijk says
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.
Shelly says
Your doing a great job.
Kirsten Taylor says
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?
Donna Gelineau says
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.
Sharon Flasche says
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.
Jenn says
I’m so impressed with how you’ve kept going after the sewer saga!
Evie Lorenson says
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!
Misty says
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.
Megan s says
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 🙂
Colleen N says
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….
Donna N says
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..
Emily says
Gutting an entire 200 year old farmhouse ????
Leen says
Your house should consider itself lucky that you are so talented. Otherwise you may have moved away by now!
Sandra maxwell says
Hired drywall installed in our basement. I finished seams and painted plus trimmed it. Then installed plank flooring. At age of 65!
Elizabeth Rowley says
I have so many projects I want to be working on, but everything is on pause while my parents are living with us.
Sara D says
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!
Laura S says
I am currently working on redoing our coffee table, the sanding it taking a while with all of the details in the wood.
Matt says
I have a bathroom remodel I’m about to start and was looking into both of these products.
Deborah Sudweeks says
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!
Guerrina says
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.
LISA says
Looks lime a lot of work.
Charisse medico says
Hooray for a win!
Kristin C. says
I love all your tips and advice! Now I just need more time in my day to actually do some of the projects!!
Robin Cailloux says
Looking good. This looks like a god product for our basement that doesn’t have any windows. Thanks for sharing
Penny Bolton says
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!
Rachel says
I’m hoping to start a laundry room remodel in the near future.
carol clark says
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
Terrie says
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.
Rhonda Rutherford says
Great job as always! Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Deb says
Great job ! Love that purple drywall. Used it in my basement.
Michelle says
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!
Riley says
Impressive!
My advice for future drywall ceilings….rent a drywall lift. So much easier!
Darlean m says
I love the purple box…. I’m wondering though if you ever sleep!
OrangeBlossom says
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.
Patty says
In the process of finishing the basement family room, with two additional projects going on in the upstairs bedrooms. I feel ya!
Charisse Andrews says
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.
MaryEllan says
I’m always impressed with your work! I still wish I could talk you into working on my little houseboat with me.
Judy says
I’m dry walling my kitchen from when I had the pot filler and ice maker line installed. Its double drywall.
Lee Hernandez says
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.
Amy Teal says
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.
Barb H. says
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.
Bren says
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.
Sharon says
I am working on completely fixing up an ‘over the garage room’. Thank you for keeping me motivated!
Katherine says
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!
CHRIS says
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.
Margaret Joyner says
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.
Amanda bickford says
Something about pretty purple
Could make a job a bit more fun.
Charles Young says
Working on making doors for my shed.
Starr says
Great blog and your great attitude!
Mary West says
About to tackle the smaller bathroom. Good to know I can do this.
karin Meenan says
We are demolishing our bathroom so this was a great post to read.
Nancyinnortheastiowa says
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!
Libby Ansani says
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!
Ac says
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!!
Annet M says
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
Tommy Allen says
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
Shellee richardson says
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!
Karen Simon Peterson says
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!
LP says
My coat room needs a makeover
Cathy J says
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
Nicole says
Prepping for a laundry/ utility room overhaul!
April Blythe says
Working on a mantle for the fireplace and a built in bench in the kitchen.
Cat Blauvelt says
I am buying an older home so kinda everywhere I will be using it!!
Karen says
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!
Darlene says
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!
KAT says
I am always so impressed with what you accomplish. Great job on your room!!
KAT says
And I would love to re-d0 our powder room!
Abbey Colbert says
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).
Beth B says
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.
Malcolm Starling says
SheetRock looks really good!
Anna M says
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!
Lora Passmore says
Love the TARDIS box lol!
Tiffany says
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!
Zoe says
Just want to say how much I admire your skills, your knowledge and your perseverance! The poop saga would have completely done me in! I’m cheering you on from Georgia!!
Connie Kline says
New flooring in both bathrooms is next!
MaVB says
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?
Susan says
Working on a small redo of a bathroom. Fun stuff!
Lisa says
Your work is inspiring, thanks!
Shannon Korpela says
I have a huge addition coming up. Good info to have, thanks!
Marsha Arditti says
What a wonderful story. You definitely deserve praise for all your great work.
Debbie says
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. 🙂
Vicki Crochet says
Love this new product! Can’t wait to try it on the next renovation project we attempt.
Tammara says
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!
Jess says
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!
LynnR says
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.
Michelle Trainor Masters says
Still working on Bathroom, next I want to start the kitchen
Sherry W says
I’m wanting to turn some weird storage space into more of a safe-room for emergencies.
Nina Spencer says
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!
Amber Terry says
There are various things in the bathroom that desperately need attention!
Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Eryn Watson says
I admire your skill and tenacity to beautify your home. I’ve been following you for years and every post leaves me in awe.
Terri H says
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!
Theda says
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.
Latanya says
We just out down new counter tops in our kitchen
Toby Wollin says
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.
Shirley says
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!
Dorothea says
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!
Thomas Murphy says
I want to paint and tile my bathroom.
Mama jan says
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.
Emma E says
I love your purple Tardis! Hreat way to stay positive!
Mike says
Love checking out all your projects! Keeps me motivated to finish my own. Working on a home gym at the moment.
joe pardo says
Very nice job indeed. I don’t think anyone could have done it better.
AMANDA b. says
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!!!
Laurie says
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.
Ginny says
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.
Jacqui H. says
I can’t believe how tall your basement walls are!
Stanley Pearse says
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.
Vickie H. says
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!
D Coats says
That purple color is pretty. How many coats of paint does it take to cover ?
Margaret C says
I want to remodel my bathroom. That looks like a good product to use for the bathroom update.
Mandy C says
We just finished up a new pantry. This would’ve been so helpful! Joint compound that doesn’t make a mess? Sign me up!
JoeyfromSC says
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.
Amanda says
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.
Sarah says
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?
Cindy A. says
I am currently working on patching and painting the hallway. Our next project will be landscaping.
Rebecca b says
We just finished the last details on the primary bathroom. Now it’s on to the Master.
Kate says
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!
MARTHAIA says
Dining room area is next ,will recommend purple -xp- drywall;;,,,Thanks
janice ray says
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.
Patrick says
Lurve the purple!
Lakewood Drywall says
Love this Post! I don’t have much experience with purple drywall but I;m excited to start using it in the future.