Metal Corner Beads: Important Installation Tips & Techniques

A corner bead is a drywall product used to finish and protect the fragile outside corners of your walls, typically coming in 8- to 12-foot lengths and producing a clean finish for outside corners.

 

For decades, metal corner beads have been the go-to choice for finishing the outside corners of drywall projects, favored by both experienced contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. However, just because something has a long history of use doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option available.

 

Despite their widespread use, metal corner beads come with significant drawbacks that make them less than ideal for today's top professionals. Issues such as rust, durability concerns, and installation difficulties are just a few factors that detract from the appeal of metal corner beads for drywall projects.

 

Curious to learn more? This article delves into the limitations of metal corner beads and introduces alternative products that can elevate your drywall finishing game from zero to hero.

 

What is a Corner Bead?

 

A corner bead is a drywall product used to finish and protect the fragile outside corners of your walls, typically coming in 8- to 12-foot lengths and producing a clean finish for outside corners.

 

Corner beads also guide your taping knife when applying joint compound to help ensure smooth, flat finish work.

 

 

Types of Corner Bead

 

Traditionally, metal has been the primary material used for corner beads. However, a variety of corner bead types are available today, including vinyl and paper-faced varieties.

 

Metal Corner Bead

 

Metal is the traditional and most common material used for corner beads. These beads typically come in lengths ranging from 8 to 12 feet and are available in a limited range of sizes and profiles.

 

Paper-Faced Corner Bead

 

Paper-faced corner beads consist of a metal corner profile with paper attachment flanges. While these flanges aim to address some of the installation issues associated with metal corner beads, they often introduce their own set of challenges.

 

Vinyl Corner Bead

 

Constructed entirely from durable and flexible vinyl, this type of corner bead offers superior resistance to cracking and separation at outside wall corners.

 

Metal Corner Bead: Drawbacks and Challenges

 

Despite being a longstanding choice among drywall contractors, metal corner beads come with a host of issues that have prompted many high-quality professionals to seek alternative options.

 

Rust

 

Metal corner beads are prone to rust, especially when used in moisture-rich areas like bathrooms or basements, or in humid regions such as the Southeast. Rust not only weakens the structural integrity of the bead, leading to potential corner failure, but it can also seep through paint, resulting in unsightly discoloration.

 

Durability Concerns

 

The outside corners of walls endure constant impact from various sources such as children, pets, and moving furniture. This can lead to dents and damage on metal corner beads, compromising their appearance and functionality. Unlike their vinyl counterparts, metal corner beads cannot be repaired once dented and must be replaced.

 

Transportation Damage

 

Metal corner beads are susceptible to damage during transportation, whether from manufacturer to supply house or from supply house to the jobsite. During transit, beads may become bent, dented, or flattened, making them challenging, if not impossible, to use effectively in the project.

 

In instances where corner repairs are necessary, vinyl corner repair often proves advantageous over metal corner repair due to its durability and ease of use.

 

Challenges with Installing Metal Corner Bead

 

Due to its rigid and frequently damaged condition, metal corner beads are typically secured with screws through the nailing flange and into a stud. This method helps straighten and flatten out a corner bead that might otherwise be unusable.

 

However, screwing a corner bead into a stud often leads to cracking along outside corners. As your home's framing settles, expands, and contracts, the corner bead moves with it rather than with the drywall.

 

Conclusion

 

Mastering the installation of metal corner beads is essential for achieving professional-quality results in drywall projects. By understanding the different types of corner beads available and following essential installation tips and techniques, you can ensure clean, crisp corners that enhance the overall appearance and durability of your walls.

 

For inquiries about metal corner beads or to find a reliable supplier, please contact us today.