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Small vs. Large Drywall Holes: What Makes the Difference?
Small vs. Large Drywall Holes: What Makes the Difference?
11/Dec/2025

Drywall not only creates a polished appearance for walls and ceilings, but it also offers a versatile base for finishes. However, just like other structural components of your home, it is prone to various types of damage. Small and large holes, caused by physical impacts, moisture damage, pests, and simple wear and tear, can weaken the structure of walls or ceilings. Moreover, they can be an eyesore that detracts from your home’s overall appearance. It’s best to have a local handyman in Princeton, NJ repair holes in your drywall to avoid further problems.

Small vs. Large Drywall Holes: What Makes the Difference?

In this blog post, our technicians will compare how repairs are done for small drywall holes vs. large holes. Our team has been in the home repairs industry for years and has seen it all. The next time you need drywall repair service, get in touch with the pros at Mr. Handyman.

What Counts as a Small Drywall Hole?

Small drywall holes are less than 2 inches in diameter. These are caused by:

  • Nails or screws pulled from the wall
  • Door handles hitting the surface
  • Small accidental impacts
  • Anchors used for shelving or décor

Because the structural integrity of the wall remains mostly intact, these repairs are quick and simple. In many cases, a DIY-savvy homeowner can fix them with a patch kit, some spackle or joint compound, and a little sanding.

The repair process for small holes includes:

  1. Clean the area around the hole
  2. Apply spackle or using a peel-and-stick patch
  3. Smooth the surface and letting it dry
  4. Light sand for a clean finish
  5. Repaint the repaired area

Small holes rarely require cutting into the wall or reinforcing the drywall. The biggest challenge is blending the paint to match the surrounding wall.

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What Counts as a Large Drywall Hole?

Large holes usually measure more than 2 inches, though even a 3- or 4-inch hole can require more intensive repair. Damage of this size is often caused by:

  • Furniture collisions
  • Water damage creating soft or crumbling drywall
  • Plumbing or electrical access holes
  • Accidental impacts from kids, pets, or indoor activities
  • Settling or structural movement

Large drywall holes weaken the wall itself, making simple patch kits ineffective. These repairs require cutting out the damaged section and installing a more secure patch.

How Large Drywall Hole Repairs Differ

Repairing large drywall holes is a more technical process because the integrity of the wall must be restored. This job is best left to a skilled handyman rather than taking a DIY route. Below, we look at the step to follow:

  1. Cut a clean, square, or rectangular opening around the damage
  2. Install backing support behind the hole
  3. Secure a new piece of drywall into the opening
  4. Apply joint tape and multiple layers of joint compound
  5. Sand carefully to achieve a smooth finish
  6. Prime and repaint the repaired section

Unlike small repairs, large hole repairs require specialized tools, accurate measurements, and an understanding of how to feather joint compound to avoid visible seams. When done improperly, these repairs can leave bumps, uneven textures, or visible lines on the wall.

Contact Mr. Handyman When You Need Drywall Repair

Do you need fast and reliable drywall repair? Get in touch with the team at Mr. Handyman. We pride ourselves on offering professional and cost-effective home repairs. Every single repair is handled by skilled and experienced technicians who have what it takes to deliver professional results. Our pros handle every job with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship to deliver repairs that will last. In addition, we treat your home with respect and stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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