Joint Compounds (43 items found)

Whether you're remodeling, working on new construction or completing a patch and repair project, joint compound can be an essential material. No matter what project is ahead, make Ace Hardware your first stop to find drywall mud and the tools you need to work with it properly.

What Is Joint Compound?

Also known by other names like drywall mud or sheetrock mud, joint compound is a material with a creamy consistency like toothpaste that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Like wood filler for furniture and paneling, drywall compound can be used to fill in holes and disguise blemishes in existing drywall.

Compared to plaster, drywall joint compound is generally easier to use and more forgiving, making it a great option for DIY enthusiasts. Choose it as an alternative to plaster for skim coating whole walls and ceilings, finishing joints, and corner trim.

Is Joint Compound the Same as Spackle?

Joint compound and spackle are similar but not the same. Spackle is thicker and ideal for smaller repair jobs. By comparison, joint compound is better for larger jobs as it is easier to spread and more affordable.

Types of Drywall Compound to Consider

There are a few types of mud for sheetrock and drywall that you can consider. Which type will be best for your project depends primarily on the nature of the job. Options include:

• All-purpose joint compound: Typically sold pre-mixed in buckets, all-purpose drywall mud is a convenient choice because it is always ready to use right away. You can utilize it for any stage in the drywall process, and its lightweight consistency and slow-drying properties make it simple to work with.
• Topping compound: Usually sold as a powder that you mix with water, topping joint compound is intended for later stages of drywalling. It adheres strongly and resists shrinkage, allowing it to go on smoothly.
• Drywall taping compound: If you need to embed drywall tape, taping joint compound could be the right choice for your project. Once dry, it is much harder than other types of drywall mud. As a result, it is also a common choice for filling in cracks in plasterwork.
• Quick-set joint compound: When you need to get the job done fast or must apply several coats of drywall in one day, quick-setting joint compound is a good solution. As its name suggests, the sheetrock mud dries rapidly. Another benefit is that quick-set joint compound is highly resistant to moisture, so it works well in areas prone to high levels of humidity.

Shop Drywall Mud for Your Next Project at Ace

Experienced DIYers can shop drywall mud online for quick delivery. If you have any questions for your next drywall project, head to your local Ace Hardware store to get ideas and inspiration from our knowledgeable associates. They can help you compare joint compound products and other patch and repair solutions, like wall texture compounds, and recommend tools like putty knives that will enable you to get the job done right.