Doorknob went through the wall and left a 4" hole in 1/2" drywall.

Best method: California patch (solid drywall plug)

Steps:

1. Cut a 6" square around the hole with a utility knife and drywall saw
2. Cut a 1/2" drywall plug slightly smaller than the opening (5.5" square)
3. Score and snap a 6" square of 1/2" drywall for the patch
4. Apply joint compound around the opening edges and on the back of the patch
5. Insert patch and press firmly - the compound acts as glue
6. Tape with paper tape (not mesh) embedded in compound
7. Apply 3 coats of joint compound, feathering each coat 6-8" beyond the patch
8. Sand smooth with 120-grit, then prime and paint

Why this works:

• No visible mesh or tape edges
• Solid backing prevents future cracking
• Paper tape is stronger than mesh and sands smoother
• 1/2" thickness matches existing wall

Pro tip: Use setting-type compound (20-minute) for the first coat - it hardens faster and shrinks less than premixed.

Alternative for renters: Mesh patch with lightweight spackle, but this may show over time.

This repair will be invisible once painted and won't require future touch-ups.

Cut back to studs, back it, and float it. A 4" hole in ½" drywall is too big for a California patch or mesh tape alone—it’ll telegraph.

Steps (IRC R702.3.1 / ASTM C840):

1. Cut square: Use a jab saw to cut a clean rectangle from the hole center to the nearest studs (typically 16" OC). Expose ¾" of stud face on each side.
2. Back it: Screw 1×3 or ¾" plywood strips vertically behind the opening, flush with stud faces, 1" above/below cut edges. Fasten through existing drywall with 1¼" coarse screws every 6".
3. Patch piece: Cut a ½" drywall rectangle to fit exactly. Screw to backing/studs every 6" (1¼" screws). Keep edges tight—no gaps >⅛".
4. Tape & mud: - Coat 1: Embed paper tape (not mesh) in setting-type compound (Easy Sand 45/90) over all joints. Feather 4" out. Let set. - Coat 2: 6" knife, same mud. Feather 8". Scrape ridges. - Coat 3: 10–12" knife, all-purpose lightweight mud. Feather 14–16". - Skim coat entire patch area if wall has texture.
5. Sand, prime, texture-match, paint.

Why no mesh: Mesh tape stretches; paper tape doesn’t. On a butt joint over a 4" span, mesh guarantees a visible ridge. Paper + setting mud = invisible.

Pro tip: If the wall has orange-peel/knockdown, practice texture on cardboard first. Use a hopper gun or sponge—don’t rattle-can it.

Time: ~2 hrs + drying. Cost: <$20.