Panel joints should be centered against ceiling joists or wall studs and staggered so they don't align with adjacent joints.

Before installing wall panels, mark wall-stud locations on the floor and ceiling so you can find them easily after the panels are in place.

Driving screws with a screw gun or drill driver is easiest, particularly for ceilings. Most codes call for spacing fasteners every 8 inches along panel ends, edges, and intermediate supports. Position fasteners at least 3/8 inch from panel edges.

If you nail the panels, use a bell-faced or drywall hammer to dimple the drywall surface with the final blow on each nail head (but take care not to puncture the paper on the surface). This creates a small divot that will be filled with drywall compound during finishing.