Written by: Emily Joswiak • October 20, 2025• Home

What Should You Do About a Hole in the Wall?

Your wall has a hole—now what? This comprehensive guide provides offers step-by-step instructions for repairing drywall holes of various sizes.

A white-painted drywall with a hole on the right side, with cracks spreading out from the top and bottom of the damaged area.

There it is: that eyesore, the hole that’s marring your wall. Drywall is easily punctured with enough force, so this type of damage isn’t uncommon. It can happen when furniture gets moved carelessly, kids throw toys, or pets decide to scratch their way through.

Holes don’t look particularly nice, so most homeowners want to patch them up right away. But how do you go about fixing it? Can you do it yourself, or do you need to call in a professional? Here are the steps to take to fix that hole and restore your wall to its original unblemished beauty.

Assess the Damage First

Before you grab any tools, take a close look at the hole. Small holes (such as nail holes or minor dings) are usually DIY friendly. Medium holes (about the size of a doorknob) need a bit more skill, but they’re still manageable for most people.

Large holes bigger than your fist? Those are professional territory. These often involve structural damage that needs expert attention.

DIY Solutions for Small Holes

One of the common questions homeowners ask about repairing small damage to drywall is, “What do I need?” The answer depends on size, but for tiny holes, you’ll just need spackling paste, a putty knife, and sandpaper.

Start by cleaning out any loose debris. Using your putty knife, apply the spackling paste and smooth it over. Once it’s completely dry, sand the area until it’s flush with the rest of the wall. Finish by priming and painting.

Medium Holes Need More Strategy

Holes around the size of a doorknob require a different approach. You’ll need a drywall patch kit from your local hardware store. These kits come with everything you need, including instructions. You’ll just cut the patch to size, apply the adhesive backing, and then smooth joint compound over the edges. Once the patch is dry, sand and paint the wall as usual.

When To Call the Professionals

For large holes, recurring cracks, or damage near electrical outlets, you’ll need to call in the experts to handle the repair. You don’t want to mess with wiring or structural components, as this could lead to serious injury or fire hazards or even compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Get Your Wall Back to Perfection

With these tips, you should be able to handle that hole in your wall, and it’ll look like it was never there to begin with. Just be careful so that it doesn’t happen again—but if it does, you can always come back here for guidance!

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