Small Product, Big Impact: How 3WAY Drywall Supplies Is Solving a Major Problem in Modular Construction
- Audree Grubesic
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
By: Offsite Dirt Network
At this year’s World of Modular event, Offsite Dirt Network had the opportunity to sit down with Steven Brown of 3WAY Drywall Supplies to discuss an innovative drywall finishing solution that is helping solve one of the most frustrating and time-consuming challenges in construction: the three-way drywall corner.
While drywall finishing may not always be the first thing people think about when discussing innovation in offsite construction, products that improve efficiency, reduce labor challenges, and minimize repairs can have a massive impact on manufacturing timelines and project quality.
And that is exactly what 3WAY is doing.
A Solution Born From Real Industry Experience
Steven Brown’s background began in drywall finishing nearly a decade ago. Through years of working in construction, he noticed one consistent issue: the complexity of finishing inside three-way drywall corners where two walls meet the ceiling.
Traditionally, this process requires overlapping multiple pieces of tape, careful mud sculpting, sanding, and a high level of craftsmanship to achieve a clean finish. It is often one of the most difficult and labor-intensive parts of drywall finishing.
Brown explained that many installers struggle with the process, especially new workers entering the industry. In response, his team began looking for a way to simplify the installation while maintaining consistency and quality.
The result was the development of an innovative reinforced drywall corner product designed to make installation easier, faster, and more reliable.
Simplifying Installation and Reducing Repairs
One of the major benefits of the 3WAY system is that it dramatically reduces the skill level required to finish complex drywall corners.
According to Brown, traditional drywall corner finishing can take years to fully master.
With this system, however, installers can become proficient almost immediately.
The product also eliminates much of the tedious sanding and mud work traditionally associated with inside corner finishing. Once installed, the interior portion is essentially paint-ready, saving time during both production and final quality control.
For modular construction manufacturers, this efficiency becomes even more valuable.
Why It Matters for Modular Construction
During the interview, Brown discussed how modular structures experience unique stresses during transportation.
Even though modular buildings are constructed with high levels of precision and quality, transporting modules down the road creates movement and vibration similar to a minor earthquake. Those vibrations often lead to drywall corner cracking, especially in difficult transition areas.
The reinforced design of the 3WAY system helps reduce those issues by creating stronger, more flexible corner reinforcement that better withstands transportation movement.
For modular manufacturers, this can significantly reduce repair work at the end of the production line and after installation onsite.
In an industry where speed, labor efficiency, and quality control are critical, small process improvements like this can create major operational advantages.
Partnership With WESCO Expanding Industry Reach
Brown also discussed how the company connected with WESCO, a well-known supplier within the modular and construction industries.
After showcasing the product at a trade event, WESCO immediately recognized the value the system could bring to modular manufacturers. The partnership has since helped introduce the product to a much broader audience across the offsite construction space.
By working with established distribution partners, 3WAY Drywall Supplies is now helping more factories and project teams improve efficiency while reducing costly drywall repairs and labor challenges.
Innovation Often Starts With Simple Problems
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was hearing how the original idea was developed.
Brown shared that the product concept began around a kitchen table using folded paper prototypes inspired by origami techniques. What started as an attempt to help train a new employee eventually evolved into a patented drywall solution now helping manufacturers across the industry.
It is another reminder that some of the best innovations in construction come directly from people working hands-on in the field who simply want to solve real-world problems.
The Future of Offsite Construction Depends on Efficiency
As offsite and modular construction continue to scale, innovations that improve labor efficiency, reduce rework, and simplify manufacturing processes will become increasingly important.
Whether it is automation, transportation systems, HVAC integration, or drywall finishing solutions, every improvement contributes to making industrialized construction more scalable and sustainable.
Products like the 3WAY drywall corner system may seem small on the surface, but their impact on workflow, labor, and quality can be substantial.
And in modular construction, efficiency matters everywhere.
To learn more about 3WAY Drywall Supplies and their innovative drywall corner solution, stay connected with Offsite Dirt Network for continued coverage from World of Modular and beyond.
FAQs:
What problem does the 3WAY drywall corner system solve?
The 3WAY system helps simplify the difficult three-way drywall corner where two walls meet the ceiling, reducing labor time, sanding, cracking, and repair work.
Why is this product beneficial for modular construction?
Modular buildings experience movement during transportation, which can often lead to drywall corner cracks. The reinforced 3WAY system helps improve durability and reduce repairs after transport.
How does the product improve labor efficiency?
The system allows installers to complete complex drywall corners faster and with less skill required, helping manufacturers improve consistency and reduce production delays.
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