Without a doubt the California patch is one of the best ways to fix a large hole in your drywall. This project is somewhat time consuming as a result of the need to use multiple coats of drywall compound and the resultant dry times, but for total time invested it isn’t too burdensome. For me the most important outcome was to have something solid that I could screw into in the future as there would no doubt be another toilet paper dispenser that will be put there very soon. The thin wooden shims were key to ensuring that this would be possible as they will provide a solid foundation for the patch and what ever I choose to hang there in the future. One should be prepared with wide putty knives as it will be important to provide an adequate amount of drywall compound to cover the edges of the patch by at least 6 inches all around.