Drywall is the top choice for building walls and ceilings in homes, not only because it’s more affordable than plaster but also due to its versatility. Picture this: there’s a perfect type of drywall for every single corner and design you can think of. The overall expense is influenced by factors such as the size of the room, the complexity of the works, where you’re located, and the specific look you’re aiming for. Delve into this topic to understand its widespread popularity and find out how you can make the most of it to your advantage. Keep watching – you’re about to uncover some tips that could help save you money!
Generally, the average cost to hang drywall per square foot is $1 to $1.50. This cost is not inclusive of taping, applying joint compound, or finishing. This price is suitable for temporary structures or if you are not sure of the finishing you want.
You can pay anything between $300 and $400 per day to hang drywall, including taping all seams, applying spackle and materials. You can ask your contractor to use the largest sheets because they cover a larger area. So, the cost to hang drywall per square foot will reduce, and the installation will take less time.
Ensure you get several quotes from different contractors to know the price range, then choose the most reasonable price. Also, ensure that the labor you choose is warranted before you get estimates.
Cost to hang drywall per square foot
On average, it costs about $1 to $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall, not including taping, mudding, or finishing. You can spend about $0.50 to $0.75 for materials and $0.50 to $1.50 for finishing and texturing. The total cost to hang and finish drywall is between 1 to $3 per square foot.
With all costs considered, including taping, applying mud, finishing, drywall cost, and labor cost, you can pay about $100 to $400 to hang drywall per day. This cost, however, depends on the size of the room, the job’s complexity, and the finishing options you choose.
If you are remodeling a home, you will have to remove the old drywall first before installing the new one. So, you will pay for demolition and disposal costs, which will be included in the overall cost of the entire project.
Cost to finish drywall
The average cost to finish drywall is about $1 to $1.65 per square foot. The overall cost will depend on the type of finish location and size of the room. There are usually five finish options you can choose from depending on your budget and preference. The levels are priced differently, starting from level 0, which is the lowest, to level 5, which is the highest finish level.
Let’s have a look at the different finish levels and their prices:
- Level 0: ideal for temporary drywall installations, so no taping or finishing is done. The price for this level ranges from $1 to $1.50.
- Level 1: taping is done to seal the joints and a joint compound covers the tape. This finish level costs about $1.25 to $1.75.
- Level 2: one coat of joint compound is applied to the panels for tiling. You can pay about $1.50 to $2 for this finish level.
- Level 3: this level involves applying three coats of joint compound to make the surface smooth for texturing. The cost for this finish level is approximately $1.75 to $2.25.
- Level 4: in this level, three joint compound coats are applied to ready the panels for flat paint and light finishes. It costs between $2 and $2.50.
- Level 5: this is the highest finishing level, and it is suitable for glow, semi-gloss, and enamel paints. It is also suitable for places with critical lighting issues, and its cost ranges between $2.25 and $3.
Cost to texture drywall
The average cost to texture drywall by hand is approximately $1.15 to $1.35 per square foot. Drywall contractors usually apply texture using a roller, trowel, or brush. Some professionals apply the basic material using a sprayer then swirl, stomp or brush the surface to apply the desired finish design.
If you prefer spray textures, you can pay anything between $0.75 and $1 per square foot. A spray gun is usually used to apply the textures you choose. Usually, the texturing material in the hopper is forced out of the barrel of the gun through a narrow hose.
Texturing requires contractors with a higher degree of skill to ensure the designs come out neat and perfect. For this reason, it is essential to see a few examples of professional work before hiring them.
Cost to hang and finish drywall
On average, it costs about $1 to $3 to hang and finish drywall. The average cost for this project is $2, but the total cost will depend on the level of finish, level of complexity, and room size.
The average price for hanging and finishing drywall per sheet is approximately $65 for the 4 x 8’ sheets and $100 for the 4 x 12’ sheets. The number of drywall sheets you will use will depend on the room’s size and height. To lower the cost a little bit, you can ask your contractor to use larger sheets. This way, the cost per square foot will be lower, and the time to handle the project will also be shorter.
Cost hang drywall in basements
The average cost to hang drywall in a basement is between $1.40 and $2.85 per square foot when furring strips or studs are already in place. The total cost to install frames and drywall on a basement is about $3.90 to $7.70 per square foot. When you use furring strips, the cost ranges from $3.35 to $5.10 per square foot.
The average cost to hang drywall on a typical 1000-square-foot basement is approximately $4,000, with a range of $1,840 to $5,750.
If you want to replace drywall in the basement, you can spend about $2.50 to $4.20, including disposal. To drywall, the ceiling of your basement, expect to pay between $2.25 and $3.35 per square foot.
Since most basements tend to be cold and damp, specialty drywall is used to resist moisture, mold, and mildew.
This type of drywall comes at a higher price than standard drywall, but it will keep your home free of mold and mildew. Purple or green drywall is best to use, and it costs approximately $13 to $15 per sheet.
Cost to hang drywall on ceilings
Hanging drywall on ceilings tends to be a bit hard, especially if you are DIYing the project. That is why it is best to work with a professional who has experience for the job.
On average, the cost to hang a ceiling ranges between $2.07 and $2.61 per square foot. This cost, however, varies depending on the height of the ceiling, size of the room, and the finish option you choose. For a fully finished ceiling, you can pay about $600 to $700.
The panels used on ceilings are 25% lighter than standard wallboards. 1/4” drywall can also be used on ceilings because its thickness is easier to bend and curve. So, for a DIY project, you can consider using this drywall thickness.
Cost to hang drywall in a Garage
The average cost to hang drywall in a garage ranges between $1,200 and $5,100. The installation cost per square foot is $1.65 to $3.75, excluding the floor space. This cost includes insulation for the garage. The overall cost will depend on the garage’s size, insulation, drywall type, level of finish, and shape.
Most contractors prefer to use thicker drywall panels or fire-resistant ones for garages. These panels may cost 50% more than standard drywall. Also, the overall cost to hang drywall in a garage will depend on its size or the number of cars it can house.
Cost to hang drywall per sheet
The average cost to hang drywall per sheet ranges from $60 to $90. To hang and finish the wallboard, expect to pay about $65 for the 4 x 8’ panels and $100 for the 4 x 12’ sheets. The total price depends on the room’s dimensions, height, and the job’s complexity.
Since drywall panels are of different thickness, sizes, and types, the cost to install them will also be different. For instance, fire-resistant drywall sheets cost about $13 per sheet, and installing them may cost about $416. On the other hand, standard drywall of ½ -inch thickness costs about $10 to $20 per sheet, and the cost to install it is between $320 and $640.
Cost to hang drywall per hour
Contractors charge approximately $50 to $100 to hang drywall per hour. However, most pros charge the project per square foot by estimating the hours the project is believed to take.
When looking for a drywall contractor, it is better to hire the ones charging by square footage. This is because hourly rates tend to be higher, especially if the project encounters unexpected challenges. With a contractor that charges by the square foot, the cost remains unchanged no matter how long it takes unless the case is special.
Cost to frame and hang drywall
Contractors charge approximately $7 to $16 per square foot to frame walls. This cost is for installing the top and bottom plates, including studs. When the drywall is included, you can spend between $20 and $30 per linear foot for the project.
The framing costs may change slightly depending on the type of materials used for window/door openings and load-bearing walls.
Load-bearing walls are slightly costlier than non-load-bearing walls. This is because load-bearing walls use more studs. Also, external walls require more studs at the corners and insulation.
When it comes to the framing material, wood costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, while the price for metal framing is between $2 and $4 per square foot. For DIY projects, wood is the best to use because it is easier to work with. However, metal is more durable, and it is fast gaining popularity.
Cost to replace drywall
The cost to replace drywall ranges between $1.50 and $1.60 per square foot, and it can go up to $3.50 per square foot.
The average cost to replace drywall may be a bit higher than installing new drywall.
This is because demolition and disposal costs are included. If the walls are old, there may be major structural changes. Besides, if you find mold, you must look for a mold remediation expert, resulting in more costs.
Assuming the structural changes are minimal and there is no mold, you can spend about $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot for the demolition of the old walls. For a typical 200 square foot, expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the demolition of the walls and disposal of old material. The average cost to demolish a house’s interior is $1,200 to $4,800.
Cost to install fire-rated drywall
Fire-rated drywall, also called Type X drywall, costs around $12 to $21 per sheet, and installing it is about $400. This material is very hard, making it harder to install than the other drywall materials. For this reason, it is not used unless it is required.
Most commercial buildings use fire-rated drywall because of its frame-resistant properties. Also, certain areas within your home, such as the kitchen, high-occupancy apartments, and even dormitories, require fire-rated drywall.
The Type X drywall is engineered using non-combustible materials such as fiberglass. This drywall is, therefore, essential to use because it offers additional protection in case of fire emergencies. In countries with a high prevalence of wildfires, the homeowners cover their walls with Type-X drywall.
Cost to tape drywall gaps
The national average price to tape drywall gaps and joints is approximately $0.04 to $0.05 per linear foot. When labor and materials are included, the cost ranges from $0.83 to $1 per linear foot. A typical 500 square foot costs sit at $400 to $500 with an average of $450. The project’s actual cost depends on your location, finish options, work conditions, and job size.
The total project costs around $1 to $3 from start to finish. Hanging the unfinished drywall costs between $1 to $1.50 per square foot, while the finishing cost ranges from $1 and $1.65. This translates into approximately $30 to $60 per panel.
For ceilings and complicated spaces such as corners, cabin