It can be costly to install drywall in your home, however, to prevent being scammed, it’s advisable to research the current market rate before hiring a nearby contractor.
Typically, the average cost to install drywall is $1,842, with the real range being $1,020 to $2,876. The price can be as low as $425 for small laundries and as high as $5,000 for large lounge rooms. The cost to install drywall per square foot is $2 on average.
The cost varies depending on the level of finish, location, the complexity of the job, and the number of rooms. You can decide to do the job yourself if you want to cut on the costs. However, if you need a professional look, it is best to hire experienced drywall professionals.
| Service | Quantity | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall Installation cost | 1 sq. ft. | $1 | $3 |
| Drywall install labor cost | Hr | $50 | $100 |
| Drywall job supplies | Per sheet | $10 | $20 |
| Cost to drywall a 10 x 12 room | 10 x 12 | $120 | $360 |
| Cost to drywall 2 rooms | 10 x 12 each | $240 | $720 |
| Cost to drywall 3 rooms | 10 x 12 each | $360 | $1080 |
| Cost to drywall 1500 sq. ft. house | 1500 sq. ft. | $2,250 | $3,000 |
Drywall sheet price chart
When planning to buy drywall sheets, it is good to know how much the different sheet sizes will cost. Also, you should know how much different types of drywall cost to determine which will be best for you. Below is a sheet price chart to guide you.
| Type | Price range (4’x8’) |
|---|---|
| ¼ inch | $6-$9 |
| ⅝ inch | $14-$20 |
| ¾ inch | $20-$30 |
| Green board | $14-$18 |
| Eco-friendly | $14-$20 |
| Fire-resistant | $13-$20 |
| Moisture-resistant | $14-$25 |
| Soundproof | $50 |
Standard drywall is the most basic type, and it is found in most residential homes. It is also the best choice for DIY drywall replacement projects because it is cheaper and suitable for both ceilings and walls. The price for this type of drywall is about $10 to $20 per sheet.
The other specialty drywall types listed in the chart above are designed for different rooms. So, determine what you want and select the best drywall for your home.
How much to drywall a 1500 sq. ft. house
A 1,500 square foot house will need about 5,000 to 6,500 square feet of drywall. So the total cost to install drywall in such a house is approximately $5,000 to $19,500. The average price to drywall a home is about $5,000 to $30,000.
This cost depends on the complexity of the job, the size of the house, and whether you want to include a garage or not. Also, the type of drywall you will use will determine the overall cost.
Do Drywall installers charge by the hour?
Most professional drywall installers charge by square footage. They will give you an estimate roughly based on how many hours the project is believed to take. The cost to hire these contractors ranges from $50 to $100 per hour.
It is best to hire contractors that offer a fixed price for the job because the overall cost will not change no matter how long the project takes. Hourly charges may be costly, especially if the professionals encounter unexpected obstacles that call for more hours on the job.
Cost to hang drywall
On average, it costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall. This cost is not inclusive of taping, finishing, or mud. If you do not know what kind of finish you want yet or you want to set up temporary structures, this will be the best cost for the task.
It is essential to ask your contractor to guide you if you have no idea what finish will be best for your room.
Usually, installing drywall costs about $1 to $3 per square foot.
Materials will cost about $0.50 to $0.75, while basic labor costs about $0.50 to $0.75. Finishes and texturing may cost about $0.50 to $1.50. This cost varies depending on the level of finish, the room’s size, and the complexity of the job.
Cost to finish drywall
The average cost to finish drywall depends on the level of finish you want. Level zero is the lowest finish level, while level 5 is the most sophisticated.
| Finish Level | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | $1.00 | $1.50 |
| Level 1 | $1.25 | $1.75 |
| Level 2 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Level 3 | $1.75 | $2.25 |
| Level 4 | $2.00 | $2.50 |
| Level 5 | $2.25 | $3.00 |
The contractors you hire will specify the type of finishes they provide, ranging from level 0 to level 5 drywall finishes:
- Level 0 – they hang the drywall and attach it to the wall frame.
- Level 1 – tape is added to seal all seams, and a joint compound is also added to cover the tape.
- Level 2 – contractors add one coat of compound to all panels.
- Level 3 – two coats of the compound are added to create a smooth finish. At this point, the wall is ready for texturing.
- Level 4 – the professionals add three coats of the compound that are usually ideal for light finishes or flat paints.
- Level 5 – this is the highest finish level that is ideal for enamel and gloss paints.
Drywall installation cost per sheet
On average, it costs homeowners approximately $65 to hang a 4’ x 8’ sheet, while a 4’ x 12’ sheet costs about $100. The room’s size and height will dictate the number of panels you will need for the total project.
Although you may wish to DIY the project to cut on the costs, it is best to hire professional drywall contractors. This is because they are more experienced and can handle even the most technical jobs.
Cost to drywall a room
The average cost to drywall a room will depend on its size and height. For instance, installing drywall on a 200 square foot room costs about $1,500. Contractors tend to charge more for smaller projects. So, it may be costlier to install drywall on a smaller project than on a bigger one.
Cost to drywall a garage
It costs about $1,200 to $5,100 to install sheetrock in a garage. This cost depends on the size of the garage. Also, fire-resistant panels are often used for garages, and they tend to be up to 50% costlier than average boards.
A single car garage costs about $1,200 to $3,600, while a two-car garage costs $1,400 to $4,300. A larger garage holding three cars will cost $1,700 to $5,100 on average to install drywall.
Cost to drywall a ceiling
Ceilings are usually more technical to hang and finish drywall. For this reason, it costs about $2.25 to $3 per square to install drywall on a ceiling. This cost is higher than wall installations because the panels used and about 25% lighter than standard panels.
Cost to drywall a basement
The average cost to install drywall in a basement depends on the size of the project. For example, installing drywall on a 1,000 square foot basement costs about $5,000-$10,000. Moisture-resistant panels are often used for basements, and they cost approximately 10% more than standard panels.
Cost to drywall a whole house
The average price to drywall a whole house ranges from $5,000 to $30,000. This price is dependent on the size and the number of materials required for the job. Also, the cost varies depending on whether or not you will drywall a garage.
| House Size | Drywall Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 5,000 - 6,500 | $5,000 - $19,500 |
| 2,000 | 6,500 – 7,900 | $6,500 - $23, 700 |
| 2,500 | 7,900 – 9,400 | $7,900 - $28, 200 |
| 3,000 | $8,000 – 10,000 | $8,000 – 30,000 |
Cost to replace drywall
The average cost to replace drywall ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This cost is inclusive of demolition, ranging from $0.40 to $0.50 per sq. ft. The average demolition cost of the interior of a house is about $1,200 to $4,800.
The average price of removing wood panelling and replacing it with drywall is about $2 to $4.50 per sq. ft. depending on the time it takes for the demolition.
Removing plaster and replacing it with drywall costs about $1.60 to $3.80 per sq. ft. This price includes demolition, which ranges between $0.50 and $0.80 per sq. ft. and disposal cost that ranges from $0.10 and $0.20 per sq. ft.
Cost to repair a punch hole in drywall
The average cost to patch holes in drywall costs about $50 to $75 per square foot. If you prefer to DIY the job, you can spend about $45 on the project. You will, however, need to buy a repair kit that costs about $10 to $30.
If texture needs to be reapplied, you will pay a professional approximately $60 per hour. A professional painter will charge you between $70 and $130 for the job of repainting the wall.
Cost to repair water damaged drywall
Repairing water damage drywall costs depend on the cause of the damage. For instance, mold remediation may cost about $2,300, while hiring a plumber to repair a leak may cost between $170 and $450. Most homeowners pay contractors an hourly rate of about $60 to $90 for repairing water damage. This price includes materials for the job.
Cost to repair cracked drywall
Hiring a professional to repair cracks in drywall costs about $60 to $90 per hour on average, including materials. DIYing this project is simple, and you can significantly cut the costs. A repair kit costs about $10 to $30, which means you will spend less than hiring a professional.
Cost to texture drywall
The average price to texture drywall is about $625, coming in between $575 and $675. This piece translates into $1.25 per sq. ft. with a range of $1.15 to $1.35 per sq. ft. Different textures cost differently, so you should choose the one you want depending on your budget or preference.
Texture styles
- Skip trowel – a skip towel tool is used to create unusual patterns by pressing and releasing the tool on the wall in a circular motion.
- Swirl – this texture is very common on ceilings and it involves creating half-circle patterns across the surface.
- Rosebud stomp – a special brush is used to create an appealing rosebud pattern on the surface. Applying this pattern is quite complex, and it is best to hire experienced professionals.
- Orange peel – this texture design costs about $0.13, but the overall cost will depend on the wall’s size. It is very popular among many homeowners.
Cost of drywall materials
The average cost of drywall panels ranges between $12 and $35 for a single panel.
| Material | Price per 100 sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $150 - $250 |
| Tape | $2.5 |
| Mud | $7.5 |
| Screws | $3 |
| Total | $163 - $263 |
Sheetrock cost
Sheetrock is a kind of drywall, and its price ranges between $12 and $25 per panel. The U.S Gypsum Company is the only company that designs an official patented brand of sheetrock.
Sheetrock vs. Drywall
Sheetrock is a bit costlier than drywall, and a sheet of 4’ x 8’ panel goes for about $15, coming in between $12 and $20 per panel. This cost translates into $0.40 to $0.65 per sq. ft. On the other hand, standard drywall sheets cost about $11, while larger sheets cost about $16. The sheets range between $10 and $20 each, while water-resistant costs about $14 to $15 each.
Cost factors to consider
Before you install drywall in your home, you should consider the following cost factors.
- Removing old drywall – removing old drywall is labor-intensive and hard. So, make sure you know how much it will cost to demolish the interior of your home. Removing drywall for a 200 sq. ft. space costs about $300-$500, including disposal cost.
- Framing Cost – adding frames to drywall will call for an additional cost besides the drywall hanging cost. Also, the number of frames being added will determine the overall installation cost.
- Oddly shaped rooms – if your room is oddly shaped, you will pay more for the drywall installation. This is because the job is more complex and will take a longer time.
DIY or Hire a pro?
The cost to hire professional drywall installers is about 70% of the total installation cost. If you are handling a small garage project, you can DIY the job. However, if you are adding new flooring, replacing drywall, or building a new home, it is best to hire professional drywall installers.
DIY Pros
- You will save on the costs.
- You will have the freedom to install the panels whenever you want
- It will be easier to bring your vision into reality.
DIY Cons
- You are likely to spend a long time on the project.
- The project will not have a professional look due to a lack of enough experience.
- Safety becomes a major concern because the panels are heavy and large. So, you may injure yourself or risk developing back pains.
Pros of hiring a pro
- The contractors are experienced and will handle even the most complex projects.
- They will install the panels within days.
- The project will have a professional look.
- You will have peace of mind knowing the job is in the hands of pros.
Cons
- The installation costs will be much higher.
- The results may not be as you visualized.
Do I need a permit to Install Drywall?
Yes, you will need a permit to install drywall on a large surface or if you are removing or adding walls. Any renovation that alters the structure of a home will require a permit. However, the requirements vary from state to state, so you should check with your local authorities to determine whether or not you need a permit.
Hiring Drywall installers
If you are looking to hire drywall installers near you, the following tips will be of great help.
Determine the finish level you want
This is usually the biggest headache for most homeowners because they become somewhat confused about what finish level they want. Usually, the drywall’s finish level determines the overall cost, with level 0 being the lowest and level 5 being the highest. So, ensure you decide what finish level and texture you would like before hiring installers.
Compare reviews and ratings
If you have selected several drywall installers either from the web or through referrals, make sure you read their online reviews and check their star ratings. This will give you a clue about their services and whether they are reliable.
Get several estimates
It is essential to get about three to five estimates to make comparisons and know the range of the project. So, get at least three quotes from three different installers and select the most reasonable price depending on your budget and preference.
FAQ's
Do Drywall installers need to be licensed?
Not necessarily. Typically, only drywall contractors need a license, but the drywall installers working for them do not require one. However, since the requirements vary from state to state, ensure you find out your state’s requirements.
In some states, contractors with a residential license work only on residential properties while those with commercial license work on commercial properties only.
Do you hang sheets horizontally or vertically?
This depends on the height of the room. Usually, drywall is hung vertically in rooms with high ceilings like open two-story homes and foyers. For rooms with shorter walls, bathrooms, and hallways, hanging the drywall horizontally is the best.
Fire codes usually require the drywall seams to fall on the framing’s entire length on commercial projects. So, the drywall should be hung vertically on such buildings.
Is installing drywall difficult?
Drywall is not a complicated job, and most homeowners can DIY the project on smaller and uncomplicated rooms. However, it is a labor-intensive job, and the sheets are weighty. So, if you plan to DIY the job, you may need someone to help you or rent lifting machines to save your back. For oddly shaped rooms, it is best to hire a professional to install the drywall.
Do you drywall the ceiling or walls first?
Typically, most contractors drywall the ceiling first, then the walls. By hanging the ceiling first, it becomes easier to make wall-ceiling joints tight because you can lift the wall sheets to the ceiling joint.
On the other hand, if you drywall the walls first, you will need to sculpt all the edges to make the ceiling tight. If you do not sculpt the edges, you will end up with many voids that you must fill before taping the drywall.
