Drywall installation typically costs about $1,690, including labor and materials. While prices often range from about $1,600 to $1,730, a high-end project can cost upward of $1,800. To break that down, drywall installation projects often cost between $1.90 to $2.30 per square foot. The total price of your project will depend not only on the square footage you’re working with, but also what level of finish you choose and labor costs in your ZIP code.

• How much does it cost to install drywall?
• How much does it cost to install drywall per sheet?
• How do different finish levels affect drywall cost?
• How much does labor cost to hang drywall?

Most homes built today in the U.S. use drywall because of its affordable price and easy installation. If you’re in the process of building new construction, creating an addition or repairing an existing home, it’s likely you’ll need to install drywall. The drywall method involves using a manufactured material called gypsum board, which is sold in panels that can be hung and fastened in place to the frame of your house. To make sure your walls look smooth, even and free of any flaws, it’s a good idea to hire drywall contractors. A professional will have all of the tools and expertise to make sure your walls are installed correctly and ready to be painted over and decorated later on.

J. Dimas Design · More Info

Drywall is sold in panels which come in a variety of sizes, with thicknesses that vary from ¼ inch to ⅝ inch. In general, drywall materials range in cost from about $0.44 to $0.68 per square foot, depending on the thickness and quality of the paneling. That means for 800 square feet of wall space, material costs alone could be $350 to $540.

When picking out a drywall material, consider your square footage and the type of space you’re working with. Larger sizes may be useful for rooms with high ceilings, but smaller panels are easier to install. For ceilings, you’ll want something on the thicker side to ensure it remains strong. If you’re simply finishing a garage, on the other hand, you can probably go with thinner panels. Finally, if you need to buy any additional supplies for the job, including compound to cover the drywall, tape or drywall screws, this will add to your overall cost.

The total cost of a drywall job also depends on the level of drywall finish you need, as different levels require different amounts of labor to complete. Drywall finish levels range from 0 to 5 and are distinguished by the amount of finishing and insulation they have.

Level 0: This is the bare minimum finish level, which leaves the drywall exposed once it’s installed. Screws are left exposed and there is no compound covering.

Level 1: This level is a slight step up, with a single layer of compound and tape covering just the joints. It’s best for utility closets that might hold a water heater or for another space where a finished look is not needed.

Level 2: Best for garages and workspaces, this level has a full coat of compound covering both the joints and panels for a more finished look. It can also be used in preparation for tiling over a wall.

Level 3: The minimum for a finished room, this level has two coats of compound for a smooth, even look.

Level 4: This level has three coats of paint for an even more finished look. If you’re planning to use flat paint or a textured finish on top of the drywall, this is the level to go with. The extra layers will protect against imperfections and provide an even finish.

Level 5: This is the highest level of finish, with three coats of compound plus an extra skim layer on top. This level is ideal for glossy, enamel or nontextured paints, which need a very smooth finish.

AFR Construction · More Info

Labor costs are a significant portion of drywall installation projects. Contractors typically charge about $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall, although rates vary depending on geographic location and neighborhood, as well as how complex the job is. If you’re repairing a ceiling or finishing all-new rooms, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to do it. Of course, different companies will have different rates, so it’s always a good idea to contact multiple drywall professionals before beginning your project. The cost of labor will also depend on how you have the drywall applied. You can have texturing done in a couple of different ways: hand-applied or spray-applied.

Hand-applied textures are more time-consuming to complete than spray textures, and may end up costing more. Hand-applied textures also require more skill on the part of the contractor, as he or she will be applying the texturing in a particular pattern. Still, the benefit of this type of texturing is its clean, attractive look. That’s why it’s wise to ask for a sample from drywall texturing professionals to see their work beforehand. There are several styles you can choose from, so make sure to ask your contractor about your different options.

Spray-applied textures go on much faster, as the contractor will simply use a spray gun to apply them. On the whole, spray textures are not as popular as they once were they include the “orange peel” and “popcorn” texturing styles often singled out for their unappealing looks. Still, you can also get a “spray or splatter knockdown” texture, for which the contractor will smooth sprayed-on globs of compound for a cleaner finish.

Want to learn more? Raw Materials Revealed: Drywall Basics

Note: Costs are estimated at the U.S. national level. Variations depend on factors such as the quality of materials, type of products installed and labor costs. The typical range is assumed to be between the 20th and 80th percentiles. The high-end and low-end costs are the maximum and minimum, respectively. Costs assume that the homeowner manages the project and hires subcontractors as needed. They include a subcontractor markup of 10% for materials and labor. Costs can be higher if a general contractor is managing the project. All numbers are rounded.

Source: 2019 Houzz Remodel Costs Database