Drywall sheets remain one of the most widely used materials for building interior walls and ceilings. Whether you are renovating a room, repairing damage, or planning a full construction project, understanding the updated drywall and sheetrock costs for 2026 is important.
Drywall sheets—also called sheetrock, wallboard, or gypsum board—are flat panels used to build smooth interior walls. They are made from a gypsum core with outer layers of paper or fiberglass, depending on the type.
The most common size used in homes is 4 feet × 8 feet, although you may also find 4×10 and 4×12 sheets for large surfaces.
Drywall cost depends on thickness, type, region, and supplier. Although prices may vary by store, the general material cost in 2026 is:
Standard 4×8 drywall sheet:
$12 – $22 per sheet
Price per square foot:
$0.35 – $0.60 per sq. ft.
Since a 4×8 panel covers 32 sq. ft., the per-sheet and per-sq-ft cost are closely connected.
Designed for humid areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Average cost: $18 – $28 per sheet
Required near garages, furnaces, or shared walls.
Average cost: $20 – $35 per sheet
Heavier, denser boards used in bedrooms, studios, and shared walls.
Average cost: $35 – $55 per sheet
Common in damp climates or basements.
Average cost: $20 – $30 per sheet
When planning a full project, cost per square foot is usually easier to calculate.
Here are the updated averages for 2026:
Material-only cost:
$0.35 – $0.60 per sq. ft.
Material + Labor (Installed):
$1.60 – $3.80 per sq. ft.
This range includes hanging, taping, mudding, sanding, and cleanup.
High ceilings, multiple openings, and advanced finishing levels can increase the cost further.
Drywall installation is a separate cost from materials. The total price depends on the size of the job, finish level, wall height, and labor rates in your region.
Here is the updated 2026 installation pricing:
Drywall Installation (Labor Only):
$1.20 – $2.60 per sq. ft.
Drywall Installation (Material + Labor):
$1.60 – $3.80 per sq. ft.
This includes:
Request a Drywall Project Takeoff or Cost Estimate.
If you want cost per sheet instead of cost per sq. ft., here are average 2026 values:
Installed 4×8 Sheet (Standard)
$35 – $85 per sheet installed
The lower end reflects basic finishing, while the higher end includes smooth finishing, ceilings, or difficult layouts.
Not all drywall problems require full replacement. Many homeowners deal with cracks, dents, moisture damage, or holes.
Here is the updated 2026 repair pricing:
Drywall Repair Cost:
$90 – $750 depending on size
Drywall Replacement Cost:
$250 – $1,200+ (if removing large sections or ceilings)
Minor Repairs (DIY):
Small holes or scratches often cost less than $50 in materials if repaired yourself.
Drywall finishing plays a major role in the final cost of a project. Each finish level requires different amounts of taping, mudding, sanding, and smoothing. The more detailed the finish, the higher the labor time and total cost. Below is a simple breakdown of drywall finishing prices by level, written in clear and original wording.
Level 0 — Basic Hanging Only
This level includes only attaching the drywall sheets to the framing. No taping, mudding, or sanding is applied.
Best for: Temporary spaces, unfinished areas.
Cost: Lowest, usually $0.20 – $0.40 per sq. ft. (labor).
Level 1 — Tape Only
Tape is applied to the joints, but no additional compound is added. The work is functional but not decorative.
Best for: Utility rooms, garages, hidden areas.
Cost: $0.40 – $0.70 per sq. ft. (labor).
Level 2 — Tape + Light Coat
Joints receive tape and one thin coat of compound. Surface may remain uneven but is suitable for areas that will not be highly visible.
Best for: Storage rooms, workshops.
Cost: $0.70 – $1.00 per sq. ft. (labor).
Level 3 — Full First Coat
Tape, plus one full coat of compound, with visible smoothing. At this level, the surface is ready for textured finishes but not for smooth paint.
Best for: Rooms with texture coating or light pattern finishes.
Cost: $1.00 – $1.60 per sq. ft. (labor).
Level 4 — Smooth Finish for Paint
This is the standard finish for most homes. It includes tape and two layers of compound, followed by sanding to create a smoother surface.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and places where regular paint will be used.
Cost: $1.60 – $2.40 per sq. ft. (labor).
Level 5 — Premium Smooth Finish
The highest finish level includes all of Level 4 plus a final skim coat across the entire surface. It creates a perfectly even surface that hides lighting imperfections.
Best for: High-end spaces, glossy paints, bright lighting, ceilings, and luxury finishes.
Cost: $2.40 – $3.80+ per sq. ft. (labor).
See how our drywall takeoff and estimate look before you request one. We provide clear, organized sample estimates
Several factors influence drywall cost:
Type of Drywall
Moisture-resistant, soundproof, or fire-rated boards are more expensive.
Job Size
Larger projects usually receive discounted labor rates.
Finish Level
Level 0–5 finishing affects total cost. Smooth Level 5 finishing is the most expensive.
Wall Height
High ceilings, vaulted ceilings, or multi-level walls increase labor difficulty.
Regional Labor Rates
Urban areas generally have higher installation costs.
Waste & Cutting
Areas with many corners, windows, or openings require more cutting, which increases waste and cost.
To estimate drywall sheets for a room, measure the total wall and ceiling area in square feet, then divide by 32 sq. ft. (coverage of a 4×8 sheet). Add 10–15% extra for waste, corners, and cutting around doors or windows.
For most interior walls, 1/2-inch drywall is standard. Thicker options like 5/8 inch offer better sound control and strength and are commonly used in ceilings or rooms where extra durability is needed.
Yes, DIY drywall installation can save money because labor is a major part of the total cost. However, finishing (mudding and sanding) requires skill, and beginners may spend extra time correcting mistakes. Rooms with high ceilings or complex layouts are better handled by professionals.
A small room can be installed in 1–2 days, while larger areas may take 3–5 days including drying time for joint compound. Smooth or Level-5 finishes take longer because they require multiple layers and sanding stages.
Basic drywall tools include a measuring tape, utility knife, T-square, screw gun, joint tape, joint compound, sanding block, drywall saw, and a lifting tool for ceilings. Having the correct tools improves safety and reduces installation time.
