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Updated: December 2024
Several key factors should be consider while estimating drywall material and installation costs. Cost range can vary based on regional labor rates and material price in the USA. The size of the project is also important because contractors rates are less for larger drywall installations which potentially lowering the overall cost per square foot. Additionally, the complexity of the installation, including custom features or specialized materials can further influence the overall price of the drywall project.
Cost Range: The average cost for drywall installation typically falls between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot, which aligns with common industry estimates.
Regional Variations: Costs can vary significantly by region due to differences in labor rates, material availability, and local demand.
Project Size: The size of the project is a crucial factor; larger projects may benefit from economies of scale, potentially lowering the per-square-foot cost.
Complexity of Installation: More complex installations, for example a drywall project in which multiple layers, textures, custom shapes or additional features like soundproofing or moisture resistance are required, can increase costs.
Cost of Materials: Drywall materials typically range from $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot, depending on the type of drywall (e.g., standard, moisture-resistant, fire-resistant).
Labor Costs: Labor for hanging and finishing drywall typically costs between $1.00 and $2.80 per square foot, depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, location, and labor rates in your area.
Total Drywall Installation: The total cost for drywall installation (including both materials and labor) generally ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.Â
The price can vary based on factors such as:
Room Type | Room Size | Average Cost Range |
5' x 8' Bathroom | 40 sq ft | $350 – $1,100 |
10' x 10' Bathroom | 100 sq ft | $500 – $1,500 |
12' x 12' Bedroom | 144 sq ft | $600 – $1,900 |
14' x 14' Bedroom | 196 sq ft | $650 – $2,200 |
12' x 20' Main Bedroom | 240 sq ft | $800 – $2,800 |
16' x 16' Primary Bedroom | 256 sq ft | $850 – $2,900 |
16' x 20' Living Room | 320 sq ft | $900 – $3,000 |
20' x 25' Living Room | 500 sq ft | $1,300 – $4,500 |
20' x 20' Garage | 400 sq ft | $1,000 – $4,000 |
30' x 30' Garage | 900 sq ft | $1,500 – $5,500 |
Basement | 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 – $7,500 |
Large Basement | 2,000 sq ft | $3,000 – $14,000 |
The cost to hang drywall and cost to install drywall can vary. Installation involves measuring, cutting and securing drywall panels to ceiling joists. This can be more challenging than wall installations due to gravity factor and need for additional support.
For example, if you have a typical 12 x 12 foot room with a 9 foot ceiling, cost for labor of hanging and finishing drywall can be anywhere from $432 to $1,260 on average.
The cost of drywall installation varies depending on the task. For installing walls or ceilings, prices range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Replacing existing drywall is slightly higher, ranging from $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot. These costs can fluctuate based on factors like materials, labor, and project complexity.
Task | Low Cost (per sq. ft) | High Cost (per sq. ft) |
Install Walls / Ceiling | $1.50 / $1.80 | $3.50 / $3.90 |
Replace Existing Drywall | $2.00 | $6.00 |
The cost of drywall installation ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. This includes $0.50 to $0.80 for materials like drywall sheets, screws, and tape, and $1.00 to $2.70 for labor, like cutting, hanging and finishing. Total cost depends on factors including room size, ceiling height, and the type of drywall finish.
Category | Description | Range of Cost (per sq. ft) |
Drywall Materials | Includes sheets, screws, tape, and mud | $0.50 – $0.80 |
Labor and Finishing | Covers cutting, hanging, and taping | $1.00 – $2.70 |
Total | Combined cost of materials and labor | $1.50 – $3.50 |
Hanging drywall costs between $0.85 and $1.90 per square foot. This price covers attaching the drywall to the studs but does not include taping, mudding, sanding, or finishing. A Level 0 finish refers to drywall installed without tape or mud.
Task | Description | Range of Cost (per sq. ft) |
Hanging Drywall | The cost to hang drywall onto the studs. Excludes taping, mudding, sanding, or finishing. | $0.85 – $1.90 |
Level 0 Finish | Drywall hung onto studs without any tape or mud. No finishing surface applied. | Included in hanging cost |
Drywall finishing costs range from $0.85 to $3.50 per square foot. The lowest cost covers drywall with no finish, while higher costs include various levels of compound application and sanding, depending on the desired texture and paint finish. Prices increase for smoother, higher-quality finishes, with the highest costs associated with perfectly smooth surfaces ready for glossy or satin paint.
Finish Level | Cost per Sq Ft | Description | Common Usage |
Level 0 | $0.85 – $1.90 | Drywall installed without any tape, mud, or finishing compound. | Basic installation with no finish, often used in hidden areas. |
Level 1 | $1.15 – $2.15 | One coat of drywall compound, no sanding or further smoothing. | Used in concealed spaces like attics or behind permanent structures. |
Level 2 | $1.30 – $2.60 | One coat of compound, lightly sanded for storage areas or walls covered in tile. | For walls that will have tile or are in unfinished areas. |
Level 3 | $1.50 – $2.75 | Two coats of compound with light sanding, leaving a smooth surface for medium to heavy textures. | Used for walls with medium to heavy texture finishes. |
Level 4 | $1.70 – $3.20 | Three coats of compound with thorough sanding, smooth finish for light texture or paint. | For walls to receive light texture or flat paint. |
Level 5 | $1.75 – $3.50 | The highest level, with multiple coats and sanding for a perfectly smooth surface. | Used for walls that will receive glossy or satin paint finishes. |
Beyond Level 5 | N/A | There are no official drywall levels beyond Level 5 according to the Gypsum Association or ASTM standards. | Decorative finishes or specialized applications (e.g., faux finishes, textured coatings) are not classified under standard drywall levels. |
The cost to hang and finish drywall varies by room size and the number of sheets required. For a 12′ x 12′ bedroom, 18 sheets are needed, covering 200-250 sq. ft., with costs ranging from $540 to $1,350. A 12′ x 16′ room requires 22 sheets for 380-530 sq. ft., costing between $660 and $1,650. In a 14′ x 20′ living room, 30 sheets cover 510-750 sq. ft., with total costs from $900 to $2,250. For a 16′ x 20′ primary room, 32 sheets are needed for 580-900 sq. ft., costing $960 to $2,400. Lastly, a 20′ x 24′ basement requires 48 sheets for 730-1,130 sq. ft., with total costs ranging from $1,440 to $3,600. All estimates include hanging and finishing.
Room Size | Sheets Required | Drywall Required( in Sq Ft) | Cost per Sheet (Hanging + Finishing | Total Cost (Average) | Details |
12' x 12' Bedroom | 18 sheets | 200 – 250 | $30 – $75 | $540 – $1,350 | Includes hanging and finishing for a room size of 144 sq. ft. |
12' x 16' Room | 22 sheets | 380 – 530 | $30 – $75 | $660 – $1,650 | Covers 192 sq. ft. with full drywall installation. |
14' x 20' Living Room | 30 sheets | 510 – 750 | $30 – $75 | $900 – $2,250 | For a living room of 280 sq. ft., fully finished. |
16' x 20' Primary Room | 32 sheets | 580 – 900 | $30 – $75 | $960 – $2,400 | Covers a larger space of 320 sq. ft. with all finishing included. |
20' x 24' Basement | 48 sheets | 730 – 1,130 | $30 – $75 | $1,440 – $3,600 | For a 480 sq. ft. basement requiring full finishing. |
Room Type | Average Ceiling Size | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost Range | Factors Affecting Cost |
Bathroom | 100 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $60 – $150 | Small room size, low ceiling height (typically 8'). |
Bedroom | 150 – 250 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $210 – $550 | Average ceiling height (8' – 9') and moderate room size. |
Primary Bedroom | 250 – 400 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $360 – $1,200 | Larger room, higher ceilings, and custom finishes. |
Living Room | 250 – 400 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $360 – $1,200 | Open space with higher ceilings, complex finishing. |
Garage | 400 – 600 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $600 – $1,500 | Larger space, often with higher ceilings (9' or more). |
Basement | 500 – 800 sq. ft. | $1.50 – $3.80 | $900 – $3,500 | Typically lower ceilings but can include complex spaces. |
When considering the cost to drywall a house, several factors come into play, including the size of the home and the amount of drywall required. Here’s a breakdown of average costs based on different house sizes:
1,200 sq. ft. House: Requires 4,200 to 6,000 sq. ft. of drywall, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The average cost per square foot is $1.19 to $5.00.
2,000 sq. ft. House: Requires 8,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. of drywall, with total costs from $8,000 to $30,000. Average cost per square foot is $0.80 to $3.00.
3,000 sq. ft. House: Requires 10,500 to 14,500 sq. ft. of drywall, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $45,000. Average cost per square foot is $0.68 to $3.10.
4,000 sq. ft. House: Requires 14,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. of drywall, with costs ranging from $14,000 to $50,000. Average cost per square foot is $0.70 to $2.50.
House Size | Drywall Required | Average Cost Rang | Average Cost per Square Foot |
1,200 sq. ft. | 4,200 – 6,000 sq. ft. | $5,000 – $20,000 | $1.19 – $5.00 |
1,500 sq. ft. | 5,500 – 7,200 sq. ft. | $5,500 – $22,000 | $1.00 – $4.00 |
2,000 sq. ft. | 8,000 – 10,000 sq. ft. | $8,000 – $30,000 | $0.80 – $3.00 |
2,500 sq. ft. | 9,000 – 12,500 sq. ft. | $9,000 – $35,000 | $0.72 – $2.80 |
3,000 sq. ft. | 10,500 – 14,500 sq. ft. | $10,000 – $45,000 | $0.68 – $3.10 |
3,500 sq. ft. | 12,250 – 17,500 sq. ft. | $12,000 – $42,500 | $0.68 – $3.00 |
4,000 sq. ft. | 14,000 – 20,000 sq. ft. | $14,000 – $50,000 | $0.70 – $2.50 |
When replacing drywall, various costs are involved based on the type of job. Removing old drywall typically ranges from $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, with total costs between $150 and $1,000. Hauling away debris costs about $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot.
Installing new drywall averages $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Finishing drywall, which includes taping, mudding, and sanding, ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. If your home was built before the 1980s, lead and asbestos testing may be necessary, costing between $600 and $1,500, depending on the number of areas tested.
For minor repairs, expect to pay between $200 and $750, depending on damage. Full interior demolition costs about $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Job Type | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost | Description |
Removing Old Drywall | $0.50 – $2.50 | $150 – $1,000 | Removal of old drywall, including tearing it down, disposal of debris, and preparing the surface for new drywall installation. Costs may be higher in older homes with more complex demolition. |
Hauling Away Debris | $0.25 – $1.00 | $50 – $300 | Disposal of the old drywall materials, including hauling the debris to a landfill or recycling center. Costs may depend on the volume of material and location. |
Installing New Drywall | $1.50 – $3.50 | $300 – $2,000 | Hanging new drywall sheets, cutting and fitting the drywall to the walls or ceiling. This includes the labor required for installation. Larger rooms or complex installations (e.g., high ceilings, custom cuts) increase cost. |
Finishing Drywall | $1.00 – $2.50 | $100 – $600 | Taping, mudding, sanding, and finishing to achieve a smooth, paintable surface. More intricate finishes (e.g., textured ceilings) can raise costs. |
Lead & Asbestos Testing | $600 – $1,500 (optional) | Varies | If your home was built before the 1980s, testing for lead or asbestos may be necessary. The cost depends on the number of areas tested and the testing method used. |
Drywall Repair | $200 – $750 | $200 – $750 | Minor drywall repairs (e.g., patching small holes or cracks). This cost depends on the extent of the damage and the repair method used. |
Full Interior Demolition | $1.00 – $3.00 per sq. ft. | $1,000 – $5,000 | Demolishing an entire drywall interior, including tearing down walls or ceilings in a whole house. Ideal for extensive renovations or when upgrading from old to new drywall. |
Texture Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost per Room | Description |
Smooth (No Texture) | $0.80 – $1.00 | $100 – $400 | Smooth finish with no texture applied. It is typically the least expensive option, used for a flat, clean surface. |
Knockdown | $1.00 – $1.50 | $150 – $500 | A knockdown texture is applied with a spray, then flattened with a drywall knife. This creates a soft, matte finish. |
Popcorn (Acoustic) | $1.00 – $1.50 | $150 – $600 | Popcorn texture is sprayed on the ceiling for a bumpy, textured look, often used for soundproofing in older homes. |
Orange Peel | $1.25 – $1.75 | $150 – $500 | Orange peel has a subtle, dimpled effect, often used in residential homes for a lightly textured, uniform finish. |
Skip Trowel | $1.50 – $2.00 | $200 – $600 | A skip trowel finish is a hand-applied texture, giving the wall a stucco-like appearance with uneven swirls or lines. |
Cottage/Spanish Knockdown | $1.50 – $2.00 | $200 – $600 | A textured look popular in Spanish-style homes, involving a rougher, more rustic finish applied with a knockdown technique. |
Brushed Pearl | $1.75 – $2.00 | $250 – $700 | A brushed pearl finish is smooth with a slight shimmer, created by brushing the surface to provide a glossy, subtle texture. |
Swirl | $1.50 – $2.00 | $200 – $700 | Swirl texture creates a swirling pattern, often applied with a brush or trowel to create a fluid, circular pattern. |
Slap Brush | $1.50 – $2.00 | $250 – $750 | Slap brush texture is applied using a slap brush to create raised, heavy brush strokes in a unique pattern. |
Stucco | $2.00 – $2.50 | $300 – $800 | A stucco texture gives a rough, rustic appearance, typically applied with a trowel for exterior or accent walls. |
Job Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost | Description |
Remove Wood Paneling | $0.50 – $2.50 | $100 – $600 | Removing old wood paneling, including any adhesives or nails, and prepping the surface for new drywall. Additional costs may apply for difficult-to-remove paneling. |
Dispose of Wood Paneling | $0.25 – $1.00 | $50 – $300 | Disposal fees for hauling away the old wood paneling and debris. Costs depend on location and disposal services. |
Installing New Drywall | $1.50 – $3.50 | $300 – $2,000 | Installing drywall sheets (including labor) and finishing the surface with tape, mud, and sanding. Larger rooms will increase this cost. |
Total (Removing Paneling + Installing Drywall | $1.90 – $4.80 | $450 – $2,400 | The total cost for removing old wood paneling and replacing it with drywall, including installation and finishing. |
Job Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Total Cost | Description |
Remove Old Plaster | $0.50 – $2.50 | $100 – $600 | Demolition of old plaster walls, including the removal of any lath (wooden slats) and debris. This process may involve additional labor for scraping and removal. |
Dispose of Plaster Debris | $0.25 – $1.00 | $50 – $300 | Disposal of plaster and debris, with costs varying by local disposal fees and the volume of material. |
Installing New Drywall | $1.50 – $3.50 | $300 – $1,600 | Installing drywall and finishing it (taping, mudding, sanding). The cost is affected by room size and finish quality. |
Total (Removing Plaster + Installing Drywall) | $2.75 – $6.00 per sq. ft. | $600 – $2,700 | The total cost for replacing plaster with drywall, including removal, disposal, and installation with finishing. |
Standard drywall, which is typically 1/2″ or 5/8″ thick, costs between $0.30 and $0.50 per square foot, translating to an average cost of $10 to $20 per sheet. These sheets are commonly used for standard interior walls and ceilings, available in sizes like 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 10′, and 4′ x 12′.
Thinner drywall, measuring 1/4″ or 3/8″ thick, is priced at $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot, with an average cost of $8 to $15 per sheet.Â
High-end drywall, which includes soundproof, fire-resistant, and impact-resistant varieties, ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, with an average cost of $20 to $40 per sheet.Â
Material Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost per Sheet | Description |
Standard Drywall (1/2" or 5/8" thick | $0.30 – $0.50 | $10 – $20 | Standard drywall sheets for typical interior walls and ceilings. Sizes typically 4' x 8', 4' x 10', and 4' x 12'. |
Thinner Drywall (1/4" or 3/8" thick) | $0.50 – $0.80 | $8 – $15 | Thinner drywall used for curved walls or repair purposes. Less durable than standard drywall but cheaper. |
High-End Drywall (Soundproof, Fire-Resistant, Impact-Resistant) | $1.50 – $3.50 | $20 – $40 | Specialty drywall for noise control, fire resistance, or high-impact areas. Ideal for spaces requiring additional protection (e.g., kitchens, garages). |
High-Impact Sheetrock is priced at $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot, averaging $15 to $30 per sheet.
Soundproof Sheetrock ranges from $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot, with an average cost of $18 to $35 per sheet.
Material Type | Cost per Square Foot | Average Cost per Sheet | Description |
High-Impact Sheetroc | $1.50 – $2.50 | $15 – $30 | Impact-resistant Sheetrock for areas like hallways or children's rooms. Resists dents and abrasions. |
Soundproof Sheetrock | $2.00 – $3.50 | $18 – $35 | Soundproof Sheetrock with additional layers for noise reduction. Ideal for home theaters or offices requiring acoustic control. |
Fire-Resistant Sheetrock | $2.50 – $4.00 | $20 – $40 | Fire-resistant Sheetrock, often used in kitchens, garages, or utility rooms where fire safety is a priority. |
Item | Measurement | Amount per 4' x 8' Sheet of Drywall | Amount for Standard Room (e.g., 12' x 12' Bedroom) | Additional Notes |
Joint Tape (for seams) | Length (in feet) | 10 – 16 feet | 120 – 250 feet | Each sheet requires joint tape to seal seams. The total amount depends on room size. |
Joint Compound | Coverage (per gallon) | Covers 100 sq. ft. (or 3 sheets) | 1–2 gallons | For 3 sheets (4' x 8'), you need about 1 gallon of compound. More for larger rooms. |
Drywall Sheets (4' x 8') | Number of Sheets | 1 sheet per 32 sq. ft. of surface area | 6 – 10 sheets | Average bedroom (12' x 12') requires 6 to 10 sheets, depending on wall height and layout. |
Drywall Permit (if applicable) | Cost | Not required for most repairs | $50 – $400 | A permit is needed if adding new drywall or finishing unfinished areas (basement/attic). |
Drywall installation costs range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the type of drywall and the complexity of the job.
Factors include the type of drywall used (standard, high-impact, soundproof, or fire-resistant), the size of the area, labor costs, and any additional finishing work required.
A standard drywall sheet (1/2″ thick) costs between $12 and $20 on average.
Yes, additional costs may include removal of old drywall, disposal fees, and finishing work (taping, mudding, and sanding), which can add $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.
Removing old drywall typically costs between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot.
High-impact drywall costs $15 to $30 per sheet, soundproof drywall costs $18 to $35 per sheet, and fire-resistant drywall costs $20 to $40 per sheet.
Construction Estimator | Civil Engineer | Quantity Surveyor
