How Much Does It Cost To Install Drywall?

Average cost to install drywall

On average, it costs approximately $1,885 for drywall installation with a range of between $993 and $2,930. This equals a cost of $1.50 to $3 per square foot, including labor and materials. The median cost for drywall is $2 per square foot, but it may depend on the level of finish, brand, and current labor costs. Read on for some more information about drywall and the costs associated with its installation.

The following table shows the average cost for drywall installation per square foot.

Drywall material costs

Drywall is typically available in 4’ x 8’ sheets or in larger sizes like 4’ x 12’ or 4’ x 16’ for homes with tall ceilings. Here are some examples of drywall material costs:

• A standard drywall sheet costs around $11 each
• Larger drywall sheets cost $16 or more
• Standard ½” thick drywall sheets cost $10-$20 each
• Water-resistant drywall for bathrooms or kitchens costs $14-$25 per sheet
• Thicker 5/8” and/or fire-resistant drywall costs $13 per sheet, on average

Drywall installation labor costs and prep work

Proper drywall installation requires skill and attention to detail. Prep work is required, and possibly demolition if you’re planning a remodel. Prepare to pay between $400 to $3,000 for drywall demolition and removal. Costs increase if the wall is load bearing or if any additional plumbing or electrical work is required. Insulation may need to be replaced or added, which will cost between $0.75-$0.95 per square foot.

Most professional carpenters or general contractors can install drywall; it typically takes at least two people to complete the installation. Drywall is quite heavy and can be difficult to work with. Most drywall installers charge by the square foot, which is approximately $1-$3 each. This does not include the cost of materials, demo work, or debris removal. Plan to pay more for labor if additional framing of the walls is required.

Drywall Textures

Texture adds a unique finishing touch to your home, and it's available in a wide range of styles. The two main ways to apply texture are hand-applied and spray applications. Depending on what you choose, it may cost around $511 to $619 to
have custom texture added to the drywall.

Drywall cost by type

Here is a breakdown of the cost of drywall per type to help you determine which option is best and which will fit within your budget:

• Standard: The most basic of all drywall types, standard drywall can be found in most residential homes. It's also the best choice if you're planning to replace drywall DIY. You can use this material for both walls and ceilings, and it costs approximately $10 to $20 per sheet.

• Moisture-resistant: For bathrooms and basements, moisture-resistant drywall is best since it features a special coating that helps to prevent the absorption of moisture. This material costs around $14 to $25 per sheet due to the treatment.

• Mold-resistant: Similar to moisture-resistant drywall, this material features a special coating to deter the growth of mold in rooms with a lot of moisture, it can cost between $13 and $15 per sheet.

• Fire-resistant: If you want another layer of protection, consider fire-resistant drywall. This material is made of glass fibers, and it's a good choice for garages, utility rooms, and areas with wood stoves, fireplaces, or furnaces. It costs approximately $13 per sheet and up.

• Soundproofing: Perfect for band rooms or loud residential buildings like apartment complexes, soundproof drywall is quite expensive and will cost around $50 per sheet.

• Eco-friendly: For an environmentally friendly alternative, try this form of drywall. It's made of recycled materials and costs between $14 and $20 per sheet.

Drywall textures

Texture adds a unique finishing touch to your home, and it's available in a wide range of styles. The two main ways to apply texture are hand-applied and spray applications. Depending on what you choose, it may cost around $511 to $619 to have custom texture. Let's break down the different categories of drywall texture so you can decide which is right for your home:

Drywall cost by type

Here is a breakdown of the cost of drywall per type to help you determine which option is best and which will fit within your budget:

• Standard: Standard drywall is in most residential homes and is the best option if you want to install it DIY. This material can be used for walls and ceilings and costs $10 to $20 per sheet.
• Moisture-resistant: Choose this drywall for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This material has a special coating that prevents the absorption of moisture and costs $14-$25 per sheet.
• Mold-resistant: This drywall also has a special coating similar to moisture-resistant drywall, designed to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. It’s ideal for rooms with a lot of moisture and costs $13-$15 per sheet.
• Fire-resistant: If you want another layer of protection, consider this drywall made of glass fibers that are a good option for utility rooms, garages, and rooms with wood-burning stoves, furnaces, or fireplaces. This drywall costs approximately $13 per sheet or more.
• Soundproofing: Ideal for band rooms and loud buildings like apartment complexes or condos, soundproofing drywall is costly, coming in at $50 and up per sheet.
• Eco-friendly: Made of recycled materials, this environmentally friendly drywall costs $14 to $20 per sheet.

Drywall and sheetrock vs plaster

Sheetrock is a material used in construction, but it’s not the same thing as drywall. Sheetrock is a patented product produced by the U.S. Gypsum Company and incorporates a few specific chemicals into the material. It’s structurally similar to drywall; the true difference lies in the brand name. Both drywall and sheetrock can be used for walls and ceilings, and other than the brand name, the price is the main difference. Plan to pay a bit more to texture your
sheetrock, too.
 
Plaster was once the standard choice for walls and ceilings in most homes. Some people still prefer plaster, thanks to its beautiful, unique texture that creates a vintage-inspired aesthetic. Installing plaster requires specific skills, so the installation process takes longer and is much more labor-intensive. Plaster will cost a lot more than sheetrock and drywall, and this material may only appeal to a niche group of homeowners. Prepare to pay around three times more for labor to have plaster installed. While it’s certainly beautiful to look at, plaster is very brittle and vulnerable to crumbling or cracking. Plaster also doesn’t offer the same level of insulation as sheetrock and drywall, so keep that in mind.

Drywall installation factors to consider

Aside from the installation process itself, there are other important things to consider before installing new drywall. You’ll likely want to paint your drywall a nice color, so remember to set aside between $400 to $800 per average-sized room if you choose to hire a professional painter. Any walls with visible seams will require additional coats of paint, which will make the cost go up even more.

Prepare to pay 10-30% more if you’re installing new drywall on your ceilings. Your labor costs will increase if you have tall, vaulted, or cathedral-style ceilings since the process is more complex and requires more skill to complete. Most contractors and carpenters charge around $70 per hour to remove old drywall, which should include the disposal cost. Older homes where asbestos is found will tack on another $200 to $700 for professional asbestos abatement.

If you decide to install drywall yourself, there are some vital things to consider to help you prepare. It takes at least two people to install drywall since the material is cumbersome and heavy. Gather all the necessary tools before you begin, including the appropriate nails and screws, tarps or plastic sheeting to protect the floors and furniture, and enough sheets of drywall to complete the installation at once. Plan to spend a few days finishing the installation if you’re tackling several rooms or have a large home.

A permit is required in certain jurisdictions if you’re doing major demolition or a large remodeling project. Contact your local authorities to determine whether or not any permits are required before you start work or hire a pro. Permit requirements will typically depend on the scope of work, or if there’s any electrical or plumbing work involved. Installing drywall is a great opportunity to get a closer look behind your walls to determine if there are any issues like rotted wood, old wiring, or inadequate insulation.