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Installing new drywall is one of the biggest expenses when restoring your home from a disaster.
But how much does it cost?
We’ll break down the average cost of installing new drywall and the factors that influence the cost.
If you need professional help with your home repairs, contact All Dry USA. We offer remediation and replacement services, so you can recover from any water, fire, or mold damage.
Average Cost To Install Drywall
The average cost of installing new drywall to your home is about $2 per square foot – so replacing 1,000 square feet would cost $2,000.
But many factors influence the total cost, such as the type of material, thickness, panel size, cost of labor, and finish. The type and size of the room play a role, as installing drywall in rooms without archways and windows will cost less.
If you want to install tiling or another surface covering, prepping the drywall is required, which is more expensive.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Drywall Per Square Foot?
Drywall installation generally costs between $.50 and $.80 per square foot for the materials. However, that doesn’t account for installation and labor costs. It’ll cost about $1.00 to $2.70 per square foot to hang and finish drywall.
The drywall installation costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the drywall type, ceiling height, and finish level.
This translates to about $60 to $90 per panel, assuming a standard 4’ x 8’ panel size. For installing drywall to a standard 12 x 12-foot room, which equates to 18 panels, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $1,600.
Which Factors Influence the Cost of Installing Drywall?
Drywall is the foundation of many modern walls and ceilings, helping to ensure a smooth surface. That said, many factors contribute to your drywall costs.
Type of Drywall
Drywall is made of gypsum, but there are different types of drywall, each with distinct benefits:
- Regular drywall: This drywall is made of gypsum but has no special features like mold or moisture resistance. It’s used in most bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms.
- Moisture-resistant drywall: Designed to prevent mold and mildew growth. Thus, it’s commonly used in rooms with high moisture or humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Mold-resistant drywall: This material has a special coating to prevent mold growth. Typically, they’re more resistant to high moisture levels than moisture-resistant drywalls but are also more expensive.
- Fire-resistant drywall: It contains fiberglass within the gypsum core and is generally installed in several layers to slow fire progression and prevent it from spreading. They are required in garages if it shares a ceiling or wall with the main home.
- Soundproof drywall: This drywall is made of polymers, gypsum, and wood fibers, increasing the sound transmission class (STC). It’s ideal for a baby’s room or home office.
- Paperless drywall: It’s another alternative to offer greater mold and mildew resistance since it’s made without paper. However, unlike moisture or mold-resistant drywall, they’re easier to install and repair.
Drywall Panel Size
Drywall panels come in various sizes – usually in multiples of 4 feet. For example, you’ll usually find panels of 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 12’, and 4’ x 16’.
Here are rough estimates of what each panel size per sheet costs:
- 4’ x 8’: $10 to $15
- 4’ x 12’: $12 to $18
- 4’ x 16’: $16 to $25
Choosing the right panel size depends on room dimensions. For example, while a 4’ x 16’ is more expensive, it may require fewer sheets.
Thickness of the Drywall
Drywalls come in a few thickness levels, including ¼-inch, ½-inch, ⅜–inch, and ⅝-inch. Thicker drywalls offer more benefits. For example, 5-8-inch thick panels are less prone to sagging and have a higher fire-resistant rating.
However, thicker drywalls are heavier and more labor-intensive, which increases project costs. Typically ⅜-inch and ½-inch are the most popular options that homeowners choose.
Labor
The labor costs of hanging and finishing drywall range between $1 to $2.70 per square foot. You can expect contractors to charge about $40 to $100 per to hang and finish drywall onto walls or ceilings.
Installing drywall in a standard room takes between two to three days, while drywalling an entire 2,000-square-foot home can take between three days to a week.
Level of Finish
The level of finish for drywall describes the smoothness and quality of the finished surface. Let’s look into the five different finish levels.
- Level 0: This implies no finishing whatsoever.
- Level 1: The drywall joint tape is embedded into the joint compound, but nothing else has been done.
- Level 2: It has one coat of joint compound applied to the screw heads and tape.
- Level 3: This level has two coatings for a smoother finish.
- Level 4: There are three coats of compounds, usually made for wall surfaces that will be covered or painted with wallpaper.
- Level 5: A high-quality finish best suited for gloss paint or enamel application.
Generally, a Level 3 or 4 finish is sufficient for most homes, providing a smooth surface for most wall and paint coverings. However, high-end homes may prefer a more professional and polished finish.
Budget
Budget always plays a significant role in home repair, especially drywall installation. If you’re on a tight budget, consider an economical drywall option like regular drywall. ‘
If you can afford greater protection, try installing ones with more robust materials like mold-resistant or fireproof drywall.
DIY Drywall Installation Costs
DIY drywall installation costs between $200 and $400 for the materials needed to cover a 12’ x 12’ bedroom wall and ceiling.
Here are the general costs (per 500 square feet) to expect when you want to hang the drywall yourself:
- Drywall: $160 to $320
- Screws: $20 to $40
- Tape: $3 to $12
- Mud/Joint compound: $14 to $16
- Corner bead: $3 to $12
While DIY installation can save some money, it’s generally not a good idea unless you are skilled at performing home installations. Poorly installed drywall can lead to visible seams and joints, wavy or uneven surfaces, and cracking within the drywall.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Make sure to add these considerations to your budget.
- Old Drywall Removal: Before installing new drywall, factor in the cost of removing your old drywall. While you can do it yourself, we recommend hiring a professional since you could easily damage wiring, plumbing, electrical outlets, and other home system components.
- Insulation: Insulation is installed inside the wall cavity, between the studs, before the new drywall is installed. This helps regulate humidity and temperature levels and reduce heating and cooling costs. Depending on the type of insulation, it can cost between $0.65 and $6.50 per square foot.
- Asbestos Removal: If you own a home over 40 years old, there’s a good chance of lead paint or asbestos within your walls. Asbestos can cause serious health problems when exposed.
- Permits: There are cases where permits are needed, such as adding drywall to a new wall or when the project involves changes to the systems or structures of the home. Permit costs and requirements may exist, depending on the project’s scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still wondering about the costs of installing new drywall in your home, we’ve put together a short FAQ section to help.
How Much Does It Cost To Install 1000 Square Feet of Drywall?
For 1,000 square feet of drywall, it typically costs between $1,500 to $2,000, which includes finishing, mudding, and other related tasks. However, for specialty projects, expect to pay upwards of $2,000, sometimes up to $5,000 or more.
How Much Does a Handyman Charge To Install Drywall?
Generally, you can expect most handymen to charge between $50 to $100 per hour to install drywall, with an average project cost of about $2,000. However, costs depends on the material type and thickness, the shape and size of the room, and the desired finish.
Have Interior Drywall Damage? Call Us to Fix It!
Restoring your home after damage can be a nightmare. If you need interior restoration, get in touch with All Dry USA. It’s essential to replace damaged drywall as soon as possible since it can compromise the structural integrity of your home and create health hazards.
Our team of experts provides various interior restoration services, including drywall installation, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.
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Ben Suiskind
Chief Executive Officer at All Dry USA
With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
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FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Install New Drywall? ›
How Much Does It Cost to Install Drywall per Square Foot? The average cost to install drywall, including the finishing, taping, labor costs, and materials, is between $1.50 to $3 per square foot. This cost works out to around $60 to $90 per drywall panel.
How much should drywall labor cost? ›People typically charge about $1,800, or between $955 and $2,550 to hang drywall. Low-end jobs can run about $450 while high-end jobs reach $5,000 or more. That means you should charge between $1 and $3 per square foot for materials and labor for an average project.
How much would it cost to drywall a $1500 sq ft house? ›| Average Cost to Drywall a House by House Size | |
|---|---|
| Cost to Drywall a 1000 sq ft House | Total Cost |
| Average x 4140 | $9,150 |
| High x 4700 | $14,800 |
| Cost to Drywall a 1500 sq ft House | |
Calculate how many drywall sheets you will need by dividing the total square footage of area by 32 (if you're using 4-by-8 sheets) or by 48 (if you're using 4-by-12 sheets). If you want to get the cost, just multiply the total number of sheets by the price per sheet. Remember to add local taxes and delivery charges.
How much drywall do I need for a 2000 square foot house? ›For example, a house with 2,000 square feet of floor space and eight-foot-high ceilings may require anywhere between 8,000 and 9,000 square feet of drywall. The amount of surface to be covered with drywall depends on the layout of rooms and the number of interior walls.
How much should I charge to install and finish drywall? ›The average cost to install drywall, including the finishing, taping, labor costs, and materials, is between $1.50 to $3 per square foot. This cost works out to around $60 to $90 per drywall panel.
How much does it cost to hang and finish ceiling drywall? ›Drywall ceiling cost is $2.25 to $4.35 per square foot for professional work. Cost depends on drywall type, thickness and texturing. Most homeowners pay an average of $2.80 for ceiling drywall, or about $1,100 for a 400 square foot room.
How do you bid drywall per square foot? ›Based on the potential total square footage of drywall used, a drywall contractor should charge $1.50 to $3 a square foot to hang and finish drywall. Which individual pricing between $1.50 and $3 a contractor chooses depends on the level of job difficulty and professional experience.
How much does it cost to tape and finish a sheet of drywall? ›Taping and mudding drywall after it's hung can range from $0.40 to $0.70 per square foot, while sanding and priming costs between $0.10 and $0.50 per square foot. The cost to finish the drywall ranges from $0.50 to $1.15 per square foot.
Is drywall cheap to replace? ›In general, the national average for repairing drywall is about $50–$80 per square foot or $60–$100 per hour. The most relevant cost factor is the repair size, since larger holes require more materials and labor.
How do you bid a sheetrock hanging job? ›
- Choose the right project. Before quoting a drywall project, you must know the best projects to bid for your company. ...
- Review bid documents or make a site visit. ...
- Perform a quantity takeoff. ...
- Price your materials and supplies. ...
- Estimate labor. ...
- Add overhead and profit. ...
- Write your proposal.
The national average cost to install drywall is between $1,600 and $3,500, with most homeowners spending around $2,000 on 1,000 sq. ft.
What thickness of drywall for walls? ›Most drywall measures 1/2-inch thick. It's the most common choice for interior walls because they are easy to carry and hang. If weight is a concern, consider ultra-light half-inch drywall. It's 13 pounds lighter than other varieties for the same size and thickness.
How long does it take to drywall a room? ›Estimated Time
Two pros can typically cover a 12-by-16-foot room in about an hour. To work that fast takes practice and a few specialized tools. But hanging drywall is not just about speed.
The time it takes to drywall a house depends on factors such as the home's size and complexity, ceiling height, type of drywall finish, crew size, experience, and weather conditions. Generally, drywall installation for an average-sized house can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
How much is drywall labor per square foot? ›Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the ceiling height, drywall type, and finish level. Drywall costs $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot for materials. The labor cost to hang and finish drywall is $1.00 to $2.70 per square foot. The cost to drywall a 12' x 12' room is $580 to $1,800.
Why are drywall prices increasing? ›Rising: Drywall
That jump is due to increased demand and material costs, said Vanderhider. The Linesight report also notes higher production costs have been a factor in keeping drywall prices at these elevated levels in recent quarters.
| Cost to Drywall a 2 or 2.5 Car Garage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost Factor | Low Cost | Average Cost |
| Typical Size | 20'x20′ | 24'x24′ |
| Cost per Sq. Ft. (2) | 1.65 – $2.80 | $2.35 – $3.15 |
| (1) Thickness on walls adjoining living spaces | ||
Orange Peel
The orange peel design is perhaps the most common wall texture. It's common because it's easy to apply and affordable for anyone to access.
The cost to drywall a 10x10 room will vary depending on the size of the job and other factors, but a reasonable rough estimate would be in the range of $800 to $1200 for just the drywalling portion of the job. This would not include any finishing, taping or texturing or material costs.
How much gap between ceiling and wall drywall? ›
The RSIC installation guide calls for a 1/4″ gap between the ceiling gypsum board and the perimeter of the ceiling. This gap should then be filled with acoustical caulking. The gap is then taped and finished like a regular ceiling / wall intersection.
How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan? ›The national average cost of ceiling fan installation is about $250, though the price may range from $100–$600 or more, depending on the complexity of the project. Installation costs for common air conditioning units range from $500–$2,500. Depending on the repair, the typical cost ranges from $100–$2,000.
What do drywall finishers charge? ›Cost To Finish Drywall per Square Foot
Labor costs are typically between $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. For all the materials, installation with labor costs, and finish, you should budget for $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
How Many Screws Per Sheet of Drywall. Use about 32 drywall screws per sheet of 4-foot by 8-foot drywall installed horizontally on a wall. This total is comprised of four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides.
How much does 200 square feet of drywall cost? ›In a small room about 200 sq. ft. the total cost to hang drywall is $1,200 – 1,500. For a small project, the price per square foot for installing drywall is actually much higher then for bigger square footage, because the contractor has to account for his prep and clean up time as well as overhead costs.
Do you mud the entire drywall? ›Do I need to mud the entire drywall? No. The mud is used to fill seams and other indentations in the drywall. It does not need to be applied over the entire surface.
How many coats of tape to use on drywall? ›You need to lay one layer of mud onto the bare wall to hold the tape, and you can usually lay another immediately after you lay the tape and scrape it. After that coat dries, you topcoat with a third layer, using a wider knife than you used for taping.
What is a Level 5 drywall finish? ›Level 5 drywall has a high-quality skim coat over it. This thin coat covers the nails, tape, compound, and wall materials from the naked eye, creating a pleasing, completed look.
What does a bad drywall job look like? ›Visible seams
A wall should look smooth and unified. It shouldn't show seams, or places where one sheet of drywall meets another. If it does show seams, it's a sign that the job was rushed or incomplete, or an inadequate job was done with drywall tape and/or drywall compound — a bad drywall mud job, in other words.
Although you can install drywall by yourself, the job will be much easier if you have an assistant. The assistant can help you lift and position the drywall sheets. While the assistant holds the sheet in position, you can tack the sheet in place with nails or screws.
What is cheaper than drywall? ›
Plywood. If you're looking to install wall panels quickly, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable. The wood grain will warm up a space and can be stained or painted to coordinate with any decor.
Can anyone hang drywall? ›Learning how to install drywall is very much within the reach of the average DIY enthusiast. With patience, the right tools and a friend to help you, hanging drywall is not very difficult. Once you've learned how to hang drywall, learn how to tape and finish the installed drywall for professional-quality results.
How much drywall do I need for a 1200 square foot house? ›How much Drywall do I need for a 1200 square foot house. For 4 x 10 size drywall = 1200/40+ 10% wastage = 33 drywall panels will be required. For 4 x 10 size drywall = 1200/48+ 10% wastage = 27.5= 28 drywall panels will be required.
How much does it cost to tape and mud drywall per square foot? ›The average cost to tape and mud drywall is $0.35 to $1.10 per square foot, not including sanding or the final finish to prime the surface for paint. Taping and mudding drywall joints for a standard 12' x 12' bedroom costs $180 to $580.
How much does it cost to hang 30 sheets of drywall? ›On average, it costs between $300 to $400 per day to hang drywall. This cost includes applying the spackle and taping the seams. This cost comes to approximately $10 to $15 per square foot. If your drywall costs between $6 and $14 per sheet, this comes out to about $30 to $40 per square foot with labor included.
How much does labor cost to skim coat a ceiling? ›Hiring a Contractor. Skim coating a room yourself costs you about $50 in materials and $430 in tools if you don't have the tools already. Hiring a local drywall contractor is usually $50 to $100 per hour, and the average room takes four to six hours to complete—totaling a labor cost of about $200 to $600.
How many ft is a sq ft? ›A square foot is a measurement of area. It's defined as the area inside a square that measures one foot per side. Area is equal to length multiplied by width. So, one square foot is equal to an area that's one foot long by one foot wide.
Should I use 1 4 or 1 2 inch drywall? ›1/4-inch drywall isn't strong enough to provide good support alone, but you can install it over a surface that's already in place, such as for a repair. It's thin enough to bend so it works in arches or curved walls. Double it up to create a 1/2-inch-thick surface.
Should I use 3 8 or 1 2 inch drywall? ›3/8-inch drywall is a good choice for remodeling partitions or creating patches. It's slightly thinner than standard ½-inch drywall but sturdier and more rigid than ¼-inch drywall, making it a good choice when you'll need to add it to an existing wall or surface where the plaster has worn away.
Is half inch or 5 8 drywall better? ›When installed on ceilings, 5/8-inch-thick panels are less susceptible to sagging between the joists than 1/2-inch panels. Adding popcorn texture or another type of heavy surfacing material can add to the weight problem, making 5/8-inch drywall a better choice for ceilings.
Do you drywall the ceiling or the walls first? ›
Hanging Drywall From the Top Down
Hang drywall on the ceiling first, then the walls. Check the ceiling for bowed joists using a 4-ft. level. Irregularities less than 1/8 in.
Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.
Can drywall be done in one day? ›Fortunately, fast-drying setting-type compounds allow you to do just that. Setting-type joint compounds harden chemically in anywhere from 20 minutes or 30 minutes to 4 hours or 5 hours, depending on the type used. The compounds with the shortest setting times are ideal for one-day finishing.
Do you hang drywall vertically or horizontally? ›How Do You Hang Drywall on Walls: Vertical or Horizontal? On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the drywall must be hung vertically. However, on residential jobs, the drywall on the walls is typically hung horizontally.
What comes after drywall in a house? ›After the drywall is installed, the interior painting and finish work can be completed. This includes finishing electrical components and building shelving, woodwork, cabinets and installing new appliances. As the individual rooms are near completion, the different types of flooring are installed.
Is drywall finishing a hard job? ›The job is physically demanding – you will be on your feet most of the time, working with heavy drywall sheets. As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority.
How much does it cost to drywall 100 square feet? ›Our page on Average Drywall Installation Cost & Prices shows that the cost to drywall a house per square foot is roughly $1.30 – $4.00 per square foot.
Why is the price of drywall going up? ›Rising: Drywall
That jump is due to increased demand and material costs, said Vanderhider. The Linesight report also notes higher production costs have been a factor in keeping drywall prices at these elevated levels in recent quarters.
| Task | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Removing Plaster | $1 |
| Installing Drywall | $2 |
| Paint | $3.50 |
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the ceiling height, drywall type, and finish level. Drywall costs $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot for materials. The labor cost to hang and finish drywall is $1.00 to $2.70 per square foot. The cost to drywall a 12' x 12' room is $580 to $1,800.
What is the standard price for ceiling repair? ›
And repairing a ceiling after someone has fallen through it costs between $250 and $750. More expensive repair types include sagging, with a price range between $250 and $1,000. Water damage costs $200 and $1,500 to repair, while repairing a leak and a damaged ceiling can be as much as $2,000.
What is the average cost to skim a room? ›Average skim coat cost
The cost to skim coat walls is $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot, depending on the room size and height. Skim coating drywall ceilings costs $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot. Skimming a 12'x12' room costs $580 to $800 on average for the walls and ceiling and adds a smooth finish.
Estimating Level 5 Drywall Cost
A level 5 finish can cost $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the labor rate. It's a highly labor-intensive process, and materials are only a small percentage of the overall price.
We expect the overall cost of home renovations to stabilize during 2023, as the economy slows and inflation moderates. If you are in the design phase for a new home and worried about 2023 construction costs, remember that the market may stabilize this year.
Can you put drywall over drywall? ›Dear Ronald: Installing drywall over old paneling is one method to improve the appearance of a room. As you noted, it can be a difficult task to extend all the window and door trim to fit over the thicker wall with the drywall attached, but it can certainly be done.
When should drywall be replaced? ›- Holes. Drywall's lack of durability often leads to accidental holes thanks to simple things such as opening your door too hard, moving furniture, kids playing, and even termites. ...
- Cracks. If they're not holes, they're cracks. ...
- Water Damage.