(new walls, level 1 finish drywall)
(replaced, moisture-resistant drywall)
Cost to install drywall varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from drywall contractors in your city.
The average cost of installing drywall is $1,500 - $2,000.
Whether building a home from the ground up or remodeling an existing room, drywall 1 is used for wall construction. It’s durable and relatively easy to install, even for amateurs. Drywall is one of the most common building materials in the modern era, replacing the older method of plaster 2 application.
Drywall is used for walls and ceilings in a variety of rooms and is typically composed of gypsum and paper. Specialty drywall such as mold- or moisture-resistant may have special coatings. Fire-resistant drywall is composed of glass and eco-friendly drywall may contain other recycled industry byproducts.
Drywall is easier to install than plaster and is a convenient material that is relatively easy to install. The cost to replace and install 1,000 square feet of standard 1/2" drywall ranges from $1,500-$2,000.
Drywall 1 comes in several sizes, but 4’ x 8’ sheets are the most common and the easiest to use for DIYers. There are larger sheets for taller ceilings (4’ x 12’ and 4’ x 16’), but these are difficult for a home installer to work with and should only be used by professionals ($16 per sheet or more).
Drywall comes in thicknesses ranging from 1/4” to 5/8”, but 1/2” is the most popular. The 1/4" sheets ($11.00 per sheet) are typically used for repairs, or as an overlay on an existing sheet. This is often used to cover ceilings. They can also be used to create curved walls, though this can be achieved by dampening thicker drywall as well.
The most common drywall thickness is 1/2" and is used in wall and ceiling applications ($10-$20 per sheet). Water-resistant drywall of the same thickness is used in bathrooms ($14-$25 per sheet).
Thicker drywall, often 5/8” fire-resistant drywall, is used in garages and furnace rooms. This thickness of drywall averages around $13 per sheet.
In order to install or replace drywall 1, the following steps should be taken in preparation:
Drywall 1 can be installed two different ways: vertically and horizontally. There are pros and cons to each. The cost differential is negligible, as the cost varies primarily with the type of drywall and the level of finish.
Horizontal | Vertical |
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Fewer seams Stronger structure Easier to finish Not everyone has experience with horizontal installation | Easier installation Attaches to studs securely Easier to attach baseboards |
There are many different types of drywall. Which one you choose may depend on the type of room, its function, and your budget.
There are six levels of finishing when it comes to drywall 1 installation. The higher the finish level, the more you pay for labor, as each level requires increasingly more work.
Your contractor will be able to provide a more exact estimate, but drywall installation typically ranges from $1.00-$3.00 per square foot for materials and installation.
Textures can be applied to drywall 1, which can add character to your room. There are two main methods of applying texture: hand application and spray application.
Hand-applied textures include:
Spray-applied textures include:
A carpenter or contractor can install drywall 1 for you, and it will likely involve a team of at least two people, as drywall sheets can be heavy and unwieldy. Drywall installers charge by the square foot ($1.00-$3.00 per square foot), but the final price will also include the cost of materials (which varies) and cleanup and removal. The old drywall will need to be removed first. Then the area should be inspected for any other potential issues, such as insulation, electrical, and plumbing problems. If framing is needed, that will be the next step, then the drywall can be installed and finished. The level of finish will depend on the final decorations and room purpose. A garage wall, for example, does not need the same level of finish as a bathroom.
Many people refer to drywall as a whole as “sheetrock 1”, but Sheetrock is actually a registered trademark of a company that produces drywall. Unlike drywall (Sheetrock or other brands), plaster is an older method of wall construction, and while the former is much more common these days, each has its benefits.
Drywall | Plaster |
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Less expensive Easier to install Potentially DIY | Expensive Produces a better finish “Vintage” look Durable Requires professional application |
It’s important to consider the different factors involved in drywall installation in new installation versus with a remodel.
Drywall being installed as part of a remodel will probably warrant a bulk discount for the materials. Additional savings will be achieved since there will be no demolition or removal of old walls. With a remodel you never know what you’re going to find in terms of the framing, electrical, and/or plumbing behind the walls and all of those areas can create costly surprises.
In remodeling a room you can update or upgrade the texture of your walls with a different finish than you used to have and it will, of course, be a much faster project than installing drywall throughout an entire new house.
When the wall is finished to the level you desire, you can have the wall painted. An average-sized bedroom (12’ x 12’), for example, will cost $400-$800 for professional painting. You should note that if the drywall finish level is lower, with more visible seams, the paint may not be able to hide them entirely.
Drywall can also be installed on the ceiling. There may not be an additional cost in many cases, but if your ceiling is particularly high (think cathedral and vaulted ceilings), it may come with a 10%-30% upcharge.
If there is preexisting drywall, the old wall will need to be removed. Carpenters typically charge $70 per hour, and the cost to remove old drywall costs $400-$700.
To install drywall you will need at least two people, drywall sheets, drywall screws, cutting tools, sawhorses, a tape measure, power drill, and plastic sheeting.
Either will work, and each has its own benefits. Vertically hung drywall means secure attachment to studs, while horizontal placement means cleaner seams and easier finishing.
Drywall installation takes as little as one day and as long as four weeks, including the time it takes to prep and clean up debris. The amount of time depends on the size of the project, framing needs, and level of finish.
Drywall installation costs $700-$3,400 for 1,000 square feet of drywall.
The cost will vary depending on the size of the room, but the average cost to frame and drywall a room ranges from $1.00-$3.00 per square foot.
A 700 square foot basement will have approximately 1,000 square feet of walls. The cost will depend on the level of finish, but a level 5 finish in a 700 square foot basement would cost $2,100.
A level 5 finish means minimal if any, visible seams and a uniform finish. Level 5 drywall costs as much as $1.50 per square foot.
If you are using the standard 4’ x 8’ sheets, you will need approximately 32 sheets.
Cost to install drywall varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.