Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the ceiling height, drywall type, and level of finish. 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.
Cost to Hang Drywall – Notes and General Information
These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials, and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS!
These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of the work required and costs for your project – before making any decisions or commitments.
The cost estimate includes:
- Costs for local material/equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Drywall Hanging, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials, and components.
- Labor setup time, mobilization time, and minimum hourly charges are commonly included for small Drywall Hanging jobs.
Cost to hang drywall
The cost to hang drywall varies depending on the size of the room or ceiling, what type of drywall you choose, and the cost of labor in your area. On average, it costs between $300 to $400 per day to hang the 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. Ask your contractor to install the longest or largest sheets possible. The larger the sheet of drywall, the less it will cost per square foot and the less time it should take to install. Make sure you find out if the labor is warrantied when you get estimates.
| Type | Drywall Cost per Sheet (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Traditional/Standard | $10 – $12 |
| Plaster Blue Board | $11 – $14 |
| Fire-Rated (Type X) | $12 – $21 |
| Moisture-Resistant (green) | $13 – $15 |
| Moisture-and-Mold-Resistant (purple) | $13 – $15 |
| Eco-Friendly | $14 – $20 |
| Paperless | $15 – $22 |
| Soundproof | $50 – $75 |
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
The list below offers a comprehensive look at the cost factors that will determine the price of your drywall project. These cost factors can help you to know what to expect before you begin.
- Room Size – Total cost obviously goes up as the room size increases, but cost per square foot falls when more drywall is installed. To measure your room, multiply length x width x wall height. If you’re drywalling the ceiling too, then consider length x width and add that to your total.
- Drywall Type – Most projects require standard ½” drywall. But there are lots of different types of drywall and each one has a specific use. The type of drywall you use can radically change the cost of your project, so it’s important to know beforehand what type you plan to use! See the types and material costs in the Retail Cost section below.
- Finished or Unfinished or In Between – The level of finish you want on your drywall will depend on the end goal of your project. If you are drywalling a garage or basement, you may not care so much about the level of finish. However, if you would like to be able to use high-quality paint on the finished drywall and end up with a superior look, you will need to pay for a higher level of finish. Drywall finishes range from 0 to 5. Level 0 costs about $1.00 per square foot, while level 5 costs around $3.00 or more per square foot.
- Level Zero: drywall is attached to framing
- Level One: seams are sealed with tape and concealed with a “mud” compound
- Level Two: one coat of compound is applied to walls, ready for tile
- Level Three: two coats of the compound are applied to walls, ready for texture
- Level Four: three coats of the compound are applied to walls, ready for paint with little to no gloss
- Level Five: the high-quality skim coat is applied to walls, ready for enamel or high-gloss paint
For ceilings, a knock-down finish is also offered – a dry compound is dabbed or sprayed on the ceiling and allowed to dry. You can leave the texture “as is,” or have it sanded lightly to create a knock-down finish. Both cost less than full three-coat-and-sand finishes.