How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?

If you’re planning on updating an old home or adding on to your current house, you’ve probably considered drywall installation. Installing new drywall can transform a cracked, uneven or poorly patched wall into a brand-new, well-installed surface that stands strong and allows your home’s decor and furnishings to be the center of attention.

Whether you’re restoring an old home, adding onto your current home or making a current space more comfortable, it’s important to learn more about the factors that affect the overall cost of drywall installation. We’ll explain the process of drywall installation, help you determine your options and get you prepared for the cost of drywall installation.

What’s The Average Cost To Install Drywall? 

Drywall installation costs vary depending on the type used and how homeowners choose to have it installed. Typically, drywall installation will cost homeowners approximately $2 per square foot.

Let’s break it down even further. On average, drywall installation costs $1.50 – $3 per square foot. This translates to about $1,871 for a drywall installation, with a range of $994 – $2,915 per project.

We’ll explain what factors can impact drywall installation and get you prepared for how much your project may cost.

What Impacts The Cost Of Drywall Installation?

Like any construction project, there is more to the cost of drywall installation than the cost of materials alone. Here are all the factors that can impact the cost of drywall installation.

Professional Or DIY Installation

The way drywall is installed can greatly impact the cost of installation. Drywall can either be installed professionally by an expert or if you’re willing and able, you can take on the project yourself. DIY drywall installation is not an impossible feat, but it’s certainly not a task for DIY home renovation beginners. The drywall installation process has numerous steps, but the main ones include demolition, hanging and sanding.

Hiring a contractor may cost more money upfront but could save you money in the long run. If you don’t have the required skills or time to learn how to install dry wall properly, a mismanaged job could lead to a messy look in your home at best and structural problems at worst, requiring expensive fixes. You may also need to file for a permit, something a professional will already have experience with. Professional installation tends to cost about two-thirds of the total expense, but it will save you time, energy and any back or neck pain. While it might seem like a large expense upfront, an expert contractor is worth the investment if you don’t have the needed skills.

After deciding who will install the drywall, you will need to choose what type of drywall is best for your home.

The Type Of Drywall

There are several types of drywall for homeowners and contractors to choose from. The type of drywall, the panel size and the drywall thickness will all influence the total installation cost. The following are the most common types of drywall:

• Regular drywall: Also known as white board, regular drywall is the most common type used in ceilings and walls. Regular drywall comes in multiple sheet sizes so you can choose the length and width that works best for your home improvement project.
  
• Mold-resistant drywall: Also known as green board, mold-resistant drywall has extra protection against mold with a paper backing thicker than regular drywall, a wax coating for more water resistance and a non-organic fiberglass mesh that removes the substances needed for mold growth. If your home improvement project involves your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, consider installing mold-resistant drywall for maximum moisture protection.
  
• Soundproof drywall: If you’re a light sleeper or want to cut down on the noise that can pass through a shared wall, soundproof drywall is a great option. All drywall has soundproof capabilities to some extent, but soundproof drywall locks in noise, keeping it from traveling outside of the room. Made with more gypsum, wood fiber and polymers than regular drywall, the increase of materials makes for a denser and harder drywall option. If you’re interested in soundproofing a room or blocking off noise between living spaces and shared walls, consider installing soundproof drywall. Just know that soundproof drywall is thicker than regular drywall, making it potentially more difficult to carry and work with.
  
• Plasterboard: Also known as blue board, plasterboard is made of gypsum mixed with water and used as a base for plaster applications. After installing plasterboard, a thin coat or coats of plaster is required over the entire surface. Plasterboard is very absorbent and is often used in older homes.
  
• Fire-resistant drywall: If your home renovation is in your garage or basement and you also store flammable equipment in that space, consider installing fire-resistant drywall. Fire-resistant drywall adds extra protection with fiberglass, which slows the fire and doesn’t burn as fast as other drywall. Areas around fireplaces are other great candidates for this type of drywall.
  

The Type Of Finish Required

Installing is just one part of the drywall process. The next step in drywall installation is choosing which finish you want. Finishing, as the name implies is what gives your project its finished appearance. Depending on the direction you choose, it can really alter a room’s look and feel.

Depending on what texture and look you want for your walls or ceilings, there are a number of different finishes to choose from. Examples of drywall finishes include smooth, orange peel, knockdown, sand swirl, popcorn, comb, slap brush and more. Drywall finishing is rated from level 0 to level 5. A level 0 finish is the most affordable and also the most incomplete, while a level 5 finish is the most expensive and is fully finished with no imperfections. You can save money by choosing a finish somewhere in the middle of this range.

The Size Of The Space

Finally, the cost to install drywall is also dependent on the size of the space. This means that the larger the space, the higher the material costs and labor costs will be, and vice versa for a smaller space.

Most drywall panels come in standard sizes of 4 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 12 feet. Depending on the size of your space, one panel might be more efficient and less wasteful. Though 4-by-12-foot sheets are more expensive, you may need fewer sheets overall. Keep these factors in mind when choosing what sheets to install.

Other Factors That Influence The Cost

Age of the building, special features like rounded corners and conditions found after demolition can all influence the installation cost. Additionally, if upgrades are needed before the drywall is installed, the total price will also increase. Additional upgrades are not always necessary, but during the drywall installation, be sure to check out your wiring, HVAC and plumbing, and keep an eye out for signs of pests, moisture and other problems. It’s not often walls are gutted in this way, and it can give you a real opportunity to check the condition of your home.

Ways To Save On Drywall Installation

Although drywall installation can be pricey, there are a few things people can do to save money on installation costs. The following are ways to save on drywall installation.

Create A Budget

The key to saving money during any home renovation project is creating and sticking to a budget. Without a budget, it’s hard to keep track of how much money you’re spending and how close you are getting to your limit. Additionally, a budget will allow you to plan for unexpected costs that may arise during the project. Before solidifying your budget, estimate the cost ranges for labor, materials, permits and cleanup. Within that range, choose a number that works for your financial situation and stick as close to that number as you can through the entirety of the project.

Research and Plan Your Drywall Installation Project

Prepare for your drywall installation project by conducting research and formulating a plan. Do your research and become an expert on drywall installation before the project begins. Utilize resources such as books, friends, videos, websites and experts who can help you understand the installation process. Ask around your community to see if anyone has recently finished a drywall installation project and listen to their advice and stories. Gaining firsthand insight can help you prepare for the process and anticipate any challenges that might occur along the way.

Once you’ve learned more about the drywall installation process, make a plan. Include a timeline and the steps required to complete the project. Incorporate your budget into the plan by estimating the average costs for each step.

Depending on the extent of your drywall installation project and home renovation, you might need a permit. Not all drywall installation projects require permits, but some do. While permit applications may have fees, obtaining a permit is much more financially sensible than cutting corners. If you don’t obtain a permit, you may be forced to tear down the project and redo it, which can cost you double. Permit laws vary by location, so be sure to check with your city’s ordinances when planning your drywall installation project.

Shop Around For The Right Contractor

The best way to save on drywall installation costs is by choosing an affordable and experienced contractor. You can find one by shopping around and comparing the rates of contractors in your area. Different contractors will charge different rates for the same type of work. Shop around for an experienced drywall contractor and compare the quotes you receive.

However, be sure you’re not just choosing a contractor because they have low rates. Pick someone experienced who will deliver high-quality results. To identify an experienced contractor, first gather a list of contractors in your area. Search the web, scroll through community pages, and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you’ve identified a list of contractors, you’ll need to vet them. Interview each contractor by calling them and asking about their company, years of operation, services offered, drywall installation process and anything else you can think of. It’s also crucial that you ask for references and reviews to ensure that they are reliable and worth hiring. After these steps are complete, compare your findings and determine which contractor is best for your project.

Handle The Prep Work Yourself

Another way to save on drywall installation costs is by handling the prep work yourself. Homeowners can decrease their costs when hiring a drywall installation contractor if they prepare the space for the installation by themselves.

The first step to prepping for drywall installation is determining the scope of the project. It’s critical that you identify how many surfaces will require drywall and estimate how long the installation will take. Each drywall project will vary in length, but if you’re having an entire room or more completed, be prepared for multiple days or weeks until the project is finished.

To get the space in your home ready for drywall installation, start by covering everything. Drywall installation can be very messy with dust and debris. To protect your decor and furnishings, move items out of the way or cover them in plastic. Although everything will be covered, it will still be a messy process. Invest in a good broom and vacuum to make the cleanup after the installation much easier. If you’re confident there is no asbestos or lead paint in the area you’re working in, you can remove the existing wall surface yourself to save money on demolition. Be careful when removing the wall surface and be aware of electrical and plumbing that may be behind the walls.

If you have chosen to tackle the project yourself, you can also save money on your installation by purchasing the materials and supplies all at once from a drywall supplier instead of a big-box store. Bulk orders usually qualify for a discount, and drywall suppliers are experts in their products so you can better estimate the cost of the project and what materials you’ll need.

Finally, trust your contractor. You chose them for a reason and they are experienced in their practice, so go with their advice and expertise and the finished result will be everything you had hoped for.

Invest In Quality Materials

Before starting your drywall installation project, consider investing in quality materials to reduce the overall cost of the project. Although paying for higher-quality materials may cost more upfront, it can save you ample money in the long run. Cheaper materials may not last as long and will force homeowners to pay for another installation again in the future. If you’re committing to a drywall installation project, you should do it right the first time and splurge on materials that will last a lifetime. Drywall walls and ceilings typically last 30 – 70 years, so keep that in mind when planning for your project.

Stay On Top Of Repairs

Finally, you can save money on drywall installation by staying on top of repairs. Luckily, drywall repair costs are often lower than drywall installation costs. Monitor your drywall and keep an eye out for any damage or issues. Take care of repairs as soon as you notice something is wrong so you don’t have to spend more money in the future.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully by now you feel like a drywall installation expert. Remember that there are a number of factors that affect drywall installation costs, such as labor, type and finish of drywall and the size of the space. Drywall installation will typically cost homeowners approximately $2 per square foot, but there are ways to save. Start by creating a budget and formulating a detailed plan for the project. Prepare for the drywall installation by shopping around for contractors and choosing an affordable and experienced professional. Before the contractor arrives, handle the prep work yourself and be sure to invest in quality materials that will save you money and last a lifetime. Even after the project, stay on top of repairs and be sure to take care of your drywall.

If you’re interested in making other home improvements or upgrades, check out our homeowner tips in the Learning Center.