
Skim coating drywall is a great alternative to replacement, and is often more affordable. Use this guide to estimate the cost to skim coat walls in your home.
All those walls need is a new coat of drywall ... or do they?


Putting drywall over drywall can freshen up a room.
This is not an option if the existing drywall is severely damaged.
Use one-quarter inch drywall when installing on top of existing drywall.
If the walls in your home could use a refresh–and more than a fresh coat of paint–can you put drywall over drywall? In some cases, yes, you can, but this isn’t always the right solution. Here’s what to consider before you put new drywall on top of your existing drywall.

Your home's walls have a history, and over the years, they've developed a few dings and scratches. While in some cases, patching up the drywall and painting it can suffice, more extensive damage calls for more extensive repairs.
If your walls have a lot of holes, gouges, or marks, putting drywall on the existing drywall can be one way to give them a facelift. You may also decide to put drywall over drywall if you've come to regret your previous design choices, such as old wallpaper or paneling.
In certain cases, putting new drywall over old drywall is a cost-effective and speedy way to refresh a room. A few of the advantages of putting drywall on drywall include:
It's less extensive than tearing out and replacing existing drywall.
It can help soundproof a room.
It can cost less than installing all-new drywall.
It can improve the insulation in a room.
Use any remaining available wall space for built-in storage. You can install bench seating with storage underneath and install decorative cushions for the ultimate multipurpose piece. DIY garage shelves are also an excellent option for garage organization for storing items you use infrequently, like seasonal outdoor equipment and holiday decorations. They can also add tons of utility to small garage spaces.
Your converted garage is an ideal place to install smart home technology. Remote-controlled dimming lights and a Bluetooth-connected HVAC system make it effortless to get comfortable.
Studio lofts or guest houses can feel more private when a doorbell announces visitors. Installing a smart doorbell with a camera is also a nice additional security feature.
According to data from Angi, 78% of homeowners doing garage projects want to completely remodel their garages. 11% want to organize their garages, and only 4% want to build a new garage. If you’re not sure the right move for your garage, consult a garage remodeling pro.
Drywall comes in four thicknesses and several lengths. When you're putting a new layer of drywall on top of an existing layer, choose the thinnest option, one-quarter of an inch drywall. This layer will be enough to cover up any imperfections or irregularities in the current drywall without taking up too much space in the room.

How hard it is to hang drywall depends on your comfort level with DIY projects and lifting 50-pound or more sheets of drywall. Hanging drywall on top of existing drywall can be slightly more difficult than installing drywall from scratch, as you need to locate the studs beneath the current drywall. You also need to extend the windowsills, trim, outlets, and light switches in the room.
If that sounds too much, your best bet is to hire a professional drywall installer. A pro drywall contractor can also help you decide if putting drywall over drywall is the right move or if you're better off replacing your walls entirely.
Cancelled appointment two hours after they were supposed to come for drywall work.
Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Fred and his partner did an excellent job and they finished in two days. They replaced the drywall and it is flawless. Fred's workmanship is top notch. Fred is also practical and reliable. He also does hardscaping and can do other types of home improvement projects.
They did really extensive work and did an amazing job. It took about six months altogether, but they did a very good job for our waterworks. Our neighborhood has a lot of older houses that have a kind of like a low basement, and ours was unfinished, and won't do with semi-finished and not in...
I've been around the block myself many times and know most of the lingo, angles, tricks and traps of contracting work on a home. And, I've taken the community school contracting licensing classes and heard contractors discuss openly and candidly trade practices and tales both good and bad. ...
Excellent work; great attention to detail; makes good suggestions but always goes along with what the customer requests; clean and tidy; intelligent; very reasonable rates. I would definitely hire him again for other home projects. He can do a variety of different jobs including: drywall,...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

Skim coating drywall is a great alternative to replacement, and is often more affordable. Use this guide to estimate the cost to skim coat walls in your home.

Installing drywall is the most common way to finish your home’s interior. Use this drywall installation cost guide to see what your project is likely to cost.

Whether you’re trying to keep noise in or out, soundproofing materials are the way to go. Use this guide to see how much it costs to soundproof a room.

If you’re wondering, “How much drywall do I need?” this guide will help you estimate how many drywall sheets and related materials are required.

Studs can be found in a number of ways—you don’t always need a stud finder. Learn which methods are the most accurate, helping you find studs hidden behind a blank wall.

Skim coating helps smooth out drywall before you apply paint. Learn how to skim coat a wall in eight steps with this guide.