How Much Does Trusscore vs. Drywall Cost? [2025 Data]
Most people spend $660 to $900 for a 12’ by 12’ Trusscore or drywall project, with an average of $1,500. Every project is different, so contact a pro for accurate pricing.
For a 12’ by 12’ room, you’ll spend anywhere from $260 to $3,040 to install Trusscore or drywall, with an average of $1,500 depending on which material you choose and how much space you’re covering. When comparing Trusscore versus drywall costs, it’s important to consider the cost of materials and labor.
At $2.75 to $3.75 per square foot, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are more expensive than drywall, which ranges from $0.40 to $3 per square foot. However, Trusscore panels take less than a day to install, whereas drywall takes several days—meaning that labor is pricier with drywall installations.
Trusscore vs. Drywall Cost Factors
If you’re deciding between Trusscore and drywall, it helps to understand what factors into the cost of each material.
Materials
In terms of materials, Trusscore is more expensive than drywall. On average, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard costs between $2.75 and $3.75 per square foot, with prices varying by location.
Meanwhile, drywall costs $0.40 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type of drywall you choose. For example, standard drywall costs $0.40 to $0.50 per square foot, while soundproof drywall ranges from $1.85 to $3.00 per square foot.
| Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Trusscore | $2.75–$3.75 |
| Drywall | $0.40–$3 |
Size
The size of your space will also impact the overall cost of Trusscore versus drywall. Here’s how much you’d spend on materials for various project sizes.
| Project Size in Square Feet | Average Cost of Trusscore (Materials Only) | Average Cost of Drywall (Materials Only) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $275–$375 | $40–$300 |
| 250 | $690–$950 | $100–$750 |
| 500 | $1,375–$1,875 | $200–$1,500 |
| 750 | $2,100–$2,800 | $300–$2,250 |
| 1,000 | $2,750–$3,750 | $400–$3,000 |
| 1,250 | $3,400–$4,700 | $500–$3,750 |
| 1,500 | $4,125–$5,625 | $600–$4,500 |
| 2,000 | $5,500–$7,500 | $800–$6,000 |
Labor
Trusscore is easier, faster, and less labor-intensive to install than drywall. As a result, you’ll pay less in labor if you choose Trusscore over drywall.
To install Trusscore, you can get help from a local handyperson or a certified Trusscore installer. On average, hiring a handyperson costs $50 to $150 per hour. According to Trusscore, you can install a room’s worth of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels in an afternoon.
Drywall installers also charge between $50 and $100 per hour. However, it can take several days to install drywall in one room (as opposed to the half-day it takes to set up Trusscore panels).
Prep
Whether you’re installing Trusscore or drywall, your prep costs will depend on the current condition of your space and the specifics of your project.
For example, if you need to remove a wall before installing Trusscore or drywall, you should budget an additional $1,000 to $10,000 (depending on the wall’s material and whether it’s load-bearing or non-load-bearing). But if you’re simply putting Trusscore or drywall over existing drywall, your prep costs will be minimal.
Trusscore vs. Drywall Ongoing Costs
After installing Trusscore or drywall, you shouldn’t face too many ongoing costs. With that said, Trusscore has fewer ongoing costs than drywall. That’s because Trusscore’s PVC panels are highly durable and more resistant to mold, moisture, and surface damage than drywall. And, they don’t require regular maintenance or repairs.
On the other hand, drywall is more susceptible to dents, cracks, and holes. It’s also common for drywall to sustain water damage. Depending on the specific issue, drywall repair costs between $300 and $920.
As homeowners begin looking for a trusted professional in their area to perform repairs, one key factor to keep in mind is hiring a company that specializes in texture matching rather than hiring the first general contractor that shows up.
DIY Trusscore or Drywall Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Instead of hiring a handyperson or local drywall installer, you might be thinking about installing your own Trusscore or drywall. On a single-room Trusscore installation, you’d save between $200 and $750 in labor. For drywall, the average savings range from $690 to $2,200.
But before you decide to DIY this project, make sure you have the right skills and tools for the job. Trusscore panels are easier and faster to install than drywall due to their interlocking design and lighter weight. In addition to the panels, you’ll need several common tools, including a drill, saw, tin snips, and a level.
Hanging drywall is harder than installing Trusscore. You should allow several days for this project, which includes cutting, hanging, and mudding the drywall. You’ll need many of the same tools required for Trusscore installations, as well as a drywall rasp and a drywall outlet cutout tool.
Crystalline silica is a toxic dust that's often generated during drywall installation, which can cause respiratory issues if exposed over time. A professional drywall installation company has the right tools to protect your home and ensure safe air quality after your project is completed.
Keep in mind: Drywall sheets weigh around 50 pounds each. If you don’t have a friend to help you position the panels against the wall, you should also buy a drywall lift, which will increase your project costs by a couple hundred dollars, or hire a pro.
Cost of Common Trusscore or Drywall Installation Add-Ons
You might also consider tackling related projects while installing Trusscore panels or drywall. Examples include:
Cost to remove a popcorn ceiling: $930–$3,050
Cost to paint a room: $400–$1,600
Cost to install an outlet: $100–$450
How to Save Money on Trusscore or Drywall Installation
Regardless of whether you’re installing Trusscore or drywall, there are a few ways to reduce the costs of your project, including:
Prepare the space: Before your handyperson or drywall installer arrives, prepare the area by removing everything from the walls and covering the floors. This can help your pro get to work quickly and reduce labor costs.
Skip the extras: In addition to wall panels, Trusscore also sells trims and organizational systems that integrate with the panels. Skip these add-ons if you’re trying to save money. Similarly, there are multiple levels of drywall finishes, with the highest-end ones requiring the most labor. Picking a lower-level finish will help you save on labor costs.
Shop around: To make sure you’re getting a fair price, compare quotes from at least three contractors before choosing one.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can hang picture frames, shelves, and other items on Trusscore panels. For lightweight items (less than 30 pounds), the company recommends using adhesive strips rather than nails or screws. However, you’ll need to secure heavier objects to a stud in the wall. In these situations, Trusscore recommends cutting away the panel material and fastening the object to the stud with metal hardware.
While you can put new drywall over old drywall, it’s not always the best option. In some cases, drywalling over drywall can make it harder to find wires and pipes behind your walls and conceal more serious problems with your walls. It can also make the room smaller. On the plus side, putting drywall over drywall can improve soundproofing and insulation. Plus, it’s often less expensive than tearing down and adding new drywall.
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