The average drywall installation cost is $2,098, with a typical range of $987 to $3,209. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
The average cost to install drywall includes materials and labor and runs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot. That equates to about $60 to $90 per drywall panel. The drywall thickness, the type of drywall, and other factors can influence what you'll pay. Total drywall installation costs can range from $987 to $3,209 for the whole project, with an average price of $2,098. Learn all the cost factors and what to consider to get an accurate estimate for your drywall installation job.
The type, thickness, and finish of the drywall and the age of your home can all affect the cost of installing drywall.
Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.
Moisture-resistant panels: Useful for humid rooms, like the bathroom or kitchen.
Mold-resistant panels: If the room you’re drywalling is susceptible to high levels of moisture, then opting for a mold-resistant material could be worth it. They’re more expensive than standard moisture-resistant panels, though, and still won't cope with saturated, flooded conditions.
Fire-resistant panels: Using non-combustible fibers of different ratings, these are common in commercial settings. Building code sometimes requires these in a garage if it shares a wall or ceiling with the main home, or in a boiler room for safety purposes.
Soundproof panels: Ideal for a music room, a baby’s room if you want to dampen external ambient noise, or even a teen’s bedroom if they enjoy listening to loud music. These are also popular for master bedrooms to enhance privacy.
Eco-friendly panels: Drywall panels made from recycled materials are available, but sustainable materials typically cost a bit more.
Drywall goes by many names, including plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum board, and Sheetrock, which is a specific brand of drywall. Regardless of which term contractors use, they're typically referring to standard drywall products.
Drywall thickness can sway your total price. If you’re on a minimal budget, you might want to opt for the thinnest quarter-inch panels. Three-eighths-inch and half-inch are the most common varieties. Soundproof and fire-resistant panels are usually five-eighths-inch thick. Drywall is sometimes available in 3/4" thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness (Inches) | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost Per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $15 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $16 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $20 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $21 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $23 |
Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.
| Level | Description | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $0.80–$1 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1–$2 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.25–$2.50 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.50–$3 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $1.65–$3.15 |
| 5 | A very high-quality finish which is the best option for enamel and gloss paint application. This includes three coats of joint compound and a full skim coat for a super-smooth appearance | $2–$3.50 |
Adding texture to drywall enhances a room's aesthetic appeal and helps hide imperfections. Depending on the type of texture, the average cost to texture drywall ranges from $1 to $1.95 per square foot.
Some common texture types include:
Popcorn: A bumpy texture created by spraying drywall mud and polystyrene onto the ceiling
Orange Peel: A subtle, dimpled texture resembling an orange’s skin
Knockdown: A rustic texture that requires the added step of flattening peaks
Skip Trowel: A rough, uneven texture applied using a trowel
Sand Swirl: A decorative pattern created by applying a mixture of sand and drywall
Venetian Plaster: A luxurious, polished finish created by applying multiple layers of tinted plaster and then burnishing it
If you have a home that’s over 40 years old, there’s a chance that asbestos or lead paint is present. Mold problems are also a more common issue in older homes. If you have concerns about these issues, it’s sensible to have a home inspection before any work hanging new drywall begins. If any of these are present, you could end up paying anything from $1,000 to $3,000 or more for lead, mold, or asbestos removal near you.
If your room is higher than average, has rounded corners, complex overhanging cornices, or arched doors, this could mean additional work cutting the drywall for your contractor. All of these will increase the labor cost of your drywall installation project.
Before installing new drywall, a pro may need to remove existing wall materials. To remove wood paneling, you’ll pay $0.50 to $1 per square foot. Replacing plaster walls is more challenging and costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
Labor accounts for about 70% of the cost of installing drywall. Hiring a local drywall installer will cost $1 to $2.10 per square foot, totaling $690 to $2,200 on average.
Complex installations, such as those with curved walls, high ceilings, or intricate architectural details, require more time and expertise, increasing labor costs. You can also expect to pay more or less for labor depending on the type of finish — a basic finish with taping and mudding costs less than a smooth, high-end finish.
The most common tasks a drywall installer performs are:
Hanging drywall sheets
Taping and mudding
Sanding
Priming
Finishing
Whether you’re working on a small bathroom or a spacious living room, having an estimate of costs based on room size can help you plan your budget more effectively. Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $400 to $650, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall in different common room sizes:
| Room Size (in Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 (Small Bathroom) | $400–$650 |
| 200 (Small Bedroom) | $550–$1,000 |
| 300 (Large Bedroom) | $900–$1,500 |
| 400 (Small Living Room) | $1,100–$2,200 |
| 500 (Large Living Room) | $1,400–$2,800 |
| 600 (Large Space) | $1,700–$3,100 |
The cost of home renovation projects and repairs can vary depending on where you live. If you want a rough idea of how much it would cost to install drywall where you are, the averages outlined below illustrate how prices can differ across the U.S.:
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,600 |
| Atlanta | $2,000 |
| California | $1,800 |
| Mississippi | $2,700 |
| Florida | $1,700 |
| New York | $2,300 |
| North Carolina | $1,600 |
| Ohio | $1,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,300 |
| Texas | $1,600 |
You can save a lot of money by installing drywall yourself—usually around an average of $1,400 per project, or between $40 and $70 per panel, depending on the level of finish you want. While the cost savings of DIY drywall installation are significant, most people choose to hire a professional, regardless of their level of experience.
But how hard is it to lay drywall, anyway? Hanging drywall is a deceptively challenging process because it’s easy in theory, but consider studs and rafters that aren’t plumb and the small, sometimes intricate cuts required around corners and electrical boxes, and the job can be massively frustrating. Plus, finishing drywall is a time-consuming process, and even minor mistakes will show for years to come.
While professional drywall installation costs can reach into the thousands, it’s usually worth it to have a pro carry out the work for a high-quality finished product. Hiring a local drywall installer will save you time, money, and frustration, and they’re likely to leave you with a better result in the end.
While installing the drywall yourself can save you money, it’s often better to have a pro do it to avoid further issues down the line and ensure a high-quality finish. But you can take these steps to save on the costs without compromising quality:
Do Prep Work Yourself: Clear the room, remove old wall coverings, and make minor repairs yourself to reduce the time and labor of your pro.
Opt for Standard Sizes: Use standard-sized drywall sheets, which are cheaper and easier to install.
Choose a Lower Finish Level: If high-end finishes aren’t necessary, opting for a Level 3 or 4 finish instead of a Level 5 finish can greatly reduce labor costs.
Schedule During Off-Peak Times: Installers may offer lower rates during their slow seasons, which tend to be in the winter.
Negotiate Waste Removal: Handle the disposal of old materials yourself or rent a dumpster, as installers may charge extra for waste removal.
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’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
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The average life span for drywall is between 40 and 60 years, although panels can last significantly longer in many cases if it’s well-maintained. Of course, many things can reduce the life span of your drywall, including fire, smoke damage, water, moisture, and physical damage, like dents and holes. Thankfully, you’re likely to get around 50 years of value out of professionally-installed drywall, making the $2,000 you’ll spend on the job well worth it in the long run.
In most cases, no, you won’t need a permit to replace drywall. If you’re changing the floorplan of your home by adding or removing walls during the drywall project, then you might need a permit, but replacement or repairs usually doesn’t require a permit. Your drywall professional should be able to confirm whether or not a permit is required for your project. If it is, it’s likely to add between $50 and $150 to your total cost. Keep in mind that you will need permits if you plan to install new electrical wiring or plumbing lines behind your new drywall.
Drywall installation is considerably faster and more affordable than plastering. Because plastering involves applying a wet material, it’s more time-consuming, takes longer to dry, and is more prone to cracking. It doesn’t tend to be as insulative either. If you need resurfacing work done on the walls, it's not unusual for the cost of plastering to hit $10 per square foot, which is much higher than the drywall installation costs of $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
If you’re looking for good soundproofing and want a high-end look in a historic home, though, plastering may be the better option.
