How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?

What Factors Impact the Cost of Drywall Installation?

The type, thickness, and finish of the drywall and the age of your home can all affect the cost of installing drywall.

Type of 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.

• Fire-resistant panels: Using non-combustible fibers of different ratings, these are common in commercial settings.

• 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.

• Eco-friendly panels: Drywall panels made from recycled materials are available, but sustainable materials typically cost a bit more.

Drywall Thickness

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.

Level of Finish

Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.

Texture

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

Age of Your Home

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.

Shape and Height of the Room

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.

Removal of Older Wall Material

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.

Drywall Installer Cost

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

Cost to Install Drywall by Room Size

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:

Cost to Install Drywall by Location

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.:

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