Cost to Hang Drywall: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Wiki Article
Drywall, also known as sheetrock or wallboard, is one of the most essential building materials in modern construction. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or building an entirely new house, drywall is almost always part of the process. One of the most common questions homeowners ask when starting a renovation is: “What is the cost to hang drywall?”
This article breaks down everything you need to know about drywall installation costs, from material pricing to labor, influencing factors, and money-saving tips. Whether you're planning a DIY project or hiring professionals, understanding the full scope of costs involved will help you make informed decisions and budget accordingly.
Average Cost to Hang Drywall in 2025
On average, the cost to hang drywall ranges between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. This includes both materials and labor. However, costs can vary significantly based on a number of factors, which we’ll explore below.
Typical Cost Range:
| Type | Low-End | Average | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per square foot (materials + labor) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $3.50+ |
| Cost per 4x8 sheet (installed) | $40 | $60 | $80+ |
| 1,000 sq. ft. project | $1,500 | $2,500 | $3,500+ |
Breakdown of Drywall Installation Costs
1. Material Costs
Drywall sheets come in several thicknesses and sizes. The most commonly used size is the 4-foot by 8-foot sheet, which covers 32 square feet.
Drywall Sheet Prices (as of 2025):
Standard ½” thick drywall: $12–$20 per sheet
Moisture-resistant (green board): $15–$25 per sheet
Fire-resistant (Type X): $18–$30 per sheet
Soundproof drywall: $40–$60 per sheet
2. Labor Costs
Labor is often the largest part of the cost to hang drywall. Most professionals charge between $1.00 and $2.00 per square foot for installation. This typically includes:
Cutting and fitting drywall
Hanging sheets
Screwing or nailing into place
Taping, mudding, and finishing (which make the walls ready for paint) are typically separate line items, and can add another $1.00–$2.00 per square foot depending on finish level.
Cost by Project Size
| Room Size | Area (sq. ft.) | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom | 250 sq. ft. | $375 – $875 |
| Bedroom | 500 sq. ft. | $750 – $1,750 |
| Living room | 1,000 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Whole house (2,000 sq. ft.) | 7,000+ sq. ft. (walls + ceilings) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
Note: Whole-house estimates include ceilings, hallways, and additional wall area beyond square footage of floor plan.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Hang Drywall
Several variables influence the final price of your drywall project:
1. Drywall Type
As noted earlier, specialty drywall (fire-resistant, soundproof, mold-resistant) is more expensive than standard drywall.
2. Ceiling Height
Taller ceilings require longer sheets or stacking, increasing both labor time and cost.
3. Wall Condition and Framing
Poor framing or warped studs can increase labor time due to more adjustments.
4. Number of Corners and Cutouts
Rooms with many corners, doors, windows, or electrical boxes require more cutting and finishing work, which increases labor costs.
5. Finishing Level
There are five levels of drywall finish:
Level 0: No finishing
Level 1: Basic taping (usually for unfinished spaces)
Level 2–4: Standard for residential interiors
Level 5: Highest quality (recommended for glossy paints or high-end finishes)
A Level 5 finish can increase the cost by 25–50%.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
DIY Costs
Materials only: $0.40–$0.70 per sq. ft.
Tools you may need: drywall lift, mud pans, taping knives, sanding tools
Time required: 40–80 hours for a 1,000 sq. ft. area
Pros of DIY:
Save money on labor
Learn a new skill
Cons:
Physically demanding
Requires specialized tools and patience
Mistakes may cost more to fix than hiring a pro
When to Hire a Pro
If you’re working on ceilings, large areas, or need a high-end finish, hiring a professional is often the better (and faster) choice.
Additional Costs to Consider
Demolition/old drywall removal: $0.50 – $1.00 per sq. ft.
Insulation installation (before drywall): $1.00 – $2.00 per sq. ft.
Priming and painting (after drywall): $1.50 – $3.00 per sq. ft.
Permit fees (if applicable): $50 – $500 depending on locality
Money-Saving Tips
Buy in bulk: Contractors and even homeowners can save on bulk drywall purchases.
Mix standard and specialty boards: Use moisture-resistant drywall only where needed (e.g., bathrooms).
Do some prep work yourself: Removing old drywall or prepping the space can reduce labor hours.
Get multiple quotes: Always compare at least 2–3 bids to get a fair rate.
Schedule during off-peak times: Contractors may offer discounts during the slower seasons.
Conclusion: What Should You Budget?
If you’re planning a drywall project, a good rule of thumb is to budget between $2.00 and $3.00 per square foot for hanging and finishing drywall. For an average 1,000 square foot room, that works out to around $2,500 for a standard finish.
However, your actual cost to hang drywall depends on materials, finish level, and labor in your local area. Getting multiple estimates and understanding your scope of work will help ensure you stay on budget without sacrificing quality.
Report this wiki page