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How Much Does It Cost To Install A Drywall Ceiling?

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Key Takeaways
Average Cost Per Square Foot Installed: $2 – $4
12×12 Room Installation Cost: $300 – $600
1,500 SF House Replacement Cost: $3,000 – $6,500
Main Cost Factors Include: Material, Labor, Room Size, and Location

$2 – $4 Average Cost Per Square Foot Installed

When considering the installation of a drywall ceiling, one of the primary questions homeowners often have is the cost per square foot. The average range is between $2 and $4 per square foot. This cost typically includes both materials and labor.

$300 – $600 Average Cost To Install In A 12’x12′ Room

For a standard 12′ x 12′ room, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for drywall ceiling installation. This price range reflects the variations in labor rates and material costs.

$3,000 – $6,500 Average Cost To Replace In A 1,500 SF House

If you’re looking to replace the drywall ceiling in an entire house that’s around 1,500 square feet, the average cost ranges from $3,000 to $6,500. This includes the removal of old drywall, preparation, and installation of new drywall, along with finishing touches.

Average Cost To Drywall A Ceiling

Below is a detailed breakdown of the average cost based on different project sizes:

ProjectCeiling Square FootageAverage Cost Installed
5×8 Bathroom40$80 – $160
12×12 Bedroom / Primary Bathroom144$300 – $600
14×20 Primary Bedroom280$550 – $1,100
16×20 Living Room320$650 – $1,300
20×20 Garage400$800 – $1,600
1,000 SF Basement1,000$2,000 – $4,000
1,500 SF Whole House1,500$3,000 – $6,000
2,000 SF Whole House2,000$4,000 – $8,000
2,500 SF Whole House2,500$5,000 – $10,000
3,000 SF Whole House3,000$6,000 – $12,000

Cost Breakdown To Install A Drywall Ceiling

Understanding the cost breakdown can help in budgeting efficiently. Here’s a detailed look:

FactorCost Per Square Foot
Drywall Material$0.60 – $0.90
Labor & Finishing Cost$1.40 – $3.10
Total Cost To Install$2.00 – $4.00

Labor Cost To Hang And Finish A Drywall Ceiling

The level of finishing required significantly influences the overall cost. Below is a table detailing the labor cost per square foot based on finishing levels:

LevelCost Per Square Foot*Usage
0$0.85 – $1.90Drywall hung with no tape, mud, or finish
1$1.15 – $2.55Concealed areas or attics
2$1.30 – $2.70Has one coat of compound for storage areas or walls that will be covered in tile
3$1.50 – $2.90Walls that will receive a medium to heavy texture
4$1.75 – $3.50Walls that will receive a light texture or flat paint
5$2.00 – $4.00A smooth finish for walls that will receive satin or glossy paint

Ceiling Sheetrock Cost

Sheetrock is a common material used for drywall ceilings. The costs for ceiling sheetrock vary depending on quality and type, typically ranging from $0.60 to $2.50 per square foot.

Cost To Drywall A Basement Ceiling

Drywalling a basement ceiling generally costs between $2,000 and $4,000 for a 1,000 square foot area. The costs can be higher due to additional labor required for working in confined spaces.

Cost To Drywall A Garage Ceiling

Here is a typical cost range for drywalling garage ceilings based on garage size:

Garage SizeAverage Cost
1-Car Garage$350 – $1,500
2-Car Garage$600 – $2,400
3-Car Garage$900 – $3,300

Drywall Ceiling Replacement Costs

Replacing a drywall ceiling can involve additional factors such as removal and disposal of the old ceiling. Here are some factors affecting the replacement cost:

FactorCost Per Square Foot
Old Ceiling Removal and Disposal$0.50 – $2.50
New Drywall Ceiling Installation$2.00 – $4.00
Ceiling & Structural Repairs*$50 – $100

Cost To Remove A Drywall Ceiling

The cost to remove an existing drywall ceiling ranges from $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on the complexity and condition of the old ceiling.

Cost To Replace Drop Ceiling With Drywall

Replacing a drop ceiling with drywall can be more involved due to the removal process. Here are the costs involved:

FactorCost Per Square Foot
Drop Ceiling Removal$1 – $7
New Drywall Ceiling Installation$2 – $4
Total Cost$3 – $11

DIY Drywall Ceiling Installation Cost

For those considering a DIY project, here’s a cost breakdown for materials to cover 150 square feet:

MaterialPrice Per 150 Square Feet
Drywall$50 – $100
Mud / Joint Compound$7 – $10
Tape$3 – $10
Screws$10 – $20
Total$70 – $140

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Permit To Install A Drywall Ceiling?

In most locations, a permit is required for major renovations such as drywall installation. It ensures the work meets local building codes and safety standards. We recommend checking with your local city or county office to determine if a permit is necessary.

How Long Does It Take To Hang A Drywall Ceiling?

The time required to hang a drywall ceiling depends on the room size and complexity. Typically, it takes around 3 to 5 days for a moderate-sized room, including preparation, installation, and finishing.

How Long Does A Drywall Ceiling Last?

A well-installed and maintained drywall ceiling can last up to 50 years. However, factors such as water damage, structural issues, or heavy impact can reduce its lifespan.

Can You Drywall Over A Popcorn Or Plaster Ceiling?

Yes, it is possible to drywall over a popcorn or plaster ceiling. Proper preparation, such as scraping the texture and ensuring a smooth surface, is necessary to achieve good results.

Getting Quotes To Hang Drywall Ceilings

When hiring a professional, it is crucial to obtain multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Questions To Ask

  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • How many years of experience do you have?
  • Can you provide references from previous clients?
  • What is included in your estimate?
  • What are the payment terms?

By addressing these questions, we can ensure a smooth and satisfactory experience with our drywall ceiling installation project.

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