Key Takeaways
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Cost per Sheet | $10 – $20 |
| Material Cost per Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Total Cost per Square Foot Installed | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Types of Drywall | Standard, Green Board, Purple Board, Fire-resistant, etc. |
| Installation Cost Factors | Size of project, type of drywall, location, labor costs, etc. |
| Where to Buy | Home Depot, Lowe’s, other building supply stores |
Material Cost Per Sheet
Drywall cost per sheet typically ranges between $10 and $20. This price can vary based on the type and quality of the drywall.
Material Cost Per Square Foot
When estimated by the square foot, the material cost for drywall is between $0.30 and $0.50. This provides a useful measure for larger projects.
Total Cost Per Square Foot Installed
The total installed cost per square foot, which includes material and labor, ranges from $1.50 to $3.50. This is an important consideration for budgeting any drywall project.
Drywall Cost
| Type | Cost per Sheet | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/4″ | $8 – $12 | Used for repairs, curved walls, or to cover textured walls with a smooth surface |
| Standard 3/8″ | $8 – $15 | Used for repairs and curved walls |
| Standard 1/2″ | $8 – $20 | Most common drywall used for walls and ceilings |
| Standard 5/8″ | $10 – $20 | Used for fire-resistance, soundproofing, and ceilings |
| Green Board | $12 – $20 | Moisture and mold resistance for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and mudrooms |
| Purple Board | $12 – $22 | Moisture and mold resistance for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and mudrooms |
| Blue Board / Plasterboard | $12 – $16 | Used as a base for plaster veneer |
| Fire-resistant Type X | $10 – $20 | Contains non-combustible fibers that resist fire for up to one hour |
| Paperless | $13 – $26 | Has a fiberglass outer layer instead of paper for higher mold and rot resistance |
| High-impact | $40 – $60 | Provides added protection against damage in schools, gymnasiums, and correctional facilities |
| Soundproof | $30 – $100 | Dampens sound for home theaters, bedrooms in noisy areas, or multi-family homes |
| Lead-lined | $200 – $600 | Used in hospitals and clinics for radiation protection from diagnostic imaging equipment |
Average Drywall Cost Per Sheet
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $14 |
| Minimum cost | $7 |
| Maximum cost | $65 |
| Average cost range | $10 to $20 |
Drywall Cost By Type
Regular Drywall Cost
Regular drywall is the most commonly used type of drywall and it’s often employed for standard walls and ceilings. Prices typically range from $8 to $20 per sheet depending on the thickness and brand.
Green Board Drywall Cost
Green board drywall is designed for moisture resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other humid environments. Prices for green board range from $12 to $20 per sheet.
Blue Board / Plasterboard Cost
Blue board, also known as plasterboard, is used as a base for veneer plaster. Its prices typically fall between $12 and $16 per sheet.
Purple Drywall Cost
Purple drywall offers enhanced moisture and mold resistance compared to green board. It’s often used in bathrooms and kitchens, and prices range from $12 to $22 per sheet.
Fire-Resistant Type X Drywall Cost
Type X drywall is designed to resist fire for up to an hour, providing added safety. It costs between $10 and $20 per sheet.
High-Impact Drywall Cost
High-impact drywall is more durable and resistant to damage, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like gyms and schools. It is the most expensive type, ranging from $40 to $60 per sheet.
Lead-Lined Drywall Cost
Lead-lined drywall is used in medical facilities to protect against radiation. Prices range dramatically from $200 to $600 per sheet due to its specialized application.
Soundproof or Sound Dampening Drywall Cost
Soundproof drywall is used to dampen noise, making it ideal for home theaters or noisy environments. Prices vary widely, from $30 to $100 per sheet.
Other Gypsum Board Cost
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Foil-backed | Foil vapor barrier, Prevents condensation from forming inside walls in cold climates |
| Paperless | Fiberglass outer layer instead of paper, Higher mold and rot resistance |
| Enviroboard | Made with recycled materials, Compressed into solid concrete-like panels |
| Cement board | Used as a backing for shower or bathroom tile |
Bulk Drywall Wholesale Cost
Buying drywall in bulk can reduce the overall cost per sheet, especially for larger projects. Wholesale prices depend on the volume purchased and the supplier’s policies.
Sheetrock Cost
Sheetrock is a brand of drywall that’s widely used in construction. Prices for Sheetrock products are similar to other drywall types.
Sheetrock Cost From Home Depot or Lowe’s
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a variety of Sheetrock products at competitive prices. Costs vary depending on the type and size of the sheets.
Drywall Cost of Material
| Material | Price per 500 Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $160 – $320 |
| Mud / Joint compound | $14 – $16 |
| Tape | $3 – $12 |
| Screws | $20 – $40 |
| Corner bead* | $3 – $12 |
| Total | $200 – $400 |
Drywall Costs FAQs
Where To Buy Drywall
Drywall can be purchased at major home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and specialty building supply stores. Online purchases are also an option for some suppliers.
How Much Drywall Do I Need?
Estimating the amount of drywall needed involves calculating the square footage of the area to be covered and considering the size of the sheets.
| Project | Sheets Needed (Walls Only) | Sheets Needed (Walls and Ceiling) |
|---|---|---|
| 5′ x 8′ Bathroom | 5 – 6 | 6 – 8 |
| 12′ x 12′ Bedroom | 10 – 12 | 12 – 18 |
| 12′ x 20′ Primary Bedroom | 12 – 16 | 16 – 24 |
| 16′ x 20′ Living Room | 12 – 18 | 20 – 28 |
| 20′ x 20′ Garage | 16 – 24 | 24 – 36 |
| 1,000 SF Basement | 22 – 60 | 45 – 80 |
| 1,500 SF Whole House | 115 – 150 | 150 – 225 |
| 2,000 SF Whole House | 170 – 210 | 210 – 315 |
| 2,500 SF Whole House | 190 – 260 | 260 – 390 |
| 3,000 SF Whole House | 220 – 300 | 300 – 450 |
How Much Does It Cost To Install Drywall?
The cost to install drywall includes labor and materials, ranging from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Factors such as project size, complexity, and location can affect the total cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Tape and Mud Drywall?
Taping and mudding drywall is a labor-intensive process that can cost between $0.35 and $0.80 per square foot.
How Much Does It Cost To Texture Drywall?
Adding texture to drywall can cost between $0.80 and $2.00 per square foot depending on the type of texture desired.
Can You Install Drywall Yourself?
Installing drywall is a project that many do-it-yourself homeowners tackle. It requires some basic tools and the ability to measure, cut, and mount sheets of drywall properly. However, hiring a professional can ensure a higher quality finish, especially for larger or more complex projects.
What’s The Difference Between Drywall and Plaster?
| Drywall | Plaster |
|---|---|
| Made of gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper, Faster and easier to install, Minimal drying time, Better insulating | Paste-like veneer applied over blueboard or wooden lath, More labor-intensive to install, Longer drying time, Stronger and more durable, More soundproof |
Is Lightweight Drywall As Good As Regular Drywall?
Lightweight drywall offers the advantage of being easier to handle and install, making it a popular choice for ceiling applications and other areas where weight is a concern. However, it may not provide the same level of durability as standard drywall.
What Is The Best Drywall Thickness For Walls Or Ceilings?
The best thickness for most standard walls is 1/2″. Ceilings may require 5/8″ for added strength and soundproofing. Thinner drywall, such as 1/4″, is often used for repairs or curved applications.
Tips For Hiring A Drywall Contractor
Questions To Ask
When hiring a drywall contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions:
- Experience: How many years have they been in business?
- References: Can they provide references from previous clients?
- Licenses and Insurance: Do they have the necessary licenses and insurance?
- Cost Estimates: Can they provide a detailed written estimate?
- Timeline: What is the estimated timeline for completion?
- Cleanup: Will they clean up and dispose of any debris after completion?
In conclusion, understanding the costs and types of drywall can help you make informed decisions for your project. Whether you are handling a small repair or a large installation, having a clear picture of the expenses involved ensures you stay on budget and achieve the desired result.
