Drywall Installation Cost Guide 2026
Understanding drywall installation costs helps you budget accurately for your project, whether you're finishing a basement, remodeling a home, or building new construction. In 2026, drywall installation costs range from $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot for materials alone, while professional installation typically runs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for a complete job including hanging, taping, and finishing.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost component, explains what affects pricing in your area, and helps you decide whether to tackle drywall yourself or hire a professional contractor.
2026 Cost Overview
Here's a quick reference for what you can expect to pay for drywall installation in 2026:
| Installation Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | 500 Sq Ft Room | 1,000 Sq Ft Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials only (DIY) | $0.30 - $0.50 | $150 - $250 | $300 - $500 |
| Hang only (no finishing) | $1.00 - $1.50 | $500 - $750 | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Hang + tape + finish (Level 4) | $1.50 - $2.50 | $750 - $1,250 | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Premium finish (Level 5) | $2.00 - $3.50 | $1,000 - $1,750 | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| Complete with texture | $2.25 - $3.75 | $1,125 - $1,875 | $2,250 - $3,750 |
National average: Most homeowners pay between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot for professional drywall installation with standard Level 4 finishing, which is suitable for most painted walls.
Material Costs Breakdown
Whether you're doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, understanding material costs helps you evaluate quotes and budget effectively. Major home improvement retailers like Home Depot offer a full range of drywall sheets and supplies at competitive prices.
Drywall Sheets
Drywall panel prices vary by size, thickness, and type:
| Drywall Type | 4' × 8' Sheet | Per Sq Ft | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" | $10 - $14 | $0.31 - $0.44 | Most walls, general use |
| Standard 5/8" | $13 - $17 | $0.41 - $0.53 | Ceilings, soundproofing |
| Lightweight 1/2" | $12 - $16 | $0.38 - $0.50 | Easier handling, repairs |
| Moisture-resistant (green) | $14 - $18 | $0.44 - $0.56 | Bathrooms, kitchens |
| Mold-resistant (purple) | $16 - $22 | $0.50 - $0.69 | High-humidity areas |
| Fire-resistant (Type X) | $14 - $18 | $0.44 - $0.56 | Garages, furnace rooms |
| Soundproof | $45 - $55 | $1.41 - $1.72 | Home theaters, bedrooms |
Joint Compound (Mud)
You'll need approximately 1 gallon of joint compound per 100 square feet for three coats:
| Compound Type | Container Size | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose (pre-mixed) | 5 gallon | $15 - $20 | 400-500 sq ft |
| All-purpose (pre-mixed) | 1 gallon | $6 - $9 | 80-100 sq ft |
| Topping compound | 5 gallon | $18 - $25 | 400-500 sq ft |
| Setting compound (20-min) | 25 lb bag | $12 - $16 | 200-250 sq ft |
| Setting compound (45-min) | 25 lb bag | $12 - $16 | 200-250 sq ft |
Drywall Tape
| Tape Type | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper tape | 500 ft roll | $8 - $12 | Standard choice, strongest |
| Paper tape | 75 ft roll | $3 - $5 | Small projects |
| Mesh tape (self-adhesive) | 300 ft roll | $10 - $15 | Easier for DIY, less strong |
| Corner bead (metal) | 8 ft length | $3 - $5 | Outside corners |
| Corner bead (paper-faced) | 100 ft roll | $20 - $30 | Flexible, inside corners |
Drywall Screws
Plan for approximately 1 pound of screws per 100 square feet:
| Screw Type | Quantity | Price | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1/4" coarse thread | 1 lb (~200 screws) | $6 - $9 | 1/2" drywall on wood studs |
| 1-5/8" coarse thread | 1 lb (~150 screws) | $7 - $10 | 5/8" drywall, double layers |
| 1-1/4" fine thread | 1 lb (~200 screws) | $8 - $11 | Metal studs |
| 5 lb box coarse | ~750 screws | $25 - $35 | Larger projects |
Total Material Cost Example
For a typical 500 square foot project (like a basement or large room):
| Material | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" drywall sheets (4×8) | 17 sheets | $170 - $238 |
| Joint compound | 2× 5-gallon buckets | $30 - $40 |
| Paper tape | 1× 500 ft roll | $8 - $12 |
| Drywall screws | 1× 5 lb box | $25 - $35 |
| Corner bead | 8× 8 ft lengths | $24 - $40 |
| Total Materials | $257 - $365 |
This works out to $0.51 - $0.73 per square foot for materials including all finishing supplies.
Labor Costs by Service
Drywall installation involves multiple steps, and contractors may price each separately or offer package rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drywall installer wages vary significantly by region, which directly impacts the labor rates you'll see in quotes.
Hanging Drywall
Hanging is the process of cutting and attaching drywall sheets to studs or joists:
- Standard walls: $0.40 - $0.65 per square foot
- Ceilings: $0.50 - $0.80 per square foot (more difficult)
- High ceilings (over 9 ft): $0.65 - $1.00 per square foot
- Complex layouts: $0.75 - $1.25 per square foot
Hanging rates are lower when the drywall goes up quickly with minimal cutting. Rates increase for rooms with many corners, angles, or obstacles.
Taping and Mudding
This includes applying tape to seams and covering with joint compound:
- First coat (tape coat): $0.20 - $0.30 per square foot
- Second coat (block coat): $0.15 - $0.25 per square foot
- Third coat (skim coat): $0.15 - $0.25 per square foot
Most contractors quote all three coats together at $0.50 - $0.80 per square foot.
Sanding and Finishing
After the mud dries, sanding creates a smooth surface ready for paint:
- Basic sanding (Level 3): $0.10 - $0.20 per square foot
- Standard sanding (Level 4): $0.15 - $0.30 per square foot
- Premium sanding (Level 5): $0.25 - $0.50 per square foot
Texturing (Optional)
If you want textured walls or ceilings:
- Orange peel texture: $0.30 - $0.50 per square foot
- Knockdown texture: $0.40 - $0.65 per square foot
- Skip trowel: $0.50 - $0.80 per square foot
- Popcorn ceiling: $0.75 - $1.25 per square foot
Combined Labor Rates
Most contractors offer package pricing for complete installation:
| Service Package | Cost Per Sq Ft | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hang only | $0.40 - $0.80 | Cut, fit, screw to studs |
| Hang + tape | $0.90 - $1.40 | Above + 3 coats of mud |
| Complete (Level 4) | $1.20 - $2.00 | Hang + tape + sand + finish |
| Complete (Level 5) | $1.60 - $2.75 | Above + skim coat entire surface |
| Complete + texture | $1.75 - $3.00 | Full finish + texturing |
Cost Estimates by Room Type
Here are realistic cost ranges for common drywall projects, including both materials and professional labor:
Single Room Projects
| Room Type | Typical Size | Square Feet | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bathroom | 5' × 8' | ~250 sq ft | $375 - $625 |
| Standard bedroom | 12' × 10' | ~470 sq ft | $700 - $1,175 |
| Master bedroom | 14' × 16' | ~650 sq ft | $975 - $1,625 |
| Living room | 18' × 14' | ~800 sq ft | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Kitchen (walls only) | 12' × 12' | ~350 sq ft | $525 - $875 |
| Garage (2-car) | 20' × 22' | ~850 sq ft | $1,275 - $2,125 |
Larger Projects
| Project Type | Square Feet | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basement finish | 800 - 1,200 | $1,600 - $3,600 | Often requires moisture-resistant board |
| Home addition | 400 - 600 | $800 - $1,800 | New construction rates |
| Whole house (new) | 4,000 - 6,000 | $6,000 - $15,000 | Volume discounts apply |
| Commercial office | 2,000 - 5,000 | $4,000 - $15,000 | May require fire-rated board |
Finish Level Pricing
The Gypsum Association defines six finish levels (0-5), each appropriate for different final treatments. For a deeper dive into what each level means and where to use it, see our guide to drywall finish levels explained.
Level 0 - No Finish
Cost: Hanging only ($0.40 - $0.80/sq ft)
No taping or finishing. Used for temporary construction, concealed areas, or when the exact finish level hasn't been determined.
Level 1 - Tape Only
Cost: $0.70 - $1.10 per square foot
Tape embedded in joint compound at flat joints and interior angles. Used for fire-rated assemblies above ceilings, in attics, and areas where smoke or fire barrier is needed but appearance doesn't matter.
Level 2 - Tape + One Coat
Cost: $0.90 - $1.30 per square foot
One additional thin coat of compound over the tape and fastener heads. Suitable for garages, warehouses, and areas that will receive tile or other wall covering.
Level 3 - Tape + Two Coats
Cost: $1.10 - $1.60 per square foot
Additional coat of compound over tape, angles, and fasteners. Ready for heavy-textured finishes or commercial applications where appearance is secondary.
Level 4 - Standard Finish
Cost: $1.50 - $2.25 per square foot
Three coats of compound, properly sanded. This is the standard finish for most residential walls that will be painted with flat or eggshell paints. Most walls in your home are Level 4.
Level 5 - Premium Finish
Cost: $2.00 - $3.50 per square foot
Level 4 plus a skim coat of compound over the entire surface. Required when using gloss or semi-gloss paints, or under strong lighting conditions where even minor imperfections show. Common in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-end homes.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Deciding whether to tackle drywall yourself depends on your skills, available time, and project complexity.
DIY Cost Savings
By doing the work yourself, you can save 60-70% of total project cost:
| Project Size | Professional Cost | DIY Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small room (300 sq ft) | $450 - $750 | $150 - $220 | $300 - $530 |
| Medium room (500 sq ft) | $750 - $1,250 | $250 - $365 | $500 - $885 |
| Large room (800 sq ft) | $1,200 - $2,000 | $400 - $585 | $800 - $1,415 |
| Basement (1,000 sq ft) | $1,500 - $2,500 | $500 - $730 | $1,000 - $1,770 |
Additional DIY Tool Costs
If you don't already own drywall tools, factor in these one-time purchases:
- T-square (4 ft): $15 - $30
- Utility knife + blades: $10 - $20
- Drywall saw: $10 - $20
- Drywall screw gun or drill: $50 - $150 (if you don't own one)
- Taping knives (6", 10", 12"): $25 - $50 for set
- Mud pan: $10 - $20
- Sanding pole + sanding screens: $30 - $50
- Drywall lift (rental): $35 - $50 per day
Total tool investment: $150 - $340 (or less if you rent and already own a drill)
When to DIY
- Small projects (one room or less)
- Simple rectangular rooms without complex angles
- You have patience for learning proper taping technique
- You're not in a hurry—finishing takes time to do well
- The area will be painted flat (hides minor imperfections)
When to Hire a Professional
- Large projects where speed matters
- High ceilings that require scaffolding
- Walls that will receive gloss paint or critical lighting
- Complex layouts with many angles and corners
- You need the work done in a specific timeframe
- Fire-rated assemblies that require proper installation
Regional Price Variations
Labor costs vary significantly by location. Here are approximate adjustments to the national average rates:
| Region | Cost Adjustment | Example Rate (Complete) |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | +25% to +40% | $2.00 - $3.50/sq ft |
| West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle) | +20% to +35% | $1.90 - $3.25/sq ft |
| Mid-Atlantic (DC, Philadelphia) | +10% to +20% | $1.75 - $2.75/sq ft |
| Midwest (Chicago, Detroit) | Average | $1.50 - $2.50/sq ft |
| South (Atlanta, Dallas, Houston) | -5% to +5% | $1.45 - $2.40/sq ft |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Denver) | Average to +10% | $1.55 - $2.60/sq ft |
| Rural areas | -10% to -20% | $1.25 - $2.20/sq ft |
Note: Urban areas typically have higher labor costs but more competition. Rural areas have lower labor rates but potentially higher travel charges if contractors need to come from town.
Factors That Affect Cost
Beyond basic square footage, several factors can raise or lower your final price:
Factors That Increase Cost
- High ceilings: Anything over 9 feet requires scaffolding or lifts (+15-30%)
- Small, complex rooms: Lots of cuts relative to total area (+10-20%)
- Cathedral or vaulted ceilings: Difficult angles and access (+20-40%)
- Specialty drywall: Moisture, mold, fire, or soundproof types (+25-100%)
- Access issues: Narrow staircases, small doorways for material delivery (+5-15%)
- Removing old drywall: Demolition and disposal adds $0.50-$1.50/sq ft
- Texturing: Adds $0.30-$1.25/sq ft depending on texture type
- Rush jobs: Tight deadlines may add 10-25% premium
Factors That Decrease Cost
- New construction: Open walls without obstacles cost less to hang
- Large open areas: Fewer cuts, faster installation
- Standard 8-foot ceilings: Standard sheet height, no scaffolding
- Multiple rooms at once: Volume discounts (10-20% for large projects)
- Flexible timeline: Contractors may offer discounts for scheduling flexibility
- Basic Level 3 finish: If receiving texture, you don't need premium finish
Getting Accurate Quotes
Follow these steps to get reliable, comparable quotes from contractors. Platforms like Angi can help you find vetted drywall professionals and compare contractor rates in your area.
Before You Call
- Measure your space: Know the total square footage of walls and ceilings — our guide on how to calculate drywall square footage walks you through the process
- Count openings: Number of doors, windows, and other cutouts
- Determine finish level: Know what final treatment you want
- Identify special requirements: Moisture, fire rating, soundproofing needs
- Set a timeline: When do you need the work completed?
Questions to Ask Contractors
- Is the quote per square foot or a flat rate?
- Are materials included or separate?
- What finish level is included in the quote?
- Does the price include moving furniture or protection?
- How long will the work take?
- What's your cleanup process?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- Are you licensed and insured?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Quotes significantly below other contractors (corners may be cut)
- Unwillingness to provide written estimates
- Demands for large deposits upfront
- No references or online reviews
- Vague answers about finish level or materials
Money-Saving Tips
Use these strategies to reduce your drywall installation costs without sacrificing quality:
Do Some Work Yourself
- Handle demolition: Remove old drywall yourself to save $0.50-$1.50/sq ft
- Haul materials: Pick up drywall yourself to save delivery fees ($50-$150)
- Prep the space: Move furniture, cover floors, remove outlet covers
- Prime and paint: Finishing the painted surface yourself saves $0.50-$1.00/sq ft
Smart Material Choices
- Use standard 1/2" drywall where specialty types aren't required
- Buy drywall during sales (often around major holidays) — see our Home Depot vs Lowe's drywall price comparison to find the best deals
- Purchase full pallets for large projects (wholesale pricing)
- Accept Level 4 finish unless you specifically need Level 5
Timing Your Project
- Schedule in winter when contractors are less busy
- Be flexible on start dates for potential discounts
- Combine with other projects for volume pricing
- Get quotes in fall for spring projects when contractors plan ahead
Project Planning
- Finalize all electrical and plumbing before drywall goes up
- Avoid changes mid-project that require re-work
- Have clear decisions made about outlets, fixtures, and features
- Consider skip-trowel texture which hides imperfections (cheaper than Level 5)
Calculate Your Drywall Costs
Use our free calculator to estimate materials and costs for your specific project.
Open CalculatorSummary: What You'll Pay in 2026
Here's a quick reference for budgeting your drywall project:
- DIY materials only: $0.50 - $0.75 per square foot
- Professional installation (Level 4): $1.50 - $2.50 per square foot
- Premium finish (Level 5): $2.00 - $3.50 per square foot
For a typical 500 square foot room with standard Level 4 finish, expect to pay:
- DIY: $250 - $375 (materials + tool rental)
- Professional: $750 - $1,250 (complete installation)
Get at least three quotes, understand what finish level you need, and use our calculator to verify material quantities. If you're dealing with existing damage rather than new installation, our drywall repair cost estimator can help you budget for fixes. With proper planning, you'll get great results whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.