Cost of Drywall Installation | Calculate Customized Estimates
Using the Costimates drywall cost estimator tool below, provide details about your project to help us calculate the cost of drywall installation. The estimate is based on factors like the total square footage of walls and/or ceilings where the drywall will be installed, the type and thickness of drywall, the desired finish level, whether you need existing drywall removed and disposed of, and local labor rates. We even have an option to include the estimated painting cost for the whole project.
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- Instantly estimate the cost of your sheetrock project.
- Suitable for any room size, any number of walls or ceilings.
- Works with all drywall types and finish levels.
- Provides a detailed cost breakdown for materials, labor, removal and price per square foot costs.
- Free, no-obligation drywall estimates and it’s fast and easy to use.
Estimated Cost Calculator
Drywall Installation Project Overview
Installing or replacing drywall is an essential part of most new home construction or renovation projects, whether you’re finishing a new room, remodeling a basement, or repairing damaged walls and ceilings. Drywall, also known as sheetrock, provides a clean and smooth surface ready for paint, wallpaper or custom textures. A well-installed and finished drywall job can significantly improve the appearance of your walls and ceilings, making your space more attractive and comfortable.
Beyond just the look of new walls, when it’s properly installed, drywall has a role in your home’s insulation and soundproofing, helping to maintain temperature and regulate the noise travelling throughout your home. It also creates a barrier that protects against fire and moisture in some conditions. Over time, walls and ceilings can suffer damage from wear and tear, water leaks, or incidental damage that can lead to the need for drywall repairs or replacement.
Included in this Estimate:
- Site Preparation: Your floors, furniture, and other surfaces will be covered to protect them from dust and debris during the drywall installation process.
- Drywall Installation: This includes measuring, cutting, and installing drywall sheets on walls and/or ceilings, and ensuring they are properly secured. If the project involves replacing old drywall, the cost of removal and disposal at the local landfill will be included.
- Drywall Finishing: Depending on your selected finish level (Level 1 to Level 5), this includes taping, applying joint compound, sanding, and preparing the walls or ceilings for painting or texturing.
- Materials and Supplies: All drywall sheets, joint compound, fasteners, corner beads, and other supplies needed for your project will be factored into the estimate.
- Labor Costs: The estimate includes all labor required to install, finish, and clean up the project, adjusted based on your location and local labor rates.
- Site Cleanup and Disposal: Once the drywall installation is complete, the site will be cleaned, and any leftover materials or debris will be disposed of properly. In a finished home, it’s not uncommon for the drywall company to have a cleaning crew who comes in and wipes down all surfaces in the adjacent rooms.
Not Included:
- Major Structural Repairs: If structural damage behind the drywall is discovered, additional costs may be required for repairs before drywall can be installed.
- Insulation: Insulation for soundproofing or temperature control, if needed, is not included in the estimate.
- Specialty Work: Custom features like archways, niches, or other special features may require additional charges.
Types of Drywall in this Estimator
Standard Drywall (½-inch) – Commonly used for walls and ceilings in most residential homes. Affordable and versatile.
Fire-Resistant Drywall (⅝-inch) – Thicker drywall with fire-resistant properties, often used in garages and basements for fire code compliance.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall – Designed for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, with a special coating to resist mold.
Soundproof Drywall – Designed to reduce sound transmission between rooms, often used in media rooms or bedrooms for added privacy.
Mold-Resistant Drywall – Specially designed to resist mold growth, ideal for humid or damp environments like basements.
Drywall Finish Levels and Common Usage
Level 1 – Joints and interior angles are taped, but no additional compound is applied. Tape is embedded in joint compound. Suitable for areas that are not visible, such as attics, storage rooms, or areas that will be hidden behind tile, cabinets, etc.
Level 2 – A second coat of joint compound is applied over tape and fasteners. The surface is wiped to remove excess compound but is not sanded. Typically used in garages, basements, and warehouses. Ideal for areas where the surface will be covered with tile or wall paneling.
Level 3 – Two coats of joint compound are applied, with the third coat applied over fasteners and tape. The surface is sanded to remove tool marks. Applied in areas to receive a medium or heavy texture finish, or where light texturing is required, such as living rooms or hallways.
Level 4 – Three coats of joint compound applied over joints and fasteners. The surface is sanded smooth. This is the standard finish for most residential walls. Recommended for areas to receive a light texture or flat paint finish. Common in bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.
Level 5 – A thin skim coat of joint compound is applied over the entire surface in addition to the three coats on joints and fasteners. The surface is smooth. Used in areas with critical lighting or where high-gloss or semi-gloss paint will be applied. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, or commercial spaces.
References and Data Sources
We make use of several resources to compile data used in our cost calculators. It assures you the most accurate cost estimates based on real scientific data from trusted resources. For this drywall cost estimator, we used the following sources:
- Cost of living data: US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Drywall and finishing labor costs are calculated from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and based on your zip code and state.
- Drywall and supplies costs from: Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and FBM Drywall suppliers.
- Estimated costs are compiled by a averaging the cumulative costs submitted by our drywall contractor business partners who have used this as a estimating tool for their own purposes and made their estimates public.
- We’ve removed all personal identifying data and used aggregate values only.
