How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 9 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $1,000 to $3,500 to have drywall hung and finished, with an average of about $2,100 for a typical one- to three-room project. Installed drywall costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of board, or roughly $48 to $112 for each 4×8 sheet, including materials, hanging, taping and finishing. Price depends on how much surface you're covering, the finish level, the board type and whether old walls have to come down first.
- Typical cost
- $1,000–$3,500
- National average
- $2,100
- Full range
- $400–$45,000
The typical range covers hanging and finishing standard ½-inch drywall to Level 4 on the walls and ceilings of one to three rooms; the national low is a small bathroom and the national high is a large whole house with premium finishes. Prices are per project (about 500–1,000 sq ft of board, hung and finished).
Drywall installation cost per square foot and per sheet
Drywall is priced by the square foot of board surface, not floor area. A 12×12 bedroom has about 380–530 sq ft of drywall on its walls and ceiling (HomeGuide). The $2,100 average is the mean of the national averages from Thumbtack ($2,204), Angi ($2,102) and Fixr ($2,000 for 1,000 sq ft).
| Source | Installed per sq ft | Typical project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide | $1.50–$3.50 | $1,000–$3,000 | Ceilings $1.50–$3.80 |
| Fixr (2025) | $1.50–$3.50 | $1,600–$3,500 | Avg. $2,000 for 1,000 sq ft |
| Angi (2026 data) | $1.50–$3.00 | $987–$3,216 | Avg. $2,102 |
| HomeServe (2026) | $1.50–$3.50 | — | Labor $40–$100/hour |
| Homewyse (May 2026) | $2.26–$2.69 | — | Basic mid-range work |
| Thumbtack (2026) | — | $1,235–$3,992 | Avg. $2,204 |
Sources agree unusually well here. Homewyse's narrower range reflects a single standard spec (½-inch board, favorable conditions) rather than the full spread of jobs.
Per sheet: A standard 4×8 sheet covers 32 sq ft, so $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft works out to about $48–$112 per sheet. Fixr lists $48–$80 installed per 4×8 sheet and $72–$120 per 4×12 sheet, and Angi gives about $60–$90 per panel. HomeGuide puts hang-and-finish labor alone at $30–$70 per sheet. Small single-room jobs cost more: Fixr says they average about $120–$130 per sheet.
Estimate your cost
Enter the square footage of drywall board (walls plus ceilings, not floor area), then choose the board type, finish level and ceiling height, and add any old drywall or plaster that has to come out.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost by room and whole house
| Project | Drywall surface | Installed cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|
| 5×8 bathroom | 200–250 sq ft | $300–$1,000 |
| 12×12 bedroom | 380–530 sq ft | $580–$1,800 |
| 12×20 primary bedroom | 510–750 sq ft | $750–$2,600 |
| 16×20 living room | 580–900 sq ft | $850–$3,100 |
| 20×20 two-car garage | 730–1,130 sq ft | $1,000–$3,900 |
| 1,000 sq ft basement | 1,000–2,000 sq ft | $1,500–$7,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft house | — | $5,500–$22,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft house | — | $8,000–$30,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft house | — | $9,000–$35,000 |
Fixr's figures for 1,000 sq ft ($1,500–$3,500) and 2,000 sq ft ($3,000–$7,000) of board are consistent with HomeGuide's per-room numbers. A 2,000 sq ft house needs roughly 210–315 sheets for walls and ceilings (HomeGuide), which is why whole-house totals climb so fast. New construction usually costs less per sheet than a remodel because crews can work quickly in open, empty rooms (Thumbtack).
Drywall finish levels 0–5
The finish level describes how much taping, mudding and sanding goes on after the board is hung. Level 4 is the standard for painted walls in most homes.
| Level | What it includes | HomeGuide (per sq ft, installed) | Angi (per sq ft, installed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hung only, no tape or mud | $0.85–$1.90 | $0.80–$1.00 |
| 1 | Tape set in mud; attics, concealed areas | $1.15–$2.15 | $1.00–$2.00 |
| 2 | One coat over tape; garages, behind tile | $1.30–$2.60 | $1.25–$2.50 |
| 3 | Two coats; under heavy texture | $1.50–$2.75 | $1.50–$3.00 |
| 4 | Three coats, sanded; flat paint or light texture | $1.70–$3.20 | $1.65–$3.15 |
| 5 | Level 4 plus a full skim coat; gloss paint, critical light | $1.75–$3.50 | $2.00–$3.50 |
Fixr's labor-only figures follow the same pattern, from $0.30–$0.80 per sq ft at Level 0 to $1.15–$3.50 at Level 5. Going from Level 4 to Level 5 adds roughly 5%–15% across these sources. It's worth it for walls hit by raking sunlight or painted in semi-gloss, where every seam shows.
Cost by drywall type
| Board type | Material per sheet (HomeServe) | Installed per sq ft (Fixr) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ½-inch | $8–$20 | $1.50–$2.50 | Most walls |
| Moisture-resistant (green board) | $12–$20 | $1.65–$2.75 | Bathrooms, laundry rooms |
| Moisture- and mold-resistant (purple) | $12–$22 | $1.65–$2.75 | Basements, damp areas |
| Fire-rated Type X (⅝-inch) | $10–$20 | $1.60–$3.50 | Garage walls, furnace rooms |
| Paperless | $13–$26 | $1.75–$4.00 | High mold risk |
| Soundproof | $30–$100 | $3.55–$7.50 | Home theaters, shared walls |
Thumbtack says fire-rated board costs about 20% more than standard. HomeServe recommends ⅝-inch board for ceilings, and Angi lists ⅝-inch panels at about $21 versus $20 for ½-inch. Building codes often require fire-rated board in specific places, such as the wall and ceiling between an attached garage and the house; your local building department sets the rules.
Ceiling drywall installation cost
Ceilings cost more than walls because the board has to be lifted overhead and fastened while it's held in place. HomeGuide puts ceilings at $1.50–$3.80 per sq ft, or about $210–$550 for a bedroom ceiling and $360–$1,200 for a primary bedroom or living room. Fixr adds a 10%–30% upcharge for cathedral or vaulted ceilings. A DIYer can rent a drywall lift for about $40 a day (HomeGuide, HomeServe).
Labor vs. materials
Drywall is a labor-heavy job. Board, screws, tape and joint compound cost only about $0.50–$0.80 per sq ft, while hanging and finishing labor costs $1.00–$2.70 (HomeGuide). Angi says labor is about 70% of the total, HomeGuide says 65%–75%, and Thumbtack puts materials at 15%–50% depending on job size. We use a labor share of 70% for our state adjustments.
Sources split hanging and finishing differently. Fixr's labor-only breakdown is $0.15–$0.65 per sq ft to hang, $0.40–$0.70 to tape and mud, and $0.10–$0.50 to sand and prime. HomeGuide's $0.85–$1.90 per sq ft for hanging only includes the board itself. Contractors charge $40–$100 per hour (HomeServe, HomeGuide), and This Old House puts drywall repair pros at $60–$100 per hour.
What drives the price up or down
- Removing old walls. Tear-out and disposal add $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft (Fixr) or $0.50–$2.50 (HomeGuide). Full replacement runs $2–$6 per sq ft total (HomeGuide). Removing plaster costs more: Fixr puts plaster removal at $2.10–$3.20 per sq ft before new board goes up.
- Texture. Light or sprayed texture (orange peel, knockdown) adds $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft, and heavier hand textures add $1.50–$2.00 more (Fixr). HomeGuide and HomeServe put texturing at $0.80–$2.00.
- Finish level and board type. Level 5 and specialty boards, especially soundproof, can double the per-foot price (see tables above).
- Ceiling height and access. Tall walls, stairwells and vaulted ceilings need scaffolding and more labor (Fixr, 10%–30%).
- Job size. Small jobs carry minimum fees; Thumbtack reports $100–$150 minimums for many repair jobs.
- General contractor oversight. A GC supervising the drywall sub typically adds 13%–22% (Homewyse).
Drywall cost by state
Because labor is about 70% of the price, drywall costs vary a lot by region. Angi's average project totals range from about $1,400 in Ohio to $2,700 in Mississippi. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (70%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -7.0% |
| Alaska | $1,000–$3,550 | $2,100 | +1.2% |
| Arizona | $1,000–$3,550 | $2,100 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $910–$3,150 | $1,900 | -9.5% |
| California | $1,100–$3,800 | $2,300 | +8.8% |
| Colorado | $1,000–$3,550 | $2,100 | +1.0% |
| Connecticut | $1,050–$3,600 | $2,150 | +2.6% |
| Delaware | $1,000–$3,500 | $2,100 | -0.5% |
| District of Columbia | $1,100–$3,750 | $2,250 | +7.6% |
| Florida | $1,000–$3,600 | $2,150 | +2.4% |
| Georgia | $980–$3,400 | $2,050 | -2.3% |
| Hawaii | $1,050–$3,700 | $2,250 | +6.0% |
| Idaho | $940–$3,300 | $1,950 | -6.0% |
| Illinois | $990–$3,450 | $2,100 | -0.8% |
| Indiana | $950–$3,300 | $2,000 | -5.5% |
| Iowa | $920–$3,250 | $1,950 | -7.8% |
| Kansas | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -7.0% |
| Kentucky | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -6.7% |
| Louisiana | $920–$3,200 | $1,950 | -8.2% |
| Maine | $980–$3,450 | $2,050 | -2.0% |
| Maryland | $1,050–$3,600 | $2,150 | +2.8% |
| Massachusetts | $1,050–$3,700 | $2,200 | +5.7% |
| Michigan | $960–$3,350 | $2,000 | -4.1% |
| Minnesota | $990–$3,450 | $2,100 | -1.1% |
| Mississippi | $910–$3,200 | $1,900 | -8.9% |
| Missouri | $940–$3,300 | $2,000 | -5.7% |
| Montana | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -6.9% |
| Nebraska | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -6.7% |
| Nevada | $980–$3,450 | $2,050 | -2.1% |
| New Hampshire | $1,050–$3,650 | $2,200 | +3.7% |
| New Jersey | $1,050–$3,700 | $2,250 | +6.2% |
| New Mexico | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -6.7% |
| New York | $1,050–$3,700 | $2,200 | +5.3% |
| North Carolina | $960–$3,350 | $2,000 | -4.1% |
| North Dakota | $920–$3,200 | $1,950 | -8.0% |
| Ohio | $940–$3,300 | $2,000 | -5.7% |
| Oklahoma | $920–$3,200 | $1,950 | -8.2% |
| Oregon | $1,050–$3,600 | $2,150 | +3.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $980–$3,450 | $2,050 | -1.7% |
| Rhode Island | $1,000–$3,550 | $2,100 | +1.0% |
| South Carolina | $950–$3,350 | $2,000 | -4.8% |
| South Dakota | $920–$3,200 | $1,950 | -8.3% |
| Tennessee | $950–$3,300 | $2,000 | -5.2% |
| Texas | $980–$3,450 | $2,050 | -2.0% |
| Utah | $970–$3,400 | $2,050 | -3.5% |
| Vermont | $980–$3,400 | $2,050 | -2.4% |
| Virginia | $1,000–$3,500 | $2,100 | +0.5% |
| Washington | $1,050–$3,700 | $2,250 | +6.0% |
| West Virginia | $930–$3,250 | $1,950 | -7.1% |
| Wisconsin | $950–$3,350 | $2,000 | -4.8% |
| Wyoming | $940–$3,250 | $1,950 | -6.4% |
Drywall repair vs. replacement
For damage limited to a few spots, repair is far cheaper than replacing a wall. This Old House (2026) prices repairs at $50–$80 per sq ft of damaged area. Small holes run $60–$200, cracks $60–$330, and ceiling holes $320–$1,300. HomeGuide gives a typical repair range of $200–$750. Thumbtack's examples include $225 to repair a 4×8 section of wall and $1,500 to replace the drywall in an entire bedroom.
The per-square-foot math explains the crossover. Repairs carry a minimum visit charge and need texture and paint matching, so once damage covers most of a wall, replacing the full wall at $2–$6 per sq ft (HomeGuide) is often cheaper.
Replace rather than patch when the drywall is soaked, sagging or moldy. After a leak, fix the water source first and let a pro check whether insulation and framing are wet. Our water damage restoration cost guide covers drying and tear-out, and our mold removal cost guide explains when remediation is needed before new board goes up.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Hanging drywall is within reach of a handy homeowner. HomeGuide estimates DIY materials for a 500 sq ft room at $200–$400. Finishing is the hard part: getting invisible seams at Level 4 takes practice, and poor taping shows through paint. On an 800 sq ft project, skipping $1.00–$2.70 per sq ft of labor saves about $800 to $2,160 (HomeGuide labor rates), but many DIYers hang the board themselves and hire a finisher.
Hire a licensed pro or get a permit when:
- Electrical boxes, wiring or plumbing need to move. Rewiring runs $5–$17 per sq ft (HomeGuide) and belongs with a licensed electrician.
- Fire-rated assemblies are required, such as garage-to-house walls. These must meet code and may be inspected. Angi puts permits at $50–$150 when required, and HomeGuide at $50–$400.
- Your home is older. If the house was built before 1978, contractors paid to disturb painted surfaces must follow the EPA's lead-safe Renovation, Repair and Painting rules. Some older wall and ceiling materials may contain asbestos. The EPA advises against sampling suspect materials yourself and recommends a trained, accredited asbestos professional before you remodel. HomeGuide puts lead and asbestos testing at $600–$1,500.
How to save money
- Match the finish level to the room. Level 2 is fine for a garage or behind tile, and Level 3 works under heavy texture. Save Level 5 for walls where it shows.
- Use standard board where code allows. Moisture-resistant board is needed in wet areas, but not in a bedroom.
- Do the demolition and cleanup yourself if there's no lead or asbestos concern. Removal can add up to $2.50 per sq ft.
- Bundle jobs. Minimum fees make small jobs expensive, so schedule patches and new walls in one visit.
- Hire the drywall sub directly on simple jobs to avoid the 13%–22% GC markup (Homewyse).
- Get three quotes that use the same square footage, board type and finish level.
How to compare drywall quotes
A fair quote should list:
- Total square footage of board and the number of sheets, separating walls from ceilings.
- Board type and thickness for each area (for example, ⅝-inch Type X in the garage, moisture-resistant in the bathroom).
- The finish level for each area, in writing.
- Texture type, if any, and whether priming is included.
- Removal and disposal of old drywall or plaster.
- Corner bead, cleanup, dust protection and debris haul-away.
- Permits and inspections, if required.
Red flags: a quote with no finish level stated; one price per room with no square footage; no plan for dust control in an occupied home; or a bid far below the others that skips removal, texture or priming.
Hidden costs people forget
- Painting the new drywall: $1–$3 per sq ft (HomeGuide), or $990–$1,320 for a room (Fixr).
- Insulation while the walls are open: $0.65–$6.50 per sq ft depending on type (Fixr).
- Framing repairs discovered after tear-out. New interior stud walls run $9–$16 per sq ft installed (Fixr).
- Electrical and plumbing relocations to new box or fixture positions.
- Hazardous material testing in older homes: $600–$1,500 (HomeGuide).
- Minimum service fees of $100–$150 on small jobs (Thumbtack).
If the drywall is part of a bigger project, fold it into that budget. Our bathroom remodel cost guide covers moisture-resistant board and tile backer as part of a full renovation.
Bottom line
New drywall typically costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of board, or $1,000 to $3,500 for a one- to three-room project, about $2,100 on average. Labor is roughly 70% of the bill, so finish level, ceiling height and local labor rates move the price more than the board itself. Small repairs are usually cheaper than replacement, but soaked or moldy drywall should come out. Get three quotes that state the square footage, board type and finish level for every area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 1,000 sq ft of drywall cost?
Hanging and finishing 1,000 sq ft of standard drywall typically costs $1,500 to $3,500, with Fixr putting the national average at about $2,000. That's 1,000 sq ft of board surface, not floor space. Soundproof board can push the same area to about $7,500 (Fixr).
How much is it to drywall a 12x12 room?
A 12×12 room has about 380–530 sq ft of drywall on its walls and ceiling, and HomeGuide puts the installed cost at $580–$1,800. Using Angi's per-room figures, 300–500 sq ft of board runs about $900–$2,800. Removing old walls, texture and painting are extra.
How much do contractors charge to install drywall per sheet?
Installed prices run about $48–$80 per 4×8 sheet according to Fixr, and about $60–$90 per panel according to Angi, including materials and finishing. HomeGuide puts hang-and-finish labor alone at $30–$70 per sheet. Small single-room jobs can average $120–$130 per sheet because of minimum charges (Fixr).
How much would it cost to drywall a 20x20 room?
With 8-foot walls, a 20×20 room has about 640 sq ft of wall and 400 sq ft of ceiling, or roughly 1,040 sq ft of board. At $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft, that comes to about $1,560–$3,640. HomeGuide's price for a 20×20 two-car garage is $1,000–$3,900.
What is the labor cost to hang and finish drywall per square foot?
HomeGuide puts hanging and finishing labor at $1.00–$2.70 per sq ft, and Fixr at $1.15–$3.00. Fixr breaks that into roughly $0.15–$0.65 to hang, $0.40–$0.70 to tape and mud, and $0.10–$0.50 to sand and prime. Labor makes up about 65%–75% of the total (HomeGuide, Angi).
How much does it cost to drywall a ceiling?
HomeGuide puts ceiling drywall at $1.50–$3.80 per sq ft installed, slightly more than walls, or about $210–$550 for a bedroom ceiling. Vaulted or cathedral ceilings add 10%–30% (Fixr). ⅝-inch board is commonly recommended for ceilings (HomeServe).
Is it cheaper to repair or replace drywall?
Small repairs are much cheaper: This Old House puts small holes at $60–$200 and cracks at $60–$330, and HomeGuide gives a typical repair range of $200–$750. Repairs cost about $50–$80 per sq ft of damaged area, though, so once damage covers most of a wall, replacement at $2–$6 per sq ft (HomeGuide) is often the better value. Wet or moldy drywall should be replaced.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (70% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- Drywall Installation Cost — HomeGuide. Used for: No update date shown. Installed $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft; $30–$70 per sheet hang and finish; typical $1,000–$3,000; ceilings $1.50–$3.80; materials $0.50–$0.80, labor $1.00–$2.70 per sq ft; labor 65%–75%; contractor $40–$100/hour; finish levels 0–5 ($0.85–$1.90 to $1.75–$3.50); texture $0.80–$2.00; removal $0.50–$2.50; replacement $2–$6; repair $200–$750; room table (bathroom $300–$1,000 to 1,000 sq ft basement $1,500–$7,000); ceilings by room; whole house 1,200–3,000 sq ft ($5,000–$20,000 to $10,000–$45,000); sheet counts; DIY materials for 500 sq ft $200–$400; lift rental $40/day; lead/asbestos testing $600–$1,500; painting $1–$3 per sq ft; rewiring $5–$17 per sq ft; permit $50–$400..
- How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost? [2026 Data] — Angi. Used for: 2026 data (no exact update date shown). Installed $1.50–$3 per sq ft, about $60–$90 per panel; average $2,102, range $987–$3,216; room sizes 100–600 sq ft ($400–$650 to $1,700–$3,100); board materials per sq ft (moisture-resistant $0.55–$0.70, fire-resistant $0.55–$0.90, soundproof $1.85–$3); panel prices by thickness (½-inch $20, ⅝-inch $21); finish levels 0–5 ($0.80–$1 to $2–$3.50); labor about 70%; texture $1–$1.95; permits $50–$150; average totals by state (Ohio $1,400 to Mississippi $2,700). Some internal inconsistencies noted on the page (per-sq-ft range vs small-room totals)..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Drywall? — Fixr. Used for: Updated January 31, 2025. Average $2,000 for 1,000 sq ft; range $1,600–$3,500; $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft; project sizes 50–2,000 sq ft; installed per sq ft by board type (standard $1.50–$2.50, Type X $1.60–$3.50, moisture-resistant $1.65–$2.75, paperless $1.75–$4.00, soundproof $3.55–$7.50); per sheet installed (4×8 $48–$80, 4×12 $72–$120; single rooms ~$120–$130); labor $1.15–$3.00 with stage breakdown; labor by finish level ($0.30–$0.80 to $1.15–$3.50); removal $0.50–$1.00; plaster removal $2.10–$3.20; vaulted ceilings +10%–30%; texture $0.50–$1.00 light, +$1.50–$2.00 heavy; framing $9–$16 per sq ft; insulation $0.65–$6.50; painting a room $990–$1,320..
- 2026 Drywall Installation Cost — Thumbtack. Used for: Updated July 8, 2026. National range $1,235–$3,992, average $2,204, low $529, high $9,309; standard 4×8 panel about $10; fire-rated about 20% more; materials 15%–50% of total; one or two rooms $900–$1,500; repair examples ($250–$350 without paint; 4×8 section $225; whole bedroom $1,500); minimum fees $100–$150; new construction cheaper per board..
- How Much Does Drywall Cost? — HomeServe. Used for: Dated March 12, 2026. $10–$20 per sheet; materials $0.30–$0.50 per sq ft; installed $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft; labor $30–$70 per panel or $40–$100/hour; finishing $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft; texture $0.80–$2.00; per-sheet prices by board type (standard ½-inch $8–$20, green $12–$20, purple $12–$22, paperless $13–$26, Type X $10–$20, soundproof $30–$100); ⅝-inch recommended for ceilings; lift rental $40+/day..
- Cost to Install Drywall — Homewyse. Used for: May 2026 basic estimate $2.26–$2.69 per sq ft for ½-inch board, mid-range work in favorable conditions; general contractor supervision adds 13%–22%..
- How Much Does it Cost to Repair Drywall? — This Old House. Used for: Updated June 5, 2026. Repairs $50–$80 per sq ft; $60–$100/hour; small holes $60–$200; cracks $60–$330; ceiling holes $320–$1,300; whole wall repair from about $500..
- Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Used for: RRP rule applies to paid work disturbing painted surfaces in homes built before 1978; firms must be lead-safe certified..
- Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Used for: Don't sample suspect materials yourself; consider a trained, accredited asbestos professional before remodeling or when materials are damaged..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.