The cost to install drywall varies depending on the contractor, location and quality of work completed. 

Also, some projects will require a contractor to provide the drywall to be installed, while in other situations, particularly in the commercial drywall market where the drywall will be supplied already. 

Drywall Cost Estimate

As a ballpark estimate, you can expect to pay around $1.00-$1.50 per square foot for drywall installation. We treat each project as a custom job because every project has different challenges and expectations. It’s good to remember that the cheapest contractor is usually NOT the best one to hire. You might think you are saving money on the front end, but many times “extra” charges will come up unexpectedly once you are in a position that you don’t have other options or are under time constraints. 

Drywall Cost Flexibility

On larger projects, there is usually a bit more price flexibility because there are sunk costs for administration, insurance, transportation, etc, that are already in place. What that means is that a small bedroom cost per square foot may actually seem very high in comparison to a very large commercial project with a much lower cost per square foot. 

Many things can affect the cost of a drywall installation project including the location, features and limitations that affect installation like architectural features and if the project is on the 10th floor vs. the 1st floor for example. Generally, costs include materials, labor, transportation, preparation and clean-up. 

Drywall Panel Costs

Drywall panels come in sheets that generally measure 4’ x 8’. However, much larger sheets are available for larger projects all the way up to 16’ in height. Ideally, you want to minimize the number of seams between the sheets overall in a project. This will improve the quality of the finish while also reducing the amount of labor and materials necessary to complete the project. Working to reduce the number of seams through proper project planning will reduce the total cost of the project in the long-run. 

Drywall Panel Thickness

Although drywall comes in a variety of thicknesses ¼ inch to ⅝ inch, while ⅜ inch and ½ inch are the most common for residential and commercial use. Thicker drywall is heavier and more difficult to hang, yet it is less likely to sag, which makes it ideal for ceilings. 

Other considerations regarding thickness involve sound going between walls, which may or may not fall under local codes or ordinances, particularly in multi-family and office environments. 

Mold and Fire Resistant Drywall 

There are mold as well as fire resistant drywall sheets that may be used in specific circumstances. When installing drywall in any area that may be prone to moisture, it is good practice to use Purple® drywall products because they are fabricated to resist moisture, mold and mildew. Although drywall is made of materials that are fairly fire resistant, adding glass fibers during the manufacturing process can increase the level of fire resistance a great deal. 

Standard drywall sheets range from around $10.00 to $20.00 depending on thickness, as well as other factors including mold or fire resistance.

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