Drywall Cost Estimation

Material Costs

Standard 1/2-inch drywall sheets cost $12-18 per sheet. Moisture-resistant drywall runs $15-22 per sheet. Fire-rated 5/8-inch drywall costs $18-25 per sheet. Joint compound is $12-18 per bucket, tape $5-8 per roll, and screws $8-12 per box.

For a typical 500 sq ft room, expect $200-400 in drywall materials alone. Metal corner bead costs $2-5 per 8-foot length. Include delivery fees if not picking up materials yourself.

Labor Costs

Professional drywall installation costs $1.50-3.00 per sq ft for hanging only, or $3.00-5.00 per sq ft fully finished (taped, mudded, and sanded). For a 500 sq ft room, expect $750-2,500 for complete installation.

Finishing Costs

Drywall finishing — taping, mudding, and sanding — is the most labor-intensive part. Level 1 finish (basic tape) is cheapest but not suitable for living spaces. Level 5 finish (smooth with skim coat) costs most but provides the best surface for paint or wallpaper.

Cost by Room Size

A small room (100 sq ft walls + ceiling) costs $150-400 for DIY or $300-800 professionally installed. A medium room (300 sq ft) runs $400-1,200 DIY or $900-2,400 professionally. A large basement (800+ sq ft) costs $1,000-3,200 DIY or $2,400-6,000+ professionally finished.

Money-Saving Tips

Save money by hanging drywall yourself and hiring a pro only for finishing — the most skill-intensive part. Buy full pallets of drywall (40-50 sheets) for lower per-sheet pricing. Use standard 4×8 sheets instead of larger sizes that require extra help.

Combine orders with neighbors or friends for bulk discounts. Consider renting a drywall lift for ceilings — it's safer and faster than scaffolding or wrestling sheets overhead.

Summary

Drywall costs vary significantly based on room size, material choices, and whether you DIY or hire professionals. Use our drywall calculator with cost estimation features to get a personalized budget for your project.