Professional drywall installation cost typically runs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface, including materials, hanging and finishing. A May 2026 national estimate is narrower, at $2.26–$2.69 per square foot for basic mid-range work. Per sheet, a fully installed and finished 4×8 board can run $40–$50. Finish level, ceiling work, board type and room complexity move the price.
Drywall installation cost per square foot
| Measure | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Installed, hung and finished | $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft |
| National mid-range estimate (May 2026) | $2.26–$2.69 per sq ft |
| Per full sheet, installed and finished | up to about $40–$50 |
The mid-range estimate covers ½-inch paper-faced board, fasteners, tape, corner bead, joint compound, equipment and debris disposal. It excludes general contractor markup (add roughly 13–22% if a GC manages the job), permits, framing repairs and old drywall removal.
Example: drywalling a room
A 10×12 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling:
- Surface area: about 472 sq ft of walls and ceiling
- Materials: about 15 sheets of 4×8 drywall, screws, tape and joint compound, about $235–$375
- Total installed: about $710–$1,650
Small jobs cost more per square foot because travel, setup and minimum charges are spread over less area.
How many sheets of drywall do you need?
- Wall area: room perimeter × ceiling height. A 12×12 room with 8-ft walls = 48 × 8 = 384 sq ft.
- Ceiling area: length × width = 144 sq ft.
- Total: 528 sq ft. Subtract large openings if you like; many pros leave them in as waste.
- Sheets: total ÷ sheet size. For 4×8 sheets (32 sq ft), 528 ÷ 32 = 16.5.
- Add 10–15% waste: about 19 sheets.
Larger 4×12 sheets (48 sq ft) mean fewer seams and less finishing, if you can get them into the room. Our Drywall Calculator handles walls, ceilings and sheet sizes. The Drywall Installation Cost Calculator applies your own labor and material rates.
Types of drywall
- Standard (regular) board: walls and ceilings in dry areas, usually ½ inch thick
- Moisture- and mold-resistant board: bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, though not a substitute for proper waterproofing in showers
- Fire-rated (Type X): typically ⅝ inch, used where codes require fire resistance, such as some garage walls and ceilings or between units in multifamily buildings
- Sound-dampening board: for media rooms, home offices and shared apartment walls
- Cement board: behind tile in wet areas, not technically drywall
Specialty boards cost more per sheet and are heavier to install.
Drywall finish levels
The drywall industry uses finish levels 0–5. Higher levels take more coats of compound and sanding, so they cost more:
- Level 0–1: fastened only or taped only; used in attics, plenums and hidden areas
- Level 2: a tile substrate or garage finish
- Level 3: for heavy texture
- Level 4: the standard for most painted walls with flat or eggshell paint
- Level 5: a skim coat over the whole surface for glossy paint or strong side lighting
Ask your contractor which level the quote includes.
What raises drywall installation cost
- Ceilings and high walls: ceilings are slower and harder to hang; tall walls need scaffolding
- Complexity: many corners, soffits, arches and window returns
- Removal: tearing out old drywall or plaster and lath adds labor and disposal. Plaster removal can run about $2–$5 per sq ft.
- Texture: knockdown or orange-peel textures add a step
- Access: walk-up apartments and tight buildings add carrying time, common in NYC
- Code requirements: fire-rated assemblies and inspections
Drywall in basements and renovations
Drywall usually goes up after framing, electrical, plumbing and insulation are inspected. In basements, control moisture first and consider mold-resistant board. See our basement renovation guide.
Hiring tips to control drywall installation cost
- Get quotes that state the square footage, board type and thickness, finish level and whether priming is included
- Ask whether removal and disposal are included
- Ask how they protect floors and contain dust
- In NYC, plastering is listed by the Department of Buildings as minor work that doesn't need a DOB permit. Residential contractors still need a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license.
For damaged walls rather than new ones, see drywall repair cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?
Walls and ceiling total about 528 sq ft. At $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft, that's roughly $790–$1,850, and about $1,190–$1,420 at the 2026 mid-range rate.
How much does it cost to hang one sheet of drywall?
A fully installed and finished 4×8 sheet can cost up to about $40–$50, but most contractors price by the square foot or the job.
Is drywall cheaper than plaster?
Yes, generally. Drywall is faster to install and finish than traditional plaster.
How long does drywall installation take?
Hanging a room can take a day. Taping and finishing need several coats with drying time, so most rooms take several days from start to paint-ready.
Planning estimates only.
