How Much Does Sheetrock Cost?
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Sheetrock is a cost-effective building material used for interior wall and ceiling construction with a national average cost of $15 per panel. Depending on panel size, thickness, and location, sheetrock costs can range from $12 to $20 per panel.
Highlights
- Sheetrock typically costs between $12 and $20 per panel, and the national average is $15 per panel.
- The exact cost of sheetrock depends on factors such as home size, panel size, panel thickness, sheetrock type, installation method, location within the home, and finishing.
- Sheetrock offers many benefits, including affordability; durability; resistance to fire, mold, and mildew; numerous customization options; quick installation; and easy maintenance and repairs.
- A handy homeowner may have the skills required to hang panels of drywall or sheetrock, but it’s often easier to leave the job to a professional who has experience with this project and can ensure the installation is completed safely and to code.
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Whether it’s a living room revamp, a bathroom rebuild, or a bedroom remodel, sheetrock plays an important role when it comes to transforming living spaces. Also known as drywall, sheetrock is the main building component of interior walls and ceilings. It provides a smooth and even surface that can be finished with paint, wallpaper, or custom textures. Interior spaces often look incomplete or exposed before sheetrock is hung.
It’s not just about looks, though. Sheetrock also helps insulate against sounds and temperature changes while contributing to the overall structure of a home. Without sheetrock, a house remains a bare shell. For such a fundamental component in construction, sheetrock is budget-friendly. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the national average sheetrock cost per panel is $15, falling within a typical range of $12 to $20. This guide explores some of the most common factors in determining sheetrock costs, tips on saving money on installation, and questions to ask a drywall contractor before starting a project.
Factors in Calculating Sheetrock Cost
As with costs in any home construction project, sheetrock costs can be influenced by various factors. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when homeowners are determining costs for a sheetrock project, though it’s important to keep in mind that national averages may not always align with local costs.
Home Size
While there are other factors to consider, home size is one of the most important to remember when homeowners are estimating sheetrock costs. The larger the home, the more square footage of drywall is required to finish the job. This directly impacts material costs.
Bigger homes often have more intricate layouts and custom features, such as archways and alcoves. Additional cutting, fitting, and finishing can increase labor costs. Tall ceilings are common in larger homes and can also boost material and labor costs. Additional rooms in a larger home can contribute to higher overall pricing as well.
Homes with the same flooring square footage might vary significantly in wall and ceiling square footage. However, installing drywall in a standard 12-foot by 12-foot room can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,600.
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Panel Size
When budgeting for drywall costs, homeowners will find that panel size is a major influencing factor. Sheetrock panels come in various sizes; generally, larger panels cost more than smaller sheetrock sizes. There are several reasons for this cost difference.
To start, larger panels require more material, increasing production costs. Drywall contractors may charge more in labor for large panels, as they require more time and effort to maneuver safely. There’s also the potential for more waste with large panels if they need to be cut down drastically to meet the layout needs of a space. Some sizes may be difficult to track down, affecting pricing. The following table shows some of the most popular sizes and their price ranges.
| Panel Size in Feet | Average Cost per Panel (Material Only) |
| 4 by 8 | $10 to $15 |
| 4 by 9 | $10 to $17 |
| 4 by 10 | $10 to $20 |
| 4 by 12 | $15 to $27 |
| 4 by 16 | $16 to $35 |
Panel Thickness
Just as panel size is a key factor in overall cost, panel thickness plays an important role in how much sheetrock costs. Thicker panels tend to cost more per square foot, but they may offer better insulation, reduce energy consumption, and provide energy savings. Depending on the components, thicker panels can also offer better fire resistance and soundproofing. All of these benefits can make the additional costs worth considering.
Choosing thinner sheetrock panels can be more cost-effective initially, though. Thinner panels are lighter and require less labor. They’re also more versatile and can be used in tighter spaces where thicker panels can be difficult to work with. Homeowners can keep the following cost ranges in mind when considering sheetrock panel thickness.
| Drywall Thickness | Average Cost per Panel (Material Only) |
| ¼ inch | $10 to $12 |
| ⅜ inch | $10 to $15 |
| ½ inch | $10 to $20 |
| ⅝ inch | $13 to $75 |
Sheetrock Type
Homeowners have multiple sheetrock types to consider when revamping interior walls and ceilings. Each type has unique features and advantages along with distinctive price ranges. For example, standard drywall tends to be the most budget-friendly option. It’s an economical choice for many projects but does have limitations when it comes to advanced features.
Sheetrock types such as blue board and abuse-resistant have a higher price than standard drywall but offer specific benefits. For example, abuse-resistant drywall is less likely to develop dings or dents. Homeowners are often willing to pay extra for sheetrock panels that protect their investment.
The most expensive types of sheetrock, such as Type X and soundproof options, offer the most comprehensive benefits. They can help slow down the spread of a fire, resist mold and mildew growth, and reduce sound transmission much better than standard sheetrock types.
Installation Location
Drywall costs can also vary within a home based on location. For example, small bathroom installations can cost more per square foot, since they require more costly moisture-resistant drywall panels. Larger areas, such as basements and garages, can cost less per square foot, as installation is often simpler and requires a lower finishing level, reducing labor costs.
Also, hanging sheetrock in an entire home can cost less per square foot than working in a single room. Bulk purchases and more efficient labor can help save on costs. Homeowners who want to revamp the drywall in their entire home can save by completing the whole project at one time rather than in smaller steps.
Labor
Labor can make up half of an entire drywall job’s cost. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for labor, though the final hourly cost depends on a few variables, including project size, installation complexity, local labor rates, accessibility of the work area, skill and experience of the contractor, and specialized techniques or finishes.
Compared to the installation of other wall and ceiling options, such as plaster, drywall installation is fairly quick. Hanging drywall typically takes 1 to 2 hours, while taping and mudding can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Sanding, priming, painting, and cleaning up can go quickly with an experienced team.
Finishing
Drywall finishing refers to the condition a drywall sheet is left in for final decorative treatments, including paint, wallpaper, or wainscoting. Homeowners can choose from six different levels, starting with level 0 and finishing with level 5. Since higher levels include more steps and labor, they tend to cost more.
Level 0 is the least expensive and involves simply hanging the sheetrock panels and screwing them into the studs. It’s typically a temporary finish. A level 4 finish will still require a bit of DIY from the homeowner to get it prepped for paint. Paying for level 5 typically includes primed panels and, depending on the contractor, sometimes even paint. Professional sheetrock installers determine the fine print of their company’s finishing levels, but here are some basic cost ranges for homeowners to keep in mind.
| Sheetrock Finishing Level | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Level 0 | $0.30 to $0.80 |
| Level 1 | $0.70 to $1.50 |
| Level 2 | $0.80 to $1.75 |
| Level 3 | $0.90 to $2.50 |
| Level 4 | $1 to $3 |
| Level 5 | $1.15 to $3.50 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond panel specifics, installation location, and local labor costs, there are other potential costs to keep in mind. Homeowners will want to factor in the following considerations to keep their timeline and budget on track.
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Old Sheetrock Removal
For repair work and design updates, old sheetrock removal is an additional cost to keep in mind. Homeowners can expect to pay between $0.30 and $0.45 per square foot for removal, with the final cost dependent on a few variables.
For example, working around obstacles or additional elements such as electrical wires or plumbing can influence the pricing. A demo team needs to use extreme care around pipes and outlets, and this takes extra time and skill.
Another factor to consider is the home’s age. In older homes, the presence of lead-based paint could boost removal pricing, as dealing with hazardous materials requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Insulation
Insulation helps to regulate indoor temperatures by providing a thermal barrier. During the summer, it helps to keep indoor temperatures cooler while helping to retain indoor heat during the winter. Insulation also helps to prevent pipes from freezing during extreme cold snaps.
Installing insulation costs anywhere from $1,050 to $2,500, depending on the size of the home and the type of insulation material used. But while there’s an initial investment to consider with insulation, it typically pays for itself over time through energy savings. Insulation can also reduce the risk of costly plumbing repairs and help increase the resale value of a home. Potential buyers often look for energy-efficient features that can reduce utility costs.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal can be an unfortunate but necessary additional cost to absorb if the material is discovered during a sheetrock installation project. Asbestos is a carcinogenic material and should only be removed by professionals with the appropriate protective gear and experience.
The cost of asbestos removal from sheetrock typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,100, depending on the extent of the contamination and its location. Testing costs are not included in this range and can add another $250 to $850 to the removal price. Testing lets contractors know how bad the contamination is and which removal process is best.
Texture Application
Applying texture to drywall is a creative and functional way to boost the aesthetics and performance of walls and ceilings. However, the cost can vary depending on the texture type. For example, light textures cost around $0.50 to $1 per square foot. Examples include orange peel, knockdown, and sand swirl. Often applied using a spray technique, light textures add subtle depth yet have a uniform appearance.
Heavier textures are hand-applied and cost a bit more, ranging from $1.50 to $2 per square foot. A heavier texture creates a visually appealing pattern with a three-dimensional surface. Popcorn texture is one of the most well known examples of a heavy texture. It’s often seen in older homes but can help with sound absorption.
Sheetrock Repair
In certain cases, it may be more appropriate to repair sheetrock rather than replace it. The following are a few potential scenarios where sheetrock repairmay be the better option:
- There is minor damage, such as holes, dents, scratches, or small water stains.
- Budget constraints make replacement out of financial reach.
- Limited timelines warrant a quick fix over demo and installation.
- Original textures and appearances need to be preserved, especially in historic homes.
Sheetrock repair costs typically range from $80 to $225, making it the most cost-effective option when compared to replacement costs. It’s also the more environmentally friendly solution and a practical choice when there are budget and time constraints.
Painting or Wallpapering
Once sheetrock is in place, it usually still needs a little dressing up. Common options include paint and wallpaper. Painting a room costs anywhere from $150 to $1,100, depending on the size of the room, paint quality, and number of required coats. DIY painting can help save on labor costs, though professionals tend to be faster and neater with edges and cleanup.
Wallpaper is another finishing option that’s gaining popularity once again. Hanging wallpaper costs between $300 and $800. Cost-influencing factors include the type and quality of the wallpaper chosen and the square footage to be covered. Hanging wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add a decorative and textured finish to a room.
Types of Sheetrock
Contractors may recommend different types of sheetrock for a home project depending on the level of moisture resistance required or the need for any special soundproofing. Different installation methods and locations can also influence the type of sheetrock used. Common types of specialty sheetrock are described below, along with their unique price points.
| Type of Sheetrock | Average Cost per Panel (Materials Only) |
| Abuse-resistant | $13 to $22 |
| Blue board | $12 to $15 |
| Eco-friendly | $22.40 and $28.80 |
| Foil-backed | $20 and $25 |
| Green board | $14 to $18 |
| Paperless | $25 to $35 |
| Purple | $15 to $60 |
| Soundproof | $40 and $55 |
| Standard | $12 to $30 |
| Type X | $20 to $30 |
Abuse-Resistant
Abuse-resistant sheetrock, also known as high-abuse drywall, costs between $13 and $22 per panel. It’s made of a standard yet durable gypsum core with the addition of glass fibers. The fibers act as a protective shield around the gypsum, reinforcing the sheetrock’s structural integrity and helping to prevent dents and damage from sudden impacts.
Abuse-resistant sheetrock is ideal for high-traffic areas or anywhere in the home where walls are more likely to be bumped or hit, such as hallways or playrooms. Though it’s a bit more expensive than other types of sheetrock, it can help homeowners save on drywall repair costs over its lifespan.
Blue Board
As a premium sheetrock option, blue board is slightly more expensive. Homeowners can expect to pay between $12 and $15 per panel, though the higher cost offers unique characteristics.
For example, blue board is often used in plastic applications. Its blue paper is an excellent bonding surface for plaster compounds and can help to create an old-world textured finish. Luxury homes commonly incorporate blue board for this reason.
Blue board is also ideal for painting and wallpapering, as its smooth surface minimizes the visibility of seams, joints, and minor imperfections. If a homeowner has a specific interior finish in mind, blue board can help bring it to life.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly sheetrock offers homeowners a conscientious choice for their building or remodeling projects. This drywall variety has a slightly higher cost but offers reduced environmental impact and promotes sustainable construction practices. Eco-friendly sheetrock ranges from $0.70 to $0.90 per square foot, or from $22.40 to $28.80 for a small 4-foot by 8-foot panel.
What makes eco-friendly sheetrock a greener choice? It’s made with a higher percentage of postconsumer recycled content than standard drywall. It typically includes reclaimed gypsum from demolition waste, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the demand for raw gypsum mining.
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