What is the Average Price for Drywall and Sheetrock?

Average Drywall Prices Per Sheet

The average price for a 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet of drywall is $15. For the same sheet of drywall, prices can range from $12 to $20.

Typical Drywall Prices

Drywall prices range from $12 to $90 per panel, depending on the size, thickness, and added features. Most products run 4-foot-by-8-foot and 1/2-inch thick.

Standard Drywall

Standard drywall is the most common drywall type and comes in thicknesses of 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch. The price range for a 1/2-inch sheet is $12 to $18. 5/8-inch panel pricing is between $14 to $20, while the price for a 3/4-inch panel ranges from $20 to $30. It’s best for use on walls and ceilings in living areas that generally remain dry. 

Green Board 

Green board drywall prices range from $14 to $18 per panel. Although this product has a green outer layer to prevent water absorption, it is not completely waterproof. It is better for spaces like tiled walls or in the kitchen.

Blue Board 

Blue board drywall costs $12 to $15 per panel. This type has a special kind of paper on the outside, giving a smoother finish once the contractor applies plaster. That makes it ideal for high-end installations where you want no visible seams.

Purple Drywall 

Purple drywall costs $15 to $60 per panel. This range depends on the product made by National Gypsum. The lower end resists mold and mildew better than green board. That makes it ideal for places that may get wet, like the basement or bathroom. Higher-end panels usually include extras like soundproofing.

Foil-Backed

Foil-backed drywall prices range from $20 to $25 per sheet. They are used in cold climates and offer extra moisture protection against condensation. Individual pricing can be challenging to find since it’s usually made available in a builder’s price quote. 

Paperless

The price range for paperless drywall is $25 to $35 for a 4-foot-by-8-foot panel. Paperless drywall is often installed in areas that may be exposed to moisture and humidity, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. They’re not for use where they will be exposed directly to liquid water. 

Abuse-Resistant

Abuse-resistant or high-abuse drywall costs between $13 and $22 per panel. It is composed of a durable gypsum core surrounded by glass fibers. This panel type works best for high-traffic areas and can be finished in the same way as standard drywall.  

Fire-Resistant

Fire-resistant drywall costs $20 to $30 per panel. This product, sometimes called Type X, comes in thicker sheets. It may also have additional components like glass inside the board to slow down burning in the event of a fire.

Building standards suggest panels 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch thick for areas like the garage or staircase. Since the 3/4-inch size is harder to find, contractors sometimes double up thinner boards for added fire protection.

Lead-Lined

The price of lead-lined drywall depends on the manufacturer and is generally only available through a builder’s quote. Expect prices of between $200 and $500 per panel. This product is typically installed in hospitals and clinics for medical imaging rooms; it’s not for residential use.

Soundproof

Drywall that is considered soundproof ranges in price from $40 to $55 per sheet. It’s constructed of gypsum and polymers that reduce the ability of the material to transfer sound. Soundproof drywall is an excellent building material for reducing noise between rooms or dampening exterior sounds.

Drywall Wholesale Prices

Buying drywall in bulk costs $10 to $16 per panel, a discount of about 20%. In most cases, you'll need to buy at least 34 panels to get this price—enough to cover a 300-square-foot room.

Sheetrock Prices

Sheetrock costs $12 to $25 per panel. It is a type of drywall manufactured by the U.S. Gypsum Company. This range doesn't include other materials you'll need, such as:

• Screws: $6

• Mud: $15

• Tape: $5

Keep in mind that this price also doesn't include shipping. At 50 to 70 pounds per panel, you'll pay more if you need to have a manufacturer ship it to a remote area.

Calculating Your Drywall Needs

To calculate how much drywall you’ll need for your project:

1. Multiply the height by the length of each wall to determine the total square feet of each one.

2. Multiply the length and width of each ceiling and record their total square feet.

3. Only deduct the measurements for windows and doors in rooms with a large number of windows. 

4. Add all totals together to determine the total area in square feet. 

5. Multiply the total by 10% to account for any project waste. 

6. Divide that number by the square-foot area of one of the drywall sheets you’ll be installing. For example, a 4-foot-by-8-foot drywall panel equals 32 square feet. 

7. Round your answer up to the next full sheet. 

8. You may also add a couple of sheets to the total if you have many cuts to make.

FAQs

Can you install drywall yourself?

Drywall is difficult to install by yourself, given the bulky size and weight of 50 to 70 pounds per panel. Most of the time, you'll need at least two people to hang one panel.

How much does it cost to install drywall?

The cost to install drywall ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors usually bill by the number of hours needed for installation but may also charge per panel.

Note that a basic estimate may not include removing or hauling away old drywall. Disposal services can add another $300 to $500 to your project total.

How much does it cost to mud and tape drywall?

Applying mud and tape as part of drywall texturing costs up to $0.50 per square foot. It usually comes as part of the $1 to $3 per square foot installation price.

What's the difference between drywall and plaster?

Although drywall is the standard for homes built after World War II, some contractors will install plaster on request. It's better for rounded walls but usually costs significantly more—plastering walls cost about $510 for 100 square feet.

Unlike plasterboard (another name for wallboard), this approach involves hanging wood panels and covering them with layers of plaster. Drywall is your best bet if you want better insulation or a quick installation.

Is lightweight drywall as good as regular drywall?

Lightweight drywall is about 25% lighter in weight than the standard. This makes it easier to install but not as effective for fire resistance or soundproofing. It's also less durable.