How Much Does Drywall Cost in 2025?
Installing drywall costs an average of $2,100
Drywall costs an average of $2,100, with most projects ranging between $990 and $3,200.
The cost of drywall is impacted by the type of drywall, size, thickness, and labor.
Installing drywall involves handling large, heavy panels, which can be a tough job to tackle on your own. Hiring a professional can make the process safer and ensure a high-quality finish.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Drywall costs $2,100 on average, with most homeowners spending between $990 and $3,200. Factors like the type of drywall, its thickness, size, and features will influence your costs. Planning your budget carefully and hiring a professional can help ensure the job is done safely and efficiently, giving you beautiful walls and ceilings that last.
Drywall Cost Factors
Drywall, often called plasterboard or wallboard, is a significant component of finishing an interior space. Drywall panels cost between $60 and $90 each. Prices depend on the type you choose, with thicker boards costing more than thinner boards.
Area Size
Installing drywall costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot. So, if you're working on a 200-square-foot room, you can expect to pay between $300 and $6,000 for the walls and the size of the ceiling. Knowing these numbers can help you plan your budget more effectively.
Size and Thickness
Most panels are 4 feet by 8 feet and 1/2 inch thick, which is the standard size for many projects. Standard drywall comes in a few common thicknesses:
| Thickness in Inches | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | $20 |
| 5/8 | $21 |
| 3/4 | $23 |
Each thickness level offers its own benefits:
1/2-inch sheets: Great for most walls and ceilings in dry areas.
5/8-inch panels: Offer added fire resistance.
3/4-inch panels: Provide extra soundproofing.
Keep in mind, these prices don't include shipping. Since each panel weighs between 50 and 70 pounds, delivery costs can add up, especially if you're in a remote area.
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 $20. 5/8-inch panel pricing is $21, while the price for a 3/4-inch panel is $23. Standard drywall is best for use on walls and ceilings in living areas that generally remain dry.
Amount of Drywall Needed
To calculate how much drywall you’ll need for your project:
Multiply the height by the length of each wall to determine the total square feet of each one.
Multiply the length and width of each ceiling and record their total square feet.
Only deduct the measurements for windows and doors in rooms with a large number of windows.
Add all totals together to determine the total area in square feet.
Multiply the total by 10% to account for any project waste.
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.
Round your answer up to the next full sheet.
DIY vs. Hiring a Drywall Pro
Installing drywall panels is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and physically demanding, as each panel weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. For a smooth, even finish and structurally sound walls and ceilings, hire a drywall installation contractor to handle the job for you with expert results.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it might be tempting to tackle drywall installation yourself, it's a challenging job best left to the pros. Drywall panels are heavy—each one weighs between 50 and 70 pounds—and handling them safely usually requires at least two people. Professional installers have the experience and equipment to align and secure the panels properly, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish that meets all code requirements.
Drywall and plaster are two different materials used for walls and ceilings, each with its own advantages. Drywall consists of manufactured panels that can be installed quickly and offer good insulation. It's generally more cost-effective and is great for straight walls and ceilings.
Plaster is applied in layers over a supportive framework called lath. While it requires more labor, plaster provides a unique, smooth finish that's ideal for curved surfaces and decorative details. Your choice between drywall and plaster will depend on your desired look, durability needs, and budget.
Lightweight drywall panels are about 25% lighter than standard ones, making them easier to handle during installation. This can be helpful if you're doing a DIY project or working in tight spaces. However, they might not offer the same level of durability, fire resistance, or soundproofing as regular drywall. If you're looking for superior protection and a finish that lasts, standard drywall may be the better option for your walls and ceilings.
Professionally installed drywall lasts between 40 and 60 years. Drywall longevity depends on installation quality, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions. High-quality work combined with proper care ensures that drywall performs reliably for decades. Factors such as moisture, fire exposure, and physical damage can affect its lifespan, so regular inspections and timely repairs are essential for extending durability.
You don't need a permit to replace drywall if you're just swapping out old panels without making any structural changes. If you're keeping the wall positions the same and not moving any electrical or plumbing, you can go ahead without a permit. However, if your project involves adding or removing walls or altering the home's infrastructure, you'll likely need to get a permit, which can add $50 to $150 to your costs. It's always a good idea to check with your local building department to make sure you're following the rules.
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