Have you ever wondered how sheetrock is installed? Maybe you’ve had some energetic teenagers that slipped while running down the hall and left a very large hole in your sheetrock. Or maybe you’ve embarked on a remodel project and just have to work on the finishing touches.
Whether you call it gypsum board, drywall, or sheetrock, drywall is an essential part of interior construction. Sheetrock has been in existence for almost 100 years but attained stardom as a building material during the 1940s.
Whether you are overwhelmed, or you are only performing your research to determine how difficult it would be to take on the next item on the home improvement list yourself, knowing the right way to install sheetrock can be a great skill to have for a home or business owner.
However, this is not a subject for this post. We want to consider the cost implication of sheetrock installation. How much does sheetrock installation cost? Continue reading.
Typical Cost of Sheetrock Installation
Drywall is an innovative wall construction material that is majorly made of a gypsum core and a paper covering. It is the material used to make finished interior walls and ceilings quickly and easily than the older methods that involve the use of plaster.
Drywall can be installed in different ways and is available in many sizes, subtypes, and thicknesses for use in different areas. That said; drywall installation has varieties of associated costs.
The cost to install your sheetrock board begins at $1.71 to $2.16 per square foot based on the area. The exact price you pay will be based on project size, conditions, and your chosen finished option. The cost often falls between $1,007 and $1,275. See the breakdown below.
1. The cost of Sheetrock (534 sq-ft): $249 to $341
This is Residential-grade and paper-faced ½” thick drywall in 4 x 8 cost. UL fire rated for maximum safety. Rate includes local delivery, and standard excess for the right installation and occasional repairs.
2. Sheetrock Labor, Basic eight (8) hours: $549 to $666
Labor cost, under normal circumstances, for full installation, plus 1 cutout per 100 SF. Drywall sheets will be fabricated, laid out, and fit then held in place to frame in line with the instructions given by the manufacturers. Rate includes all the parts of the job, like rigorous planning, equipment and material acquisition, preparation and protection of job site, as well as thorough cleanup.
3. Sheetrock job supplies (534 sq-ft): $24 to $27
Perfect supplies for the job, plus fasteners, exterior corner, seam tape, and topping compound.
4. Sheetrock equipment allowance (1 project): $33 to $46
Rental of specialty equipment that improves the quality and efficiency of the work daily. These include drywall cutting and fabrication tools, a manual drywall hoist, and an auto-loading drywall screw gun. This excludes consumable equipment elements.
5. Drywall Debris Disposal (500 sq-ft): $217 to $246
Proper disposal of all project mess, like the cost to load and transport old materials, waste from installation, and any other trash.
Optional Services
Sheetrock removal (2 hours): $130 to $157
Safe, convenient removal of old drywall and related materials. Drywall will be removed and divided into parts, together with drywall fasteners.
Sheetrock Installation Cost: Notes and Important Information
These sample estimates are provided for basic work done on serviceable situations by professional traders with the use of MID GRADE materials. Work not discussed on this page and/or work with the use of master craftsman, expensive materials, and project supervisions will lead to higher costs.
These estimates are not to be used in place of written quotes provided by trade professionals. As recommended by Homewyse, you are to reach out to professionals for accurate work assessment needed as well as costs for your project, before you make any decisions or commitments.
Here is a list of what are included in the cost estimate:
- Costs for delivery of local material/equipment to and transportation of the service provider to and from the project location.
- Costs to get the work site ready for drywall installation, including protection costs for existing structure(s), materials, finishes, and components.
- Labor setup time, mobilization, as well as minimum hourly charges are popularly added for small drywall installation jobs.
The following are not included in the cost estimate:
- Costs for removing, moving, and repairing or adjusting current framing, electrical, HVAC, surfacing, and plumbing systems- or making sure those systems are brought into compliance with existing construction codes.
- Costs for testing and correcting hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, and so on
- General contractor cost and mark-up for scheduling and overseeing the drywall installation. If you will have a general contractor monitor this project, add 13 percent to 22 percent to the overall cost above.
- Sales tax of supplies and materials.
- Permit or inspection fees (or part) are required by the local building department in your location for your overall job.
National Average Cost of Sheetrock Installation
The national average cost of materials for sheetrock installation is $0.53 per square foot, with a range starting from $0.4 to $0.61. The overall price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.85, ranging between $1.63 – $2.06.
A typical 500 sq-ft job costs $922.92, within the range of $816.36 and $1,029.48. The exact price you pay will be based on your location, conditions, job size, and your chosen finish options.
Cost to Install Sheetrock
Materials Cost National Average per square foot
Labor and materials National Average Cost for 500 square foot
Labor and materials National Cost Range for 500 square foot
$0.53
$922.92
$816.36 - $1,029.48
Prices of Sheetrock by Thickness
Drywall’s thickness starts from ¼ to 5/8, with the most common thickness being ½. The sheet thickness is often tied to the type of drywall and actual size. Not all drywall thicknesses are perfect for all types of projects. Building codes sometimes determine the drywall thickness.
The ½ drywall thickness is the most commonly used in surface and ceiling applications. Water-resistant sheetrock of similar thickness is used in bathrooms. The thickness of drywall used in garages and furnace rooms is 5/8 fire-resistant sheetrock.
¼ drywall cost
These sheets are often used for repairs in current walls and ceilings. They can also add to the thickness of a wall ceiling by covering the thinner drywall on the existing sheets. In some cases, ¼ drywall may also be applied on ceilings. This thickness can bend easily, so it is popularly used to create curved walls. This type of drywall often costs between $10 and $12 per sheet on average.
3/8 drywall cost
This drywall is one of the least popular thicknesses. This is often below ½. It is not thin enough to cover other sheets. Even though it can be used to make curves, it first needs to be dampened. The popularly used is in certain spots where 1/8 is perfect in spaces that meet one another.
For instance, during remodeling and framing of a new wall that is a bit closer to an adjoining wall, 3/8 drywall easily fills the space more. Prices start from $10 to $15 each.
½ drywall cost
This drywall is the most popular thickness. Most types of drywalls feat feature thickness, including standard, purple, green, and eco-friendly. The drywall at ½ is strong enough to overlay most walls that hold the load without stress. If required, you can install it around a curve after it has been dampened, and it is not too large for use on ceilings. This thickness is effective for most applications unless there is another specification by construction codes. These sheets cost an average of $10 to $20.
5/8 drywall cost
This thickness is common to 4×12 sheets for more structural stability. This thickness is also popular on fire-resistant and soundproof due to the extra thickness. This also implies that the material turns heavier and highly difficult to cut and handle. This is why, unless it is needed for code or needed for soundproofing; it is not popular to make use of this drywall thickness. The cost will be between $13 and $75 per sheet.
Extra Considerations and Costs
1. Drywall installation can be handled as a DIY project. To ensure your project is successful, get ready. You need a minimum of two people to properly install your drywall and all the necessary materials ready, such as drywall sheets, nails, and screws, and plastic sheeting to cover surfaces and protect them from gathering dust. A do-it-yourself project takes up to three-four days based on the size of the job.
2. You can cover an old ceiling using drywall instead of removing the existing ceiling. This installation is easier when handled by a professional team. The cost varies based on the height of your ceilings.
3. Removing existing walls can be hazardous, which is why you must make available the proper safety equipment and ventilation tools, especially in older homes. Older buildings usually have asbestos and lead-based paint concealed below modern layers, which can lead to severe health complications when breathed in. If you notice asbestos, the best action to take is to remove it. Expect to pay between $400 and $500 to remove asbestos.
4. Drywall replacement enables you to see what is happening in your house at the back of the scenes and find potential problems that can be repaired before they turn worse. You can inspect your timbers, insulation, and wiring. Also, you can check if there is a noticeable trace of pests or worn electrical components that need to be replaced. Moisture is one other issue that can get out of hand and lead to damage when left untended to.
5. In some places, permits are needed when performing remodeling or demolition. It often depends on the scope of the project and whether it involves a load-bearing wall or electrical or plumbing work. Speak with your local government office to find out if you need to get a building permit.
6. Be careful of any contractor who just provides a drywall installation estimate. A genuine estimate for any drywall project should contain the cost of prep work, transportation, materials, and dust & debris, removal, and clean up.
7. It clean-plant to get an experienced professional to handle the task. Get references from friends, and the AWCI (Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry) can also give you helpful information. Obtain a minimum of four quotes, together with references from old projects.
Conclusion
Drywall installation can be a complicated and expensive job if not properly handled. The costs provided in this guide are only estimates and you will have to obtain quotes from a professional drywall contractor to know the actual cost of your sheetrock installation. Contact us now to get a quote and have a professional crew perform your sheetrock installation job.
