Drywall Installation Cost Calculator

Calculating the cost in advance is highly important when planning drywall installation. Every expense must be considered when deciding on renovation, new construction, or a room makeover. An online calculator helps you correctly budget materials, labor, and other costs.

Drywall installation cost would vary quite a lot from one place to another based on a number of factors ranging from the area size, type of drywall, complexity of installing, and even the region. A drywall cost calculator makes it simple as it offers a home owner or contractor with fast and comprehensive calculations based on entered data.

Calculation Process 

Let’s use a simple step-by-step example to help you understand how to use the drywall installation cost calculator.

Calculate the Total Area to Be Covered

Start by calculating the wall or ceiling square footage you want to cover.

Example: You need to install drywall in a 12×15 room with 8-foot-high walls

• Wall area calculation: 12(length) x 8(height) = 96 sq.ft. per wall
• A room has four walls, so the total wall area is 96 sq. ft. x 4 = 384 sq. ft.
• Ceiling Area: 12’ x 15’ = 180 sq. ft.
• So the total square footage for drywall installation would be 384 sq. ft. (walls) + 180 sq. ft. (ceiling) = 564 sq. ft. total.

Type of Drywall

Depending on the type of drywall you settle for determines the material and the cost of installation. Standard, moisture-resistant, and fire-resistant options vary in their pricing per square foot.

For Example, the Cost of Standard Drywall

• Per square foot = $1.50
• Material costs for 564 sq ft = 564sq ft × $1.50 per sq. ft = $199.50

For Example, the Costs of Moisture Resistance Drywall

• Per square foot = $2.00
• Material cost for 564 sq. ft. = 564 sq. ft. x $2.00 = $1,128.

Labor Cost

Labor costs vary according to geographical area, experience, and complexity of work. Generally, Contractors charge on an hourly or square footage basis. Labor rates are usually between $35 and $70 per hour.

Example: If you post your project in your locality and the labor rate in your place is $50 per hour, it takes about eight hours to put up the drywall.

• Labor cost: 8 hrs x $50 = $400

Finishing and Texturing

Drywall finishing involves taping, muddling, and sanding to create a surface for painting. The finishing style can undoubtedly affect the final price.

For example, if you opt for a Level 1 or Level 2 basic finish, labor and materials will cost $0.50 per sq.ft. For example, a knockdown or popcorn textured finish could be up to $1.00 per sq. ft.

• For 564 sq. ft. room finishing cost would be:
• 564 sq. ft. x $0.50 = $282 with a bare finish.
• Textured finish: 564 sq. ft. x $1.00 = $564.

Ceiling Height and Accessibility

Ceiling height and accessibility also play a factor. If you have higher ceilings or areas that are difficult to reach, the project will take longer and cost more in materials.

For example, if your room had a 10-foot ceiling instead of 8, the sheet would be around $1.75 per sq. ft. instead of the usual $1.50.

• For 564 sq. ft. of 10-foot ceiling drywall, the cost would be:
• 564 sq. ft. x $1.75 = $987
• This is an extra $141 more than standard drywall for 8 feet ceilings.

Final Calculation

Let’s break down the costs for your drywall project

• square footage: 564 sq. ft.
• Materials cost: Using standard drywall at $1.50 per sq. ft, the cost is $846.
• Labor costs: 8 hours is  $50/hour = $400
• Finishing: A basic finish costs $0.50 per sq. ft.; the cost is $282.
• The total for a basic finish is $1,528: $846 (materials) + $400 (labor) + $282 (finishing).

For a textured finish at $1.00 per sq. ft., the finishing cost would be $564, and the total would be:

• $846 (materials) + $400 (labor) + $564 (texturing) = $1,810.

This estimate ranges between $1,528 and $1,810, depending on the type and complexity of the finish.

Drywall Installation Price Table

The drywall installation price table shows categorization by room: the price per square foot, estimated installation time, and finishing options. It gives the homeowner the total drywall estimation of the whole project based on the size of the room and the choice of finishing. This makes it clear what the cost is for every section of the house.

House section	Price per sq. ft.	Finishing level	Finishing cost per sq. ft.	Total estimate
Living Room	$1.50 – $2.00	Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$850 – $1,100
		Level 2: Smooth	$0.75 – $1.00
		Level 3: Premium	$1.00 – $1.50
Bedroom (12′ x 12′)	$1.50 – $2.00	Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$850 – $1,100
		Level 2: Smooth	$0.75 – $1.00
Kitchen	$1.75 – $2.25	Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$1,000 – $1,250
		Level 2: Smooth	$0.75 – $1.00
Bathroom	$2.00 – $2.50	Level 1: Basic	$0.75 – $1.00	$1,150 – $1,400
		Level 2: Smooth	$1.00 – $1.25
Basement	$1.50 – $2.00	Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$900 – $1,150
Garage		Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$900 – $1,150
Ceiling (Flat)		Level 1: Basic	$0.50 – $0.75	$1,000 – $1,500
Ceiling(Textured)		Level 1: Basic	$1.00 – $1.25	$1,400 – $1,800

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Is the Price per Square Foot Fixed or By Region?

The price per square foot varies with regions due to labor and material cost changes. It is ideal to adjust your estimate based on local costs to arrive at a close estimate.

Q: In My Estimate, how Do I Account for Special Features Like Textured Ceilings?

Unique features like textured ceilings increase both the material and labor costs. Depending on the complexity of the texture (e.g., knockdown, popcorn, custom designs), textured finishes may add $1.00 per square foot. Include these details in your cost calculator for an accurate estimate.

Q: What Drives Drywall Expenses Up?

Drywall installation, however, varies with area size, the kind of drywall used, ordinary, moisture-resistant, or fire-rated, ceiling height, and the finish level. These factors may dictate material prices, labor rates, and the time needed to finish the job.