How Much Does Drywall Cost?
Drywall costs depend on sheet quantity, thickness, finishing level, and whether you hang it yourself or hire a professional. Here is a complete price breakdown for 2026.
NWFA Certified · 15 years installation
Dan has installed flooring, tile, and drywall in over 1,200 homes across the Midwest and Southeast. As an NWFA Certified Flooring Inspector, he shares practical installation tips and helps homeowners accurately estimate material quantities to avoid over-buying.
Published June 9, 2026
dan@homematerialcalc.comDrywall Calculator — exact sheet count and cost for your room
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2026 drywall material costs
| Product | Size | Cost per sheet |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2” standard | 4×8 ft | $12–$18 |
| 1/2” standard | 4×12 ft | $18–$27 |
| 5/8” Type X (fire-rated) | 4×8 ft | $15–$22 |
| 1/4” (curved walls) | 4×8 ft | $10–$16 |
| 1/2” moisture-resistant | 4×8 ft | $14–$20 |
| Joint compound (5 gal) | — | $15–$25 |
| Paper tape (75 ft) | — | $5–$10 |
Installation cost breakdown
| Task | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Hanging only (no finishing) | $0.60–$1.00 |
| Taping and finishing (3 coats) | $0.90–$2.50 |
| Hang + finish (Level 4) | $1.50–$3.50 |
| Full project with materials | $2.00–$5.00 |
Full project estimates
| Space | Sq ft of drywall | Materials | Installed (pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12×12 room | ~528 sq ft | $240–$510 | $820–$1,800 |
| 3-bedroom house | ~3,000 sq ft | $1,400–$2,700 | $4,500–$10,500 |
| Basement (1,000 sq ft) | ~1,200 sq ft | $550–$1,000 | $1,800–$4,200 |
| Garage (2-car, walls only) | ~600 sq ft | $280–$520 | $900–$2,100 |
Use the Drywall Calculator for your exact sheet count with room dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall cost per sheet?
A standard 4×8 ft sheet of 1/2-inch drywall costs $12–$18 at home improvement stores in 2026. 5/8-inch Type X (fire-rated) costs $15–$22 per sheet. Prices vary by region and fluctuate with gypsum supply. Buying in bulk (full pallet) saves 10–15%.
How much does drywall installation cost?
Professional drywall installation (hanging and finishing to Level 4) costs $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft — or $1,500–$3,500 for a 1,000 sq ft area. Hanging alone (no finishing) costs $0.60–$1.00/sq ft. Full hang-and-finish including materials runs $2–$5/sq ft.
How much does it cost to drywall a 12×12 room?
Drywalling a 12×12 ft room with 8-ft ceilings requires about 20 sheets of 4×8 drywall (~$240–$360 in materials). Add joint compound, tape, screws, and corner bead ($80–$150), and professional installation ($500–$900), for a total of $820–$1,410.
Is it cheaper to do drywall yourself?
Yes — DIY drywall saves $0.60–$2.50/sq ft in labor. For a 1,000 sq ft area, that is $600–$2,500 in savings. The taping and finishing process (3 coats) is the most skill-intensive part. Hanging sheets is manageable for DIYers, especially with a rented drywall lift for ceilings.
How much does it cost to finish a basement with drywall?
Drywalling a 1,000 sq ft unfinished basement typically costs $1,500–$4,000 for materials and professional installation. This includes hanging drywall on walls and ceilings, taping, and finishing to Level 4. DIY can reduce this to $600–$1,200 in materials only.
How much does drywall mud and tape cost?
Pre-mixed joint compound (mud) costs $15–$25 for a 5-gallon bucket, which covers approximately 100–150 sq ft. Paper tape costs $5–$10 per roll. Mesh tape runs $8–$15 per roll. A typical 12×12 room needs 2–3 buckets of mud and 1 roll of tape.
How many drywall sheets do I need for a room?
Divide total wall and ceiling square footage by 32 (sq ft per 4×8 sheet), then add 10% for waste. A 12×12 ft room with 8-ft ceilings has ~528 sq ft of surface area — about 18 sheets plus waste = 20 sheets. Use the Drywall Calculator for an exact count.
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