Drywall Installation Cost (Per Square Foot & Per Sheet)
Part of Interior & Finishes
Quick answer
Hanging, taping and finishing drywall runs about $1.50–$3.50 per square foot installed, or roughly $45–$60 per 4×8 sheet. Hanging alone is $0.50–$0.90/ft²; taping and mudding adds $1.00–$1.65/ft².
Drywall pricing is usually quoted per square foot of board or per sheet installed. The total splits into two labor stages — hanging the board and finishing it (tape, mud, sand) — plus the material.
Cost per square foot
| Scope | Cost per ft² |
|---|---|
| Material only (board) | $0.40–$0.65 |
| Hang only | $0.50–$0.90 |
| Tape & mud (finish) only | $1.00–$1.65 |
| Hang + finish (installed) | $1.50–$3.50 |
Cost by project
| Project | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Single sheet replaced | $50–$120 |
| Garage (2-car) | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Basement (finished) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Whole house (new) | $8,000–$20,000+ |
How contractors bid a drywall job
Pros price from board square footage, not room square footage. The formula: board ft² × installed rate, plus a finish-level adjustment, delivery, and a minimum charge. Higher finish levels (Level 4–5 for paint-ready or skim-coated walls) cost more than a Level 2 garage.
- Quote per board square foot or per sheet installed — both sides understand it.
- Add for high ceilings, lots of cuts, and Level 5 finishes.
- Set a minimum (often $400–$800) so small jobs stay profitable.
- Drywall removal/disposal is extra: about $0.30–$0.60/ft².
Prices are typical US ranges and drift with the market. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much do drywallers charge per sheet?
Roughly $45–$60 per 4×8 sheet to hang and finish, depending on region, ceiling height, and finish level.
How much does it cost to tape and mud drywall?
Finishing (tape, mud, sand) without hanging runs about $1.00–$1.65 per square foot, or $30–$50 per sheet.
How much does a sheet of drywall cost?
Just the board: about $12–$20 for a standard 4×8 half-inch sheet at a big-box store (5/8-inch fire-rated and moisture-resistant sheets cost a few dollars more). That's material only — the $45–$60-per-sheet figure includes hanging and finishing labor.