Drywall Prices
The average price for drywall and sheetrock is $15 per 4' x 8' panel, with a typical range of $12 to $20 per panel. This translates into a cost of $0.40 to $0.65 per square foot. For walls and ceiling for a 200 square-foot room, you can expect to pay $300 to $500.
Drywall, often called plasterboard or wallboard, is a major component of finishing an interior space. Prices depend on the type you choose, with thicker boards and soundproofing costing as much as $60 per panel.
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Typical Drywall Prices
Drywall prices range from $12 to $90 per panel, depending on the size, thickness and added features. Most products run 4' x 8' and 1/2" thick.
| Type | 4' x 8' | 4' x 12' |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | $12 - $18 | $15 - $24 |
| 5/8" | $14 - $20 | $18 - $27 |
| 3/4" | $20 - $30 | $25 - $35 |
| Green Board | $14 - $18 | $18 - $24 |
| Blue Board | $12 - $15 | $15 - $20 |
| Purple Board | $15 - $60 | $20 - $90 |
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Green board drywall prices range from $14 to $18 per panel. Although this product has a green outer layer to prevent water absorption, it is not completely waterproof. It is better for areas of the home like tiled walls or in the kitchen.
Blue board drywall costs $12 to $15 per panel. This type has a special kind of paper on the outside that gives a smoother finish once the contractor applies plaster. That makes it ideal for high-end installations where you want no visible seams.
Purple drywall costs $15 to $60 per panel. This range depends on the product, made by National Gypsum. The lower end resists mold and mildew better than green board. That makes it ideal for places that may get wet, like the basement or bathroom. Higher-end panels usually include extras like soundproofing.
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The price range of $12 to $60 per panel depends on the features you want, such as:
- Foil-Backed: Added moisture protection for cold climates.
- Paperless: Uses fiberglass instead of paper backing.
- Abuse-Resistant: Less likely to dent.
Most drywall products contain powdered gypsum sandwiched between two layers of paper into a sheet. This is why some manufacturers call it sheetrock.
Fire-Resistant Drywall
Fire-resistant drywall costs $20 to $30 per panel. This product, sometimes called Type X, comes in thicker sheets. It may also have additional components like glass inside the board to slow burning.
Building standards suggest panels 5/8" and 3/4" thick for areas like the garage or staircase. Since the 3/4" size is harder to find, contractors sometimes double up thinner boards for added fire protection.
Lead-Lined Drywall Price
The price of lead-lined drywall depends on the manufacturer. This product is typically installed in hospitals and clinics for rooms using medical imaging, not homes.
Sheetrock costs $12 to $25 per panel. It is a type of drywall manufactured by the U.S. Gypsum Company. This range doesn't include other materials you'll need, such as:
- Screws: $6
- Mud: $15
- Tape: $5
Keep in mind that this price also doesn't include shipping. At a weight of 50 to 70 pounds per panel, you'll pay more if you need to have a manufacturer ship it to a remote area.
Buying drywall in bulk costs $10 to $16 per panel, a discount of about 20%. In most cases, you'll need to buy at least 34 panels to get this price. That would be enough to cover a 300 square-foot room.
Can you install drywall yourself?
Drywall is difficult to install by yourself, given the bulky size and weight of 50 to 70 pounds per panel. Most of the time, you'll need at least two people to hang one.
How much does it cost to install drywall?
The cost to install drywall ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors usually bill by the number of hours needed for installation, but may also charge per panel.
Keep in mind that a basic estimate may not include removing or hauling away old drywall. You'll pay an additional $300 to $500 for those services.
How much does it cost to mud and tape drywall?
Applying mud and tape as part of drywall texturing costs up to $0.50 per square foot. It usually comes as part of the $1 to $3 per square foot installation price.
What's the difference between drywall and plaster?
Although drywall is the standard for homes built after World War II, some contractors will install plaster on request. It's better for rounded walls, but usually costs a lot more.
Unlike plasterboard, which is another name for wallboard, this approach involves hanging wood panels and covering them with layers of plaster. If you want better insulation or a quick installation, drywall is your best bet.
Is lightweight drywall as good as regular drywall?
Lightweight drywall is about 25% lighter in weight than the standard. This makes it easier to install, but not as effective for fire resistance or soundproofing.
