Wall & Ceiling Costs

Wall Prices

Wall installations, remodels and renovations cost $700 to $6,400. Pricing reflects the materials, size and difficulty of the job. Most walls require design, framing, drywall and paint. You can also choose from a variety of textures, wallpaper, wood and trim.

• Wall framing costs $12 per square foot. Compare quotes from local framing contractors.
• Wall repairs cost $350-$1,100. You’ll need to do some repair after demolition and framing.
• Structural engineers cost $100-$150 per hour. You’ll need one if you’re remodeling a load-bearing wall.

Build a Wall

Building a wall costs $900 to $7,500 on average. Your budget depends on material type, wall size and job complexity. For example:

• A brick, stone or block wall costs $2,000-$7,500.
• A framed wall with drywall costs $900-$2,700.

Installing a Half Wall

Installing a half wall costs $400 to $3,500. These are also called knee or pony walls, they reach no more than waist height, or about three feet. Knee walls cost $10 to $20 per linear foot. Double or triple that price if you want to add built-in shelves or columns.

A note on partition walls: These temporary visual barriers create smaller spaces in larger rooms, and they usually cost between $400 and $3,500. Renters often use them to add privacy to studio apartments without permanently changing the apartment.

Wood and Shiplap Walls

Wood or shiplap walls cost $500 to $7,500. Prices depend on the size of the project and the type of wood you choose. For example, pine is usually the least expensive material. Exotic hardwood, like teak, is more expensive.

Plaster Walls

Plaster walls cost $3 to $5 per square foot to install while repair costs $100 to $3,000. You won’t often find this material in newer homes, but it’s still around in older and historic homes. Always talk to a local plastering contractor to maintain historic standards.

Drywall

Drywall installation costs $900 to $2,500 for new builds. A single wall might only run $300 to $500. Drywall repair costs $250 to $800. Drywall, a brand name for gypsum board, covers traditionally wood or metal-framed walls. After installation, you’ll need to find a painter to finish it.

Glass Walls

Installing glass walls cost $240 to $2,000. Installing glass blocks or tiles costs $450 to $1,000. Glass doesn’t tend to make up the entire wall, but usually acts as an accent or faux window. It might include blocks, framed sheets or floating tempered walls.

Outdoor & Retaining Walls

Outdoor walls cost $2,000 to $11,000. These structures range from concrete retaining walls to brick and stone fences. Pricing varies by type of material, size and location.

• Retaining wall installation costs $3,000-$8,500.
• Concrete wall installation costs $2,500-$10,500.
• Stamped concrete walls cost $3,500-$6,500.
• Brick or stone walls cost $2,000-$7,500.

For an accurate budget, compare quotes from local retaining wall contractors.

Ceiling Costs

Ceiling installation, renovation and repairs can range from $350 to $3,500 or more. Ceiling repairs cost $300 to $1,200 on average. Contact a local ceiling installer for a consultation and quotes.

Budget for the type of materials you choose to go with, including:

• Textured ceilings cost $575-$675.
• Wood ceilings run $1,500-$3,500.
• Metal ceilings price at $2,500-$5,000.

Install a Ceiling

Ceiling installation costs $900 to $2,400 on average. For drywall and texture, labor makes up 60% to 75% of the price or $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Other materials, like metal or wood, take longer to install and cost more than drywall. Added time translates to a higher per square foot price. Regional and material prices vary, so contact a ceiling contractor near you for local rates.

Raised or Vaulted Ceilings

Raising a ceiling costs $16,000 to $24,000 to make it vaulted. This complex process involves removing the existing framing that separates your attic from your living space. Usually, your pro will move the roof supporting structure up, then install a new ceiling.

Wood or Plywood Ceilings

Wood ceilings cost $900 to $2,500. It’s both easy and inexpensive to add a layer of wood to your ceilings. However, check with building codes and your insurance because it may present a fire hazard.

Drop or Acoustic Ceilings

Drop ceilings cost $1,000 to $2,400 to install. They’re great for spaces with exposed struts, HVAC systems and wiring. You’ll likely find it in office buildings, shops and basements. They’re excellent solutions for areas where you still want access to the plumbing, HVAC or wiring above it.

Coffered Ceilings

Coffered ceilings cost $18 to $32 per square foot. They’re expensive due to all the detailed work and time involved. You can choose a variety of materials, from classic plaster, drywall, wood, metal and even vinyl.

Trim, Decorative Moldings, Painting & Other Finish Costs

Additions and finishes, like trim, crown molding and paint, add $200 to $4,000 to your interior finishing costs. We’ve broken down the costs of all the finishing work you may want, including:

• Crown molding costs $550-$1,750. Decorative additions for the corner where the wall and ceiling meet.
• Home painting prices range from $950-$2,800. You’ll need to paint any drywall walls. Wood and metal surfaces don’t need a covering.
• Wallpaper installation costs $250-$750. Wallpaper gives a wide array of design choices.
• Trim installation costs $600-$1,900. Decorative woodwork is used to embellish the floors, walls, and ceilings of homes.
• Wall cleaning service fees range from $200-$550. You should always clean surfaces after construction and before any paint or other covering.
• Built in bookshelf costs $1,250-$4,000. Custom units can cost $10,000 or more.
• Room soundproofing prices range from $1,000-$2,500. Soundproofing uses specially designed foam and sound dampening materials.

DIY vs. Hiring a Wall & Ceiling Contractor

For building a wall or ceiling from scratch, you’ll need to hire a contractor. They’ll take care of the permits, consulting with an engineer if necessary. A pro will help execute your project efficiently and with precision. However, a few of these tasks make excellent DIY projects, such as painting or installing wallpaper. They’re forgiving projects that cost little more than time to fix mistakes. However, if you don’t have the time, use our guides to narrow down your search for the right professional.

FAQs

How much does it cost to clean walls and ceilings?

Cleaning ceilings costs $200 to $300 on average. However, it depends on how many square feet your washing.

How much does soundproofing a room cost?

Soundproofing a room costs $1,000 to $2,500.

How much does an archway removal cost?

Removing an archway costs anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on size and whether it’s load bearing.

How much is it to install built-in bookshelves?

Built-in bookshelves cost $1,200 to $4,000 to install.

Do I need to remove my popcorn ceiling?

You don’t need to remove your popcorn ceiling, but it’s gone out of style.