How much does it cost to drywall a garage?
How much does it cost to drywall a garage?
$1.50 – $3.50 cost per square foot (wall or ceiling surface)
$1,000 – $3,900 cost to drywall a 2-car garage
$1,800 – $9,000 cost to insulate and drywall a 2-car garage
Cost to drywall a garage
The average cost to drywall a garage is $800 to $5,000, depending on the size and the finish level. Garage drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of wall or ceiling surface. The cost to insulate and drywall a 2-car garage is $1,800 to $9,000.
| Garage size | Drywall cost | Insulation & drywall cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car garage | $800 – $2,800 | $1,300 – $5,700 |
| 2-car garage | $1,000 – $3,900 | $1,800 – $9,000 |
| 3-car garage | $1,700 – $5,000 | $2,700 – $11,200 |
*Total cost installed for both walls and ceiling
Cost to drywall a garage per square foot
The following table shows the cost to drywall a garage per square foot:
| Item | Cost per square foot* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0.85 – $1.90 | Standard drywall with a Level 0 finish (no tape, mud, or finish) |
| Average | $1.25 – $2.75 | Moisture-resistant drywall with a Level 2 finish (tape, and joint compound) |
| High-end | $1.50 – $3.50 | Fire-resistant drywall and insulation with a Level 3 finish |
*Including labor and materials.
Cost to insulate and drywall garage
The cost to insulate and drywall a 2-car garage is $1,800 to $9,000. The cost to insulate a garage is $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot installed.
An uninsulated garage may be too damp or cold for comfort as drywall provides minimal insulation on its own.
The best time to insulate the walls is when the framing is open before hanging drywall.
| Garage size | Cost to insulate and drywall |
|---|---|
| 1-car garage | $1,300 – $5,700 |
| 2-car garage | $1,800 – $9,000 |
| 3-car garage | $2,700 – $11,200 |
*Walls and ceiling
If budget is a concern, consider insulating only the garage walls that are shared with the house.
Garage drywall installation cost breakdown
Drywall hanging costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot and typically includes taping, mudding, and finishing the surface.
| Item | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall materials | $0.50 – $0.80 |
| Installation labor and finishing | $1.00 – $2.70 |
| Total cost to install | $1.50 – $3.50 |
Factors that impact the cost of drywalling a garage include:
Drywall type – Most garages use 1/2" standard or 5/8" fire-resistant drywall, depending on local building codes. Moisture-resistant drywall helps to prevent mold in areas with high humidity.
Finish level – A Level 2 finish is most common in garages. However, some drywall installers recommend a Level 3 finish if painting the walls afterward.
Single vs. double drywall layer – Some local building codes allow two layers of standard drywall in place of a single layer of 5/8" drywall on garage walls shared with the habitable living space.
Wall height – Most garages have 8' walls, which are easiest to drywall because drywall sheets come in 4'x8' panels. Drywalling a garage with 10' ceilings may cost extra.
Ceiling drywall costs $350 to $3,300 on average for a garage.
Garage shape and features – A standard square or rectangular garage without windows costs the least to drywall because it requires minimal cutting. Installation costs more for garages with additional corners or multiple windows, doors, or ceiling cutouts for attic access.
Garage drywall material prices
Drywall prices are $8 to $20 per sheet for materials alone, depending on the type. Common sheetrock types used for garage walls and ceilings include standard 1/2" or 5/8", fire-resistant Type X, or moisture-resistant green board.
| Type | Cost per sheet* |
|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" | $8 – $20 |
| Standard 5/8" | $10 – $20 |
| Fire-resistant Type X | $10 – $20 |
| Moisture-resistant green board | $12 – $20 |
*Not including installation.
Garage drywall finish levels
After hanging the drywall and taping and mudding the joints, contractors finish the surface with a smooth coat or texture:
Drywall finish – The cost to finish drywall is $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot of surface area. Finishing is typically included in a drywall installation estimate. Most garages have a Level 1, 2, or 3 finish.
Drywall texture – The cost to texture drywall is $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot of surface area, depending on the texture type, coating thickness, and application method. Texturing the walls and ceiling in a 2-car garage costs $950 to $2,100 on average.
Cost to plaster a garage
Plastering a garage costs $2 to $10 per square foot, depending on the plaster type and the current wall or ceiling condition. Plaster is stronger, more fire-resistant, and lasts longer than drywall but is more expensive and requires more expertise to install.
Garage finishing
The cost to finish a garage is $50 to $100 per square foot or $5,000 to $25,000 on average for a 2-car garage. Remodeling or converting a garage into living space costs more than finishing the drywall for storing cars, tools, and equipment.
Garage drywall FAQs
Should I drywall my garage?
Drywalling a garage adds fire protection, reduces noise, and improves visual appeal. Many city building codes also require fire-resistant drywall on any garage walls that are shared with the home's habitable living space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Can drywall be used in an unheated garage?
Yes, drywall can be used in an unheated garage. However, drywall offers almost no insulation on its own, and large temperature fluctuations may cause condensation to form inside the walls. Keep the garage dry and well ventilated to prevent mold, rot, or cracks in the drywall.
Install drywall when temperatures are between 65° to 80° F and humidity is 20% to 40% to prevent the joint compound from cracking in cold temperatures once dry.
What thickness and type of drywall is best for a garage?
IRC building codes require a minimum of 1/2" drywall on garage walls shared with the home's living space or in detached garages less than 3 feet from a dwelling on the same lot. Some local building codes require 5/8" fire-resistant Type-X drywall instead. Check local regulations to confirm.
A garage ceiling under a habitable room requires 5/8" fire-resistant Type-X drywall.
Do I need a permit to drywall my garage?
You do not need a permit to remove, replace, or repair existing drywall, but many cities require a permit when adding drywall to a new wall or finishing an existing framed wall with drywall for the first time.
Drywall permits cost $50 to $400, depending on the project size and location.
Getting estimates from garage drywall contractors
Before hiring a drywall contractor near you, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Look for a drywall contractor who is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI).
Read at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and browse their portfolio of similar completed projects.
Select companies that are licensed, bonded, insured, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan and request receipts.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you a member of the AWCI?
Will your company work on the project, or will you subcontract the job?
Which type of drywall do you recommend for my garage, and why?
Does the estimate include hanging, taping, mudding, and finishing the drywall?
Which finish level do you recommend for my garage?
How long will the project take?
Does the estimate include the drywall delivery?
Does the estimate include cleanup costs?
What other costs should I expect?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?