How much does it cost to install a drywall ceiling?
How much does it cost to install a drywall ceiling?
$2 – $4 average cost per square foot installed
$300 – $600 average cost to install in a 12’x12’ room
$3,000 – $6,500 average cost to replace in a 1,500 SF house
Average cost to drywall a ceiling
The cost to drywall a ceiling is $2 to $4 per square foot on average installed. The labor cost alone to hang and finish a drywall ceiling is $1.40 to $3.10 per square foot. The cost to replace a sheetrock ceiling depends on the height, drywall type, and finish level.
| Project | Ceiling square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 5x8 Bathroom | 40 | $80 – $160 |
| 12x12 Bedroom / primary bathroom | 144 | $300 – $600 |
| 14x20 Primary bedroom | 280 | $550 – $1,100 |
| 16x20 Living room | 320 | $650 – $1,300 |
| 20x20 Garage | 400 | $800 – $1,600 |
| 1,000 SF Basement | 1,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 1,500 SF Whole house | 1,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 2,000 SF Whole house | 2,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 2,500 SF Whole house | 2,500 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 3,000 SF Whole house | 3,000 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by {{site}} members.
Drywall installers charge $40 to $100 per hour to hang and finish a drywall ceiling.
Most drywall contractors have minimum project fees of $125 to $200.
Cost breakdown to install a drywall ceiling
Drywall installation costs $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot for ceilings and $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average for walls. Drywalling a ceiling costs more than walls because it is more difficult and labor-intensive to hang and finish the panels.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Drywall material | $0.60 – $0.90 |
| Labor & finishing cost | $1.40 – $3.10 |
| Total cost to install | $2.00 – $4.00 |
Factors that impact the cost to install a drywall ceiling include:
Ceiling height & size – Installers often charge 10%+ more for ceilings over 8'.
Room shape and layout – Complex room shapes require more labor to measure and cut the drywall panels to fit correctly, increasing installation costs.
Drywall panel type and thickness – Thicker fire-resistant or soundproof drywall panels cost more than standard 1/2” panels.
Drywall finish level – Ceilings in concealed areas like closets need only a Level 1 or Level 2 finish, while visible ceilings throughout the rest of the home require a Level 3, 4, or 5 finish, increasing labor time and costs.
Demolition and removal of old drywall – Dumpster rental prices are $280 to $490 per week to dispose of old drywall and construction debris. Popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Insulation – Insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on the type, material, and R-value. Adding insulation to the ceiling is easiest when the framework is open from below before the new drywall panels are put up.
Labor cost to hang and finish a drywall ceiling
The labor cost for a drywall ceiling is $1.40 to $3.10 per square foot and includes hanging, taping, and finishing. Drywall materials add $0.60 – $0.90 per square foot. Most drywall installers charge extra for labor and supplies to texture or paint the finished surface.
| Level | Cost per square foot* | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0.85 – $1.90 | Drywall hung with no tape, mud, or finish |
| 1 | $1.15 – $2.55 | Concealed areas or attics |
| 2 | $1.30 – $2.70 | Has one coat of compound for storage areas or walls that will be covered in tile |
| 3 | $1.50 – $2.90 | Walls that will receive a medium to heavy texture |
| 4 | $1.75 – $3.50 | Walls that will receive a light texture or flat paint |
| 5 | $2.00 – $4.00 | A smooth finish for walls that will receive satin or glossy paint |
*Including labor and materials.
The cost to texture drywall ceilings is $1 to $2 per square foot on average, depending on the ceiling height and texture type.
The cost to paint a ceiling is $1 to $2 per square foot. Painting is typically charged as a separate service.
A shiplap ceiling costs $3 to $11 per square foot installed. Some building codes require drywall behind shiplap.
A tongue-and-groove ceiling costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed. Tongue-and-groove boards are an attractive way to cover old drywall instead of replacing it.
Ceiling sheetrock cost
Ceiling drywall prices are $10 to $20+ per sheet, depending on the sheetrock panel type, size, and thickness.
1/2" is the standard drywall thickness for walls and ceilings in residential spaces.
5/8" is the thickest sheetrock option and is used for soundproofing and fire resistance. 5/8" drywall is also ideal for ceilings because it prevents sagging.
Common drywall sheet sizes are 4' x 8', 4' x 10', and 4' x 12'. Drywall sheets are also called panels or sheetrock.
Cost to drywall a basement ceiling
The cost to drywall a basement ceiling is $2 to $4 per square foot, including labor and materials, or $2,000 to $4,000 on average for a 1,000-square-foot basement.
The cost to finish a basement is $32 to $47 per square foot or $22,000 to $46,000 on average, depending on the size, features, and whether it’s an open or closed floorplan. Finishing a basement typically includes wall framing, drywall, plumbing, lighting, electrical wiring, and flooring.
Cost to drywall a garage ceiling
The cost to drywall a garage ceiling is $1.50 to $3.80 per square foot installed or $350 to $3,300 on average, depending on the garage size and the drywall finish. Garage ceilings typically need only a Level 1 or 2 finish. Contractors recommend installing fire-resistant drywall in a garage.
| Garage size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-car garage | $350 – $1,500 |
| 2-car garage | $600 – $2,400 |
| 3-car garage | $900 – $3,300 |
The cost to drywall a garage is $800 to $5,000 for the walls and ceiling.
Drywall ceiling replacement costs
Ceiling replacement costs $2 to $4 per square foot for drywall on average, depending on various factors.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old ceiling removal and disposal | $0.50 – $2.50 |
| New drywall ceiling installation | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Ceiling & structural repairs* | $50.00 – $100.00 |
*Not needed for every drywall ceiling project.
A drywall ceiling may require additional repairs or tests before replacement:
Ceiling repair – Ceiling repairs cost $200 to $500 on average for minor repairs to fix holes or cracks and $400 to $1,200 for more extensive damage or structural repairs.
Drywall repair – Drywall repair costs $200 to $750 on average, depending on the damage.
Old homes – Homes built before 1986 may have asbestos, and homes built before 1978 may have lead paint.
A home inspection costs $250 to $400 to identify necessary repairs.
Asbestos removal costs $4 to $20 per square foot. Asbestos testing costs $250 to $850.
Lead paint testing costs $300 to $600. Removal costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
Cost to remove a drywall ceiling
Removing a drywall ceiling costs $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on the height and condition. When replacing drywall, the open ceiling provides a chance to address other common problems like leaks, faulty wiring, pests, or mold.
Installing new plumbing pipes costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
Installing electrical wiring costs $2 to $4 per square foot.
An exterminator costs $100 to $600 for a one-time visit or $40 to $75 per visit for monthly home treatments for insects or rodents.
Mold remediation costs $15 to $30 per square foot.
Cost to replace drop ceiling with drywall
Replacing a drop ceiling with drywall costs $3 to $11 per square foot. Removing the drop ceiling grid and tiles makes up $1 to $7 per square foot of the replacement cost.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Drop ceiling removal | $1 – $7 |
| New drywall ceiling installation | $2 – $4 |
| Total cost | $3 – $11 |
A drop ceiling costs $4 to $20 per square foot installed, depending on the ceiling height and the tile type and material. A drop ceiling, also called a suspended ceiling, features a grid suspended a few inches below the ceiling frame to hold removable tiles that hide wiring, plumbing, and ductwork.
DIY drywall ceiling installation cost
DIY drywall installation costs $70 to $140 for materials to cover a 12' x 12' bedroom ceiling (150 SF). Installing a drywall ceiling is a labor-intensive project and requires at least two people because each panel weighs 50 to 60 pounds. Consider renting a drywall lift for $40 per day.
| Material | Price per 150 square feet |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $50 – $100 |
| Mud / Joint compound | $7 – $10 |
| Tape | $3 – $10 |
| Screws | $10 – $20 |
| Total | $70 – $140 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a drywall ceiling?
You do not need a permit to remove, replace, or repair existing drywall. Permits are required when adding drywall to a new wall or when finishing a basement or attic. Drywall permits cost $50 to $400, depending on project size and location.
How long does it take to hang a drywall ceiling?
Hanging a drywall ceiling throughout a house takes 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the home's size, layout, ceiling height, and the desired drywall finish. A crew of four drywall installers can hang 45 to 80 sheets per day, enough to cover 1,500 to 2,500 of ceiling surface.
How long does a drywall ceiling last?
A drywall ceiling lasts 30 to 75 years with proper care. Exposure to moisture, termites, or rodents reduces the drywall’s lifespan.
Can you drywall over a popcorn or plaster ceiling?
Yes, you can drywall over a popcorn or plaster ceiling. This will lower the ceiling by approximately 1”, which may lower the home’s resale value but will provide better insulation.
Getting quotes to hang drywall ceilings
Before hiring ceiling contractors or drywall contractors in your area, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for a drywall contractor who is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI).
Ask for references and browse their portfolio of similar completed projects.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before the work begins.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead 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 use subcontractors?
Which type of drywall do you recommend for my project, and why?
Does the estimate include the drywall delivery?
Does the estimate include hanging, taping and mudding, finishing, and texturing?
Which texture do you recommend for my ceiling?
Does the estimate include cleanup costs?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?