How much does it cost to install a drywall ceiling?
$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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Written by
Kristen Cramer
April 5, 2023
Fact-checked by
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5×8 Bathroom | 40 | $80 – $160 |
| 12×12 Bedroom / master bathroom | 144 | $300 – $600 |
| 14×20 Master bedroom | 280 | $550 – $1,100 |
| 16×20 Living room | 320 | $650 – $1,300 |
| 20×20 Garage | 400 | $800 – $1,600 |
| 1,000 SF Basement | 1,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| 1,500 SF Whole house | 1,500 | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| 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.
- 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
| 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$20 to $65 per square foot. Asbestos testing costs $250 to $750.
- 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$135 to $200 per visit to treat the home 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
- 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?
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