Sheetrock Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Sheetrock is a brand name that many people use for any gypsum drywall panel. The panel itself is inexpensive. Most of what you pay for is the work around it: hanging the sheets, taping the seams, applying joint compound, sanding, and finishing the surface so it is ready for paint.

The figures below come from published guides and carry a check date of Oct 13, 2026. Read each label to see whether a price covers only the panel, hanging, or the full finished wall.

Per-square-foot pricing is the easiest way to compare quotes. The table separates materials from labor and shows how finish level, ceilings, and special panels change the rate.

Notice how little of the installed price is the panel. Labor is the larger share, which is why a quote that only covers hanging can look cheap next to one that includes finishing.

Standard panels are sold in 4-by-8-foot sheets, and the retail price depends on thickness and type. Half-inch board is the usual choice for walls. Five-eighths inch Type X is fire-rated and used where code calls for it. Moisture-resistant board is made for damp rooms.

A 4-by-8 sheet covers 32 square feet. To estimate how many you need, measure the wall and ceiling area, divide by 32, and add extra for waste and cuts.

Room-based estimates help you budget when you know the space but not the exact surface area. Remember that wall and ceiling area is larger than floor area, so a room's floor size understates the drywall it needs.

• Finish level. A basic finish is cheaper than a smooth Level 5 finish, which adds a skim coat over the whole surface. Use the higher level where strong light or glossy paint will show flaws.
• Panel type. Fire-rated, moisture-resistant, and soundproof panels cost more than standard board.
• Ceilings. Overhead work takes more labor and support than walls.
• Ceiling height. High ceilings need scaffolding and extra time.
• Room size. Small jobs can cost more per square foot because crews still carry setup, delivery, and cleanup time.
• Removal. Tearing out and disposing of old drywall is an added cost.
• Texture and repairs. Matching a texture or repairing framing adds labor.
• Location. Labor rates are higher in expensive metro areas.

Standard half-inch. The default for most walls and ceilings. It is the least expensive and easy to find.

Fire-rated Type X. Thicker and denser, used in garages, between a garage and living space, and where building code requires it. It costs more and is heavier to hang.

Moisture-resistant. Designed for humid spaces such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. It is not a waterproofing system and should not be used as the only protection in a shower.

Soundproof. Layered or damped panels that reduce noise transfer. They cost the most per sheet, and performance depends on the whole wall assembly.

Hanging drywall is within reach of many handy homeowners, and doing it yourself can save the labor share of the bill. The harder part is taping and finishing. Smooth seams take practice, and visible joints are the most common complaint with amateur work.

Hire a pro for large jobs, ceilings, high walls, or when you want a Level 4 or Level 5 finish. Fire-rated assemblies should follow local building code, so check requirements before you start. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint, and sanding or removing old finishes can spread it, so ask a certified renovation contractor about testing and safe practices.

Sources describe the same job in different ways. One counts only the finished price per square foot, another builds a figure from sheet prices and labor hours. Room estimates also depend on how much drywall surface they assume.

Check whether a figure includes finishing and whether it covers walls only or walls and ceiling. Those two choices explain most of the gap.

• Is the price for hanging only, or for a finished, paint-ready surface?
• What finish level is quoted?
• Does the price include the ceiling?
• Who handles delivery of the sheets?
• Are removal and disposal of old drywall included?
• What panel types are being used in each room?
• How much does a change order cost if the scope grows?