Drywall Prices

Drywall is basically a sheet of gypsum plaster, pressed between two thick sheets of paper. At times, it may be pressed between sheets of fiberglass, so as to protect it from mold growth. Earlier, the interiors of the house were done by applying layers of plaster. This process was not only time-consuming but also required a fair amount of skill and craftsmanship. However, this conventional method has now been replaced by drywall. Drywall is easy to install and does not need you to possess exceptional masonry talent. You simply have to buy the drywall sheets and hang them as per the instructions. Since you are likely to accomplish this project on your own or with the help of labor, you might be interested in drywall prices, to estimate the cost of your project.

Drywall Prices

Drywall Sheet Prices
Drywall sheets and other materials amount to the largest chunk of the total cost of drywalls. Drywalls come in standard sizes of 8 feet, 10 feet and 12 feet. The width of standard drywall sheet is about 4 feet or 4.5 feet. Normally, a 4 by 8 foot sheet is preferred for residential purposes as it is easier to carry and work upon. Typically, a drywall sheet for residential applications is likely to cost you as follows.

8' x 4' x 1/4'' = $10.48
8' x 4' x 5/8'' = $11.83

Cost of Materials
Apart from drywall sheets, you will have to buy tools and materials for the installation. These include an all-purpose joint compound, drywall screws, sanding tools etc. The cost of all-purpose joint compound for a 5-gallon can is about $10.65. You will most likely have to shell about $0.40 per square foot, towards the cost of materials for installing drywall. The tools can be rented and the rent will depend upon your area of residence.

Drywall Installation Prices
For a more professional look and finish, you would probably like to hire professionals. The cost of labor for hanging and finishing a single drywall sheet is about $25 to $50. Generally, half the labor cost is towards installing, while the rest half is towards finishing. In short, the cost of hanging and finishing drywall, along with the cost of materials will roughly go over $1 per square foot. The installation and finishing prices steeply rise, if you have high ceilings or arches. More on drywall installation tips and techniques.

How to Cut Drywall Prices

Drywall finishing prices are particularly high for small projects. Thus, a small project will cost you more, if you consider the per square foot price for drywall installation and finishing. The professional drywall installers are reluctant to take up small projects and even if they do, they charge a pretty hefty fee, for their work. If you decide to hang a drywall yourself and call the professionals to finish it, you are least likely to come across a contractor, who will finish someone else's work. The reason is, if the hanging is done poorly, the finishing job might become tedious, as some areas need to be reworked. Hence, you must either install and finish the drywall yourself or you should assign the entire project to a professional. While placing order for materials, it is best to place order in bulk at a single shop only. This way, you can save on the transportation charges and might even get a discount, if your order is large enough.

Drywall prices may slump if there is a lull in the construction industry. Hence, this will be the best time to get your drywall installation done. Of course, the reverse of this is also true. Hence, you must research a little before undertaking the project.