How Much Does It Cost To Install Ceiling Drywall?

Drywall installation cost factors

In counting the materials and labor costs to hang and finish a drywall ceiling, there are some key things to consider. These include the size and age of your house, the current state of the ceiling, and the estimates available in your area.

Ceiling size

The size of the project is the paramount factor, as the materials and labor costs to hang and finish the drywall ceiling rely on square footage. A large ceiling could cost several thousand dollars — on average, a house that’s 2000 square feet might need upwards of $7,000 worth of drywall, with a total cost going up to $20,000 or more.  

Notably, when estimating labor costs to hang and finish your drywall ceiling, the total cost will increase with the size of the ceiling.

Ceiling shape

A ceiling in a confined space such as a bathroom or walk-in closet is challenging to access to lay drywall, so the contractor may charge a flat rate of $200 to $300 for the whole project.  Similarly, oddly shaped rooms with sharp corners or many angles translate to extra labor. For these jobs, a contractor may charge a flat rate rather than an estimate based on square footage.

Ceiling Height

A home with high ceilings will be more expensive to add drywall to. When the ceiling is 12 feet or less, the drywaller can reach using a bench or ladder, but higher ceilings will require scaffolding or a lift, which will take time and money to prepare. It also adds to the job's difficulty and risk— in this case, hiring a professional would be a wise choice.

The type of ceiling drywall

The cost of basic ceiling drywall is relatively affordable, at $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot, which is usually available in 4 x 16-foot panels costing $12 to $45. The price varies slightly according to thickness, available in 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 5/8-inch thick panels.  

You may invest in a superior type of ceiling drywall with better water resistance or soundproofing, while other types of drywall are mold-resistant. These special types of ceiling drywall are generally more expensive, costing approximately $90 per panel.

Texturing

Your drywalled ceiling needs finishing and texturing once hung, which costs $0.50 to $1.50. This is done by hand, so the contractor may charge more depending on the project. Finishing and texturing are specific skills, so it’s a good idea to ask for examples of the contractor’s previous work to understand what it will look like upon completion.

Insulation

Ceiling drywall needs insulation for best performance, which costs an extra $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot. This is often overlooked and can drive your total bill up by a few hundred dollars.

Removal and disposal

While old drywall can be covered rather than removed, some homes have old drywall or wood paneling to remove before the contractor can begin installing the new ceiling drywall. 

It costs $0.40 to $0.50 per square foot to remove and remove the old ceiling drywall and $2 to $4.50 per square foot for the wood, depending on its thickness. This also tacks another few hundred dollars to your drywall ceiling expenses.

The age of your home

The age of your home will impact the overall cost of having your ceiling drywalled because of the time and work it needs to prepare. Before the 1980s, houses tended to have popcorn ceilings, which required scraping and locating studs. It might add an extra $1 or $2 to your cost per square foot to have these ceilings removed. 

Older homes might have internal damage that requires professional removal. Any harmful substances like asbestos, lead, or mold could cost $1,200 to over $5,000 to remove.

Ceiling drywall costs

Labor costs to hang and finish drywall ceiling ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, including materials and labor. Several factors contribute to your overall expense, but you can get a general idea based on the size of your ceiling, as drywall ceiling installation costs are usually calculated by the square foot. 

Some other factors that play a role are the ceiling drywall type and texture you choose, how old your home is, and the rate of the laborer who does the drywall installation, among others. At the low end, the materials usually cost $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot, labor $0.50 to $0.75, and finishing $0.50 to $1.50. This all adds up to a total cost of $1.50 to $3 per square foot for drywall installation.

The cost of labor

The most significant factor in your ceiling drywall installation is who will do the work. A DIY project will cost between $0.80 and $1 per square foot while hiring a laborer will increase the cost to up to $3 per square foot. 

The labor cost to hang and finish a drywall ceiling usually costs about $30 to $45 an hour, hanging about 50 square feet an hour at a rate of $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. 

The cost for a DIY project

If you’re considering doing the job yourself, here are the basic materials you’ll need to get it done right. Contractors estimate prices per 100 square feet. 

• Standard Drywall: $300 to $500 in total. Depending on the thickness, standard drywall panels cost $0.25 to $0.80. Larger panels cost less than small panels. 
• Moisture-Resistant Drywall: $1,000 to $3,000 in total. Specialized features like mold- and moisture-resistance or greenboards cost $12 to $22 per panel. Greenboards help reduce moisture retention in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. 

The cost of tools

Ceiling drywall isn’t the only material you need. Doing a ceiling drywall installation requires the following tools, which all add to the total cost. 

1. Protective gear: make sure your eyes and mouth are covered, and you wear suitable clothing for the job. 
2. Hand or Power tools: Including a utility knife or small jigsaw, taping knife, screwdriver, drill, hammer, mud pan, and spatula.
3. Nails or screws: $6 to $20 per box. 
4. Corner bead: $0.15 to $0.42 per linear foot.
5. Joint Tape: $3 to $6.00 per roll. 
6. Mud Compound: $3 to $6 per gallon. 
7. Lift Rental (if needed for a high ceiling): It costs $50 to $75 to rent one for a day. You may be able to get a weekly rate of $175 to $200.