How Much Does It Cost To Install Gypsum Board?

What is the difference between drywall and gypsum board?

Drywall and gypsum board serve the same purpose and look similar, but some key factors distinguish gypsum board as the superior material. They each have gypsum minerals pressed between two paper walls. 

The following makes gypsum board different: 

• Gypsum material is naturally crystalline, while drywall plaster is in a paste. 
• Gypsum boards contain water in their mineral makeup — drywall does not. 
• Water molecules in the gypsum board make the walls and ceiling resistant to fire. 
• Gypsum board doesn’t crack.
• Gypsum boards are made solely from gypsum, while drywall is 70 to 90 percent gypsum, and the rest is plaster paste.

Benefits of gypsum board

When you install gypsum board ceilings, partitions, or walls, it looks great, is an affordable task as far as home improvement goes, and is one of the safest choices in terms of fire safety. Gypsum board has moisture molecules in its molecular construction, making it the best fireproofing option. There are also soundproofing options included in the gypsum price of some panels.

The greatest benefit is the price of gypsum board. The gypsum board cost is so low because it is cheap, easy, and available to mine and manufacture. The gypsum price for installation is low because it doesn’t require any special skills — some people even take a DIY swing, cutting out installation costs completely. 

Here are some options available when choosing your gypsum board panels:

• Gypsum board with foil backing. The foil vapor barrier will keep condensation from building up between the boards. This option is a good choice, particularly for cold climates. 
• Gypsum board with fiberglass backing. The fiberglass barrier prevents mold and rot. 
• Gypsum board with cement backing. You can find this material in the bathroom, kitchen, or other areas where there is maximum exposure to water. 
• Enviro gypsum board. Recycled material is compressed into solid, durable panels that resemble concrete. 

The cost-benefit pays off in just a few years because gypsum board helps keep the home insulated, saves on energy costs, and is easy to maintain. You can clean gypsum board walls and ceiling the same way you’d clean any walls, with a broom, dry rag, or duster. Note the importance of cleaning without water, as direct moisture is unsuitable for gypsum boards. 

Gypsum board cost: 

Gypsum boards range from a standard price to higher quality, feature-packed boards that will cost a little more per panel. A standard paper-backed gypsum board costs as low as $10 per sheet, but if you’re looking for any higher performance feature, it may cost a bit more. 

Some gypsum boards cost $10 to $20 per sheet, such as gypsum board with foil backing, fiberglass backing, cement backing, and enviro gypsum board. Most gypsum boards are available in a four-foot by eight-foot panel, with an average price of $15 per panel. The price continues to increase when you choose thicker panels or soundproofing features. Some other costs are the screws, mud, tape, and safety equipment, which could add up to $30 to $50. 

Gypsum board cost per square foot

When calculating the gypsum price per square foot, the average cost is about $0.45 to $0.70 per square foot. For a room that is 200 square feet, the total project will be $315 to $500, including the gypsum board ceiling. To find out exactly how much you’ll need, find each wall's square foot by multiplying each one's height and length and then adding them together. Be sure to include the measurements for the gypsum board ceiling. 

We recommend you add about 10 percent to the total number and not subtract windows and doors (unless large portions of the wall are windows). Doing this will leave room for error and ensure you don’t run out of materials before you finish the job. If you have many small cuts to make, get an extra panel or two, as you won’t be able to use all parts of the panel once you’ve cut into it. 

Gypsum board installation costs

The price of gypsum board installation is very affordable compared to other home improvement contractors. That’s because installing a gypsum board doesn’t require specialized skills, so a general laborer or handyman without much training or experience can do the job satisfactorily at a very low cost. Should a supervisor need to be present, you may add an extra 20 percent to the labor costs.

Another option would be to hire a contractor with lots of experience specializing in various gypsum board installations. It will cost more to hire someone like this, but the finished job will be a higher standard (considering cuts and positioning, as well as long-term durability). 

It costs about $1 to $3 per square foot for gypsum board installation. The general contractor will usually come to give you a free estimate and calculate the total number of hours it will take for the project. Other laborers will charge by the panel or square foot.

When calculating the labor cost to install gypsum boards, include all factors so any unexpected costs do not blindside you. Here are some things you’ll need to consider: 

• The cost of delivering the gypsum board materials. It may add an extra $100 to $200 to your overall costs. 
• The cost to prepare the room for the work to be done. Sometimes this is included in the project, but other times you will pay separately to mud and tape the wall before installing the gypsum board. It could be an additional $0.50 per square foot for this step.
• The cost to remove old drywall. Depending on the amount of debris to be disposed of, this haul will cost $300 to $500. 
• Inspection costs. You may want to bring somebody in to ensure that whoever you chose did the job correctly and that the building is up to code.

DIY or hire a pro

Some people like to have a DIY attempt at installing gypsum board. It’s challenging but not impossible to do yourself if you have construction experience, the right tools, and a few friends to help you. 

Gypsum board panels are large and heavy, depending on your chosen construction. You’ll need at least two people per panel, and it helps to have someone with eyes on it to ensure the panels are hung straight. Ensuring this is especially pertinent to hanging gypsum board ceilings.  

If you’ve never worked with gypsum board or drywall before, you don’t have anyone available to help, or there are lots of minor cuts that need to be made (if there is an oddly shaped room or a room with lots of windows and doors), it would be best to hire someone to do the job. The labor costs are relatively low, and a general contractor will have the tools and know-how to do the job correctly and efficiently.