Drywall finishing is a crucial step in both home construction and renovation. After the drywall sheets are hung on the walls, they need to be finished properly to make them smooth and ready for paint or other finishes. Without this vital step, walls would appear rough and uneven, giving your home an unfinished look. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, drywall finishing is key to creating a clean, professional look in any room.
The purpose of this blog is to give you a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in finishing drywall. We’ll cover the factors that affect the price and some tips about drywall finishing. Whether you’re doing a DIY project or hiring a professional, this guide will help you understand what to expect and make better decisions for your home.
KEY Takeaways
Average Cost Per Square Foot to Finish Drywall
When you’re finishing drywall, the cost is often calculated based on how much area you need to cover. On average, you can pay between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. This range depends on several factors, including the complexity of the job, the quality of the materials used, and your location. For example, for a 20×20 feet room including material and labor cost $1500 to $3100.
Cost of Drywall Finish Levels
The cost per square foot also varies based on the finish level you choose. Here’s a breakdown of how costs can change depending on the level of finishing:
Finish Level | Description | Cost Per Sq. ft |
Level 0 | This is the simplest option, where no mudding or taping is done. It's usually used in areas like basements or attics. | $1.50 |
Level 1 | This includes taping over the joints but not much else. It is often used in areas that will be hidden by cabinets or other structures. | $1.50 to $2.00 |
Level 2 | This involves taping and a single coat of mud. It's used in areas like unfinished garages or utility rooms. | $2.00 to $2.50 |
Level 3 | With two coats of joint compound and smoothing out the surface, this is often used in spaces with medium to heavy texture. | $2.50 to $3.00 |
Level 4 | This is the most common finish for residential areas, with three coats of joint compound and a smooth surface. | $2.75 and $3.25 |
Level 5 | The highest level, with three coats of joint compound and a skim coat over the entire surface to create a completely smooth finish. This level is ideal for rooms with glossy paint or high-end finishes | $3.00 to $3.50 |
Drywall Finish Cost Per Room
The drywall finishing cost in a room depends on the space’s size. Here’s prices of different room types:
Small Room (12×12 feet): For a typical 12×12 room, finishing drywall will cost between $580 and $1800. This range depends on the finish level, material quality, and labor rates in your area.
Medium Room (16×16 feet): A medium-sized room will cost more due to the extra space. You can expect to pay between $1000 and $2400. Textured walls or ceilings and finish level also decides the final price.
Large Room (20×20 feet): The cost of larger rooms, such as living rooms or open-floor spaces, is $1500 to $3100 or even higher. Larger rooms require more materials and labor, especially when aiming for a higher finish level.
Basement (1,000 sq ft): Finishing drywall in an entire basement, which is often an ample, open space, could cost from $1500 to $7000.
Cost per Linear Foot for Finishing Drywall
If the work involves taping drywall joints, the cost can also be calculated on a per-linear-foot basis. On average, taping drywall joints costs between $1.22 and $1.47 per linear foot. The exact price depends on the difficulty of the work and the level of finish. For instance, if you opt for a smoother finish with multiple coats of mud, it may be on the higher end of the price range.
This cost is typically applied when you have joints between drywall sheets taped, mudded, and sanded to create a seamless look.
If you’re ready to start your drywall finishing project, get in touch with us for an accurate estimate.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Finish Drywall
There are certain things to consider during the drywall finishing.
Labor Costs
The rate that contractors charge for their work can vary significantly depending on where you live and the level of their experience. In larger cities or areas with higher living costs, labor rates tend to be higher because workers must cover the cost of living. On the other hand, in smaller towns or areas with fewer construction projects, labor costs are lower.
Contractor’s Experience
A contractor with years of experience will typically charge more than someone who is just starting or lacks a substantial number of completed projects. More experienced workers are likely to complete the job faster and with better results, which can make their higher rates worth it in the long run. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for professional drywall finishing labor, but this can vary depending on your location and the contractor’s skill level.
Material Costs
The primary materials are drywall sheets, joint compound (also known as mud), tape, and, occasionally, special coatings or textures. Drywall sheets typically cost between $10 and $12 each; however, the price can increase if you opt for higher-quality or specialty types, such as moisture-resistant or soundproof drywall.
Joint compound, used to fill in seams and cover screws, typically costs between $15 and $25 per bucket, depending on the brand and type (e.g., quick-dry or all-purpose). Tape is also a small cost but essential for securing the seams, and it usually costs just a few dollars for a roll.
Room Size
Larger rooms require more materials and take longer to complete, which naturally increases the price. For example, finishing a small room, such as a bathroom, may cost around $300 to $1,000, while completing a large living room or an open floor plan could cost from $850 to $3,100 or more, depending on the specifics.
Additionally, larger rooms may require more than one contractor or more time to complete the job.
Surface Area
If you’re only finishing the walls and not the ceiling, the price will be lower. But if you’re working on both the walls and the ceiling, or if the room has tricky angles or special architectural features, the cost will increase. The more detailed the job, the more expensive it will be.
Finish Level
Another critical factor affecting the cost of finishing drywall is the finish level. Drywall finishing is graded from Level 0 (the most basic) to Level 5 (the highest quality). Each level requires different amounts of work and materials, which will affect the overall cost.
See Also: Cost to repair a drywall
DIY vs. Professional Help
DIY can save money, especially for small areas like a bedroom or closet, if you have basic tools. However, drywall finishing requires patience and skill. Without experience, you may make mistakes, such as applying too much mud or uneven sanding, which can lead to extra work and costs.
Hiring a professional is quicker and more efficient. They possess the tools and experience to navigate complex areas and avoid common pitfalls. While more expensive, it’s often worth it for large or complex projects or if you want a high-quality finish. In some cases, hiring a pro may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you lack the right tools or need a higher finish level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small mistakes when finishing drywall can lead to bigger problems.
- One error is applying too much joint compound at once, which can result in uneven surfaces and prolonged drying times. Instead, apply thin layers and let each dry before adding more.
- Another mistake is skipping sanding between coats, which can result in a rough finish. Sanding is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional appearance.
- Using the wrong materials can also cause issues. For areas such as bathrooms or kitchens with high moisture, always use moisture-resistant drywall and compounds to prevent mold growth.
- Finally, neglecting cleanup can ruin your work. Keep tools clean and remove excess mud after each coat to avoid clumps or dust.
How to Save on Drywall Finishing
- To save money without compromising quality, consider doing some tasks yourself, like applying the first coat and taping seams. This can lower labor costs if you hire a pro for more technical work.
- Prices for drywall sheets and joint compounds can vary, so compare options and look for sales or bulk discounts to save money. Ensure materials are suitable for your project.
- When hiring a contractor, get 2-3 different quotes to ensure a fair price, and don’t hesitate to negotiate. Check the contractor’s references and past work to ensure quality and avoid costly mistakes.
FAQs
It typically takes 1 to 3 days to finish drywall, depending on the room size, finish level, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Drying time between coats of joint compound typically adds 24 hours per coat. Professionals may complete the job faster, but drying times still apply.
Mud and tape drywall typically costs between $1.22 and $1.47 per linear foot, depending on the complexity and location. For total drywall finishing, expect to pay between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot, which includes taping, mudding, sanding, and smoothing. The cost varies based on the finish level, room size, and whether you hire a pro or do it yourself. Higher finish levels, such as Level 4 or 5, increase the price due to the application of extra coats and additional sanding.
