Drywall Installation or Repair Cost – Drywall also commonly referred to as plasterboard, Sheetrock, or wallboard is used widely for construction purposes in ceilings and interior residential walls. Drywall is formed from pressed gypsum (a kind of mineral) sheets. In the middle of the twentieth century, drywall replaced plaster as the new wall building material.
After having replaced plaster, drywall proved itself to be a much faster method of covering walls and ceilings. However, one weakness associated with drywall is that it is extremely easy for this material to get damaged. Drywall is prone to damage due to doorknobs and wall hangings among various other factors.
Drywall Specifications
- Typical drywall panels can measure up to 4’ by 8’, weigh around 53 lbs and by half an inch thick, but they are available in a variety of thickness and sizes.
- Longer panels can be added to the typical size in increments of 2’ and reaching up to 14’ if placed on special order.
- The thickness can range from ¼” to ¾” but the most common choice among consumers are ½”, 5/8” and 3/8”.
- If homeowners want texturing to be applied to their ceiling then the option of 3/8” is not feasible.
- If a firewall needs to be installed between a living area and a garage, or around a central heating system, then 5/8” may be a requirement for many.
Repairing Drywall Damage
When doorknobs cause damage to drywall, it can be repaired by way of a patch job. A door stopper can also be used to prevent further occurrences of damage. The damage which is done to drywall in the form of nail holes and cracks can be repaired with joint compound.
But damage done on an extensive level will require the purchase of some tape and one or two sheets of drywall. The repairs can also be done by professionals who will complete the work much faster but hiring their services will be more expensive.
For small holes, a lightweight drywall compound will most likely be used by a contractor as it dries fast, and is also easier to sand. But this is not a reliable compound as it is not durable and is therefore not an ideal option for holes that are larger.
An all purpose compound is used for extensive damage and is more expensive in comparison with the lightweight compound, but is much more durable and lasts longer. One drawback with an all purpose compound is that it takes long to dry, ending up in more time consumption. Sanding is then performed on the surface to give it a smooth and finishing touch.
Considerations for Drywall Installation or Repair
The following pointers should be kept in mind when planning the installation or repair of a drywall:
- Hiring a professional for a drywall job that is large, will not only wrap up the process more quickly, but will also save homeowners excessive effort and will be priced at a relatively low cost.
- Hiring professionals for smaller drywall jobs like for fixing patches will be on the more expensive side and it is beneficial for homeowners to tackle such tasks themselves, unless they are willing to pay for it.
- Drywall installation is a two part process and involves the skill sets of hanging and taping. Good drywall hangers may not be good tapers and this is why it is best to consult former clients to get reviews before hiring a contractor.
Average Costs for Drywall Installation and Repairs
If drywall installation is to be done by professionals then refer to the following table.
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Smaller jobs of drywall installation in multiple rooms or throughout a house which consist of less than 40 to 50 sheets can cost about $60 to $80 on a per hour basis. Simple drywall repairs can take up to an hour or two to be completed.
For homeowners who are interested in completing the job themselves, the table below should be helpful.
| DRYWALL SPECIFICATION | COST RANGE |
|---|---|
| Sheetrock (depending upon the type) | $7 to $14 per sheet of 8’ x 4’ |
| Tools for a small job | $50 |
| Tools for a large job | $200 to $300 |
The tools in the above table refer to screws, drywall knives, mud and tape. Screws will be the largest expense as quite a number of them will be required.
This article is a drywall cost guide based on average estimates of prices and actual costs will be determined by the considerations and factors mentioned above.
