How Much Does it Cost to Install Drywall in NYC – 2025 Guide?
Are you planning to remodel your bedroom or finish your basement in NYC? Then you must know the drywall installation cost. It is not just about the sheets. Labor, tools, and finishing also add to the project total expense. Without a pre-budget estimate, you can face delays or spend more than you thought.
This 2025 guide will help you understand the drywall installation cost in NYC. Let’s explore with us!
Average Budget to Install Drywall in NYC
Here’s a simple table that shows drywall installation costs in 2025:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost per square foot | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Sheet size | 4 ft x 8–12 ft (covers 32 sq ft) |
| Cost per sheet | $10 – $20 |
| Specialty drywall | Higher cost (moisture/fire-resistant types) |
| Small project (e.g., bedroom) | $750 – $2,000 |
| Medium project (e.g., living area) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Large project (e.g., basement) | $3,500 – $5,000+ |
| Included in the cost | Drywall sheets, labor, finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) |
Drywall Installation Cost Breakdowns
When determining the drywall installation budget, it is essential to play with all the aspects of the project.
1. Materials
You can find a diverse variety of drywalls regarding the materials. The most common type is standard drywall (whiteboard), ideal for areas with no moisture and mold issues. If you consider a 4×8-sized sheet, it can cost from $10 to $15. The thickness of the sheet affects the standard drywall price.
Read More: How Much Will a Concrete Slab Cost in NYC: 2025 Prices and Insights
Similarly, special drywalls exist, ideal for dealing with particular issues, like mold growth or moisture. It costs more than a standard one and can be worth it, depending on where it’s getting installed.
2. Labor
When it comes to hanging and finishing drywall, labor cost is added to the project budget.
| Activity | Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Hanging | $0.50 – $1.50/sq ft |
| Finishing (Taping, Mudding, Sanding) | $1.00 – $2.00/ sq ft |
Remember: For Level 3 and Level 5 finishes, you will need more time and money.
You can DIY if you have expertise and tools. But if not, get assistance from the industry experts to get value in return for your investment.
3. Equipment & Additional Needs
When attaching the drywall to the frame, you need fasteners. Similarly, surface smoothing demands a joint tape to cover seams and mudding. You also need mud pans, utility knives, drills, and sanders for drywall installation. All these add expense to the drywall installation budget.
If you hire a professional, he’ll already have these tools. However, if doing it yourself, you’ll have to arrange them (buy/rent). Regarding the cost of these tools, you may have to spend $0.20 to $0.50/sq ft of the project’s total cost.
Factors Affecting the Drywall Installation Cost
1. Type of Drywall
There are many types of drywall. Standard Sheetrock is most common unless you need something else. For wet places like a bathroom or basement, you’ll need a different kind. For commercial buildings, you may need a special fire-rated type. The best choice depends on the room type and local rules.
| Drywall Type | Drywall + Installation Cost | Material Cost | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Drywall | $1.50 – $2.50/sq ft | $0.42 – 0.50/sq ft |
|
| Plasterboard Blue | $1.55 – $2.55/sq ft | $0.46 – $0.58/sq ft |
|
| Fire-Resistant Drywall/Type X | $1.60 – $3.50/sq ft | $0.50 – $0.88/sq ft |
|
| Moisture-proof Gymsum Board/Green Boards | Higher cost (moisture/fire-resistant types) | ||
| Small project (e.g., bedroom) | $1.11 – $3.38/sq ft | $0.54 – $0.63/ sq ft |
|
| Eco-friendly Drywall | $1.70 – $3.50/sq ft | $0.58 – $0.83/sq ft |
|
| Paperless Drywall | $1.75 – $4/sq ft | $0.63 – $0.92/sq ft |
|
| Acoustic Insulation Drywall | $3.55 – $7.50/sq ft | $2.08 – $3.15/sq ft |
|
2. Room Type
The drywall cost mostly depends on the type of room. Simple, small rooms with no rough and tough walls cost less to install drywall. However, if the area has unusual corners, windows, doors, and other cuts, it will cost more for drywall installation.
| Room Type | Drywall Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 10×10 bedroom | $600 to $1,400 |
| 12×12 living room | $750 to $1,750 |
| Basement | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Bathroom | $800 to $1,500 |
| Kitchen | $1,200 to $2,500 |
3. Room Size
Size makes the total price go up. If you are working on a small area like a bathroom, your expenses would be less. On the other hand, if you want drywall in the full basement of the house, you need a lot of material and money.
Still, big projects sometimes have a lower cost per square foot because you buy more at once. That helps save money. Always plan the space you want to cover. It helps you guess the cost better and avoid extra expenses during the work.
4. Finish Level
More perfect and smooth walls demand high-quality materials and upper-level finishes. Both increase the expense of drywall installation.
70 cents to $1.50/ sq ft
| Level | Specifications | Drywall Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Basic | |
| Level 3 | Better than Level 0 | Better than Level 0 |
| Level 5 | The best you can go with | $1.15 to $3.50/sq ft |
5. Location
Regarding the local labor wages, material rates/supplier demands, and building regulations, drywall installation costs vary from location to location. Drywall installation in big metro cities costs more than in rural areas. It is due to the availability of labor and materials.
Small Cities
| Locationf | Dywall Cost |
|---|---|
| Rural areas | $1.50 – $2.50/ sq ft |
| Major metro cities | $2.50 – $4.00/ sq ft |
Note: Drywall installation cost is also high in areas where there is more demand for contractors.
6. Accessibility
Consider a wall with furniture around. Is it easy to work on it? No, because workers have to move the furniture and clear the space, which will slow down operations. Similarly, time extends when a wall demands preparation, like repairs or removal of old drywall. Both make a significant addition to the project’s total expense.
Tips to Save Money on Drywall Installation
- Get quotes from at least 3 contractors, compare their values, and choose the best option
- Choose Level 5 finishes when needed because they cost more than other options
- For bedrooms and the living room, prefer the standard drywall since it costs less than special drywall
- DIY when possible, and you are confident in doing the particular job
- Hire estimators to get the budget assessment job done perfectly
Get Your Drywall Estimates from Professional Estimators!
If you are looking for a reliable option, NYC Estimating is the name to choose. With 2+ decades of experience, we have estimated thousands of drywall installation projects for all residential, commercial, and industrial constructions. Contact us and get a free quote now!
FAQs
How much does it cost to remove an old drywall?
The cost to remove an old drywall ranges from $0.50 to $1.00/ sq ft/. It includes labor and debris expenses.
If the drywall has asbestos, it will cost more due to challenging handling.
How much does it cost to install a drywall ceiling in NYC?
Drywall ceilings are costly than walls because of the complicated hanging and finishing. The exact expense depends on the height of the ceiling. On average, it costs between $1.50 and $3.80 per sq ft in NYC.
What is the difference between hanging and finishing in drywall installation?
Hanging means adhering the drywall sheet to the wall framing. However, finishing covers seam taping, mudding (applying joint compounds), and smoothing the wall with sanding.
