How much does Drywall Cost?
Anyone who lives in or around a major metropolitan area has probably spent at least a little amount of time inside one of those massive box stores. They are a great spot to pick up items for our little home renovations that can easily be managed by even the clumsiest of souls. But, there is an area within that warehouse location that seems like some sort of forbidden zone to everyone except those who wear coveralls, or are somehow splattered with paint. It’s the location where all the huge pieces of lumber, steel, and drywall resides; while it’s a wide open space, it’s one that most of us seem unwilling to enter.
Perhaps it the “Trade Entrance” sign that keeps us out, but it comes a time when we must all reluctantly step foot in that hallowed space when the time comes to begin estimating the next home project, just so that we know we aren’t being taken for a ride by the builder or general contractor.
It’s actually somewhat difficult writing a piece about drywall pricing since prices aren’t just dependent upon the brand that you buy, but also on the state of the housing market. A dismal economy usually results in a slowdown in construction, and that usually means that the demand for basic materials also tails off significantly, giving you a better time to buy materials if you have the resources.
And since the market is up and down daily; prices are changing all the time. You can make use of a drywall calculator to estimate the materials to get the job done.
Average Drywall Prices
This is close to the national average of a single sheet of drywall.
1 Sheet of 3/8″ x 8′ x 4′ = $7.25
1 Sheet of 1/2″ x 12′ x 4′ = $11.52
1 Sheet of 1/4″ x 8′ x 4′ = $8.25
But, that’s not the only thing to look at when considering a drywall project, as you will also have to factor in the price of tape, screws, and mud, all of which are required to complete the job. Those usually come in around 40 cents per square foot, but unless you are planning to do the job yourself, there are yet more costs to be added.
The cost of hiring a professional drywall installer will vary depending on the size of the job, as well as the configuration of the room or home that you are renovating. With all of that in mind, perhaps the next time you hit the home warehouse you should strap on the coveralls and step behind the velvet rope of the construction area.
Check out the prices, and take a moment or two to talk to the other guys who are buying drywall; you might just learn how much does drywall cost.