If you’re building a new home, finishing out a garage, remodeling a bathroom, or repairing storm damage, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does it cost to install drywall in Texas?
Drywall installation is one of the most common interior construction services in Texas. Whether you’re in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or a smaller metro area, understanding the cost to install drywall helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
In Texas, the average cost to install drywall typically ranges between:
- $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot for basic installation
- $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot for install and finish drywall
For a standard 2,000 square foot home interior, the total drywall cost to install can range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on ceiling height, finish level, and project complexity.
Let’s break everything down in detail.
Average Cost to Install Drywall in Texas
The average cost to install drywall in Texas depends on whether you are simply hanging drywall sheets or completing the full taping, mudding, and finishing process.
For most residential projects:
- 500 square feet of drywall: $1,000 – $2,000
1,000 square feet: $1,500 – $3,500 - 2,000 square feet: $4,000 – $8,000
The average cost per square foot to install drywall in Texas usually falls between $1.00 and $2.00 per square foot for hanging only. However, most homeowners require the drywall to be taped and finished, which increases the total to $2.00–$4.50 per square foot.
Several factors influence the final number, including wall height, number of corners, ceiling installation, and finish level.
Cost Per Square Foot to Install Drywall in Texas
Contractors typically calculate the cost per sq ft to install drywall because it accounts for both material use and labor time.
Drywall Hanging Only
If you are only paying to hang drywall sheets without finishing, expect: $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot
This pricing includes:
- Standard 1/2-inch drywall sheets
- Cutting and fitting boards
- Screwing sheets into wall studs or ceiling joists
It does not include tape, mud, sanding, or texturing.
This pricing is common in new construction projects where finishing may be bid separately.
Cost to Install and Finish Drywall
Most Texas homeowners are searching for the cost to install and finish drywall, not just hang it.
For full installation and finishing: $2.00 – $4.50 per square foot
This includes:
- Hanging drywall
- Applying joint tape
- Multiple coats of joint compound
- Sanding
- Surface preparation for paint
The cost per square foot to install and finish drywall depends heavily on the finish level. Level 4 (standard smooth wall) is typical for homes, while Level 5 (ultra-smooth finish) costs more due to additional skim coating.
Labor Cost to Install Drywall in Texas
Labor represents a significant portion of drywall installation pricing.
The labor cost to install drywall in Texas generally ranges from: $1.00 – $3.00 per square foot
If finishing is included, labor can increase to: $1.50 – $3.50 per square foot
Urban areas like Austin and Dallas may fall on the higher end of that range due to labor demand. Rural areas often fall on the lower end.
Factors that influence labor cost to install drywall include:
- Ceiling height (8-foot vs 10–12-foot ceilings)
- Vaulted or cathedral ceilings
- Number of window and door openings
- Tight spaces like bathrooms or closets
- Accessibility of the job site
Cost to Install Drywall Ceiling in Texas
Installing drywall on ceilings is more expensive than walls because overhead work requires more labor and often two installers.
The cost to install drywall ceiling typically ranges from: $2.50 – $5.00 per square foot (installed and finished)
If you are installing 5/8-inch drywall for ceilings (often required for fire rating or soundproofing), the price may increase slightly.
The labor cost to install drywall ceiling is higher because:
- Lifting sheets overhead is physically demanding
- Special equipment may be required
- Additional finishing work is needed to hide seams properly
Cost to Install Drywall Per Sheet
Some homeowners prefer pricing per board rather than per square foot.
The cost to install drywall per sheet (4×8 standard panel) in Texas usually ranges from: $50 – $90 per sheet installed and finished
This includes labor and materials.
If you’re only hanging drywall without finishing, the cost may drop to: $30 – $50 per sheet
Larger 4×12 sheets may slightly increase the price due to weight and handling difficulty.
Cost to Install Drywall in Specific Areas
Cost to Install Drywall in Bathroom
Bathrooms often require moisture-resistant drywall (green board), which increases material costs. Expect: $2.50 – $5.00 per square foot
Cost to Install Drywall in Garage
Garages often require fire-rated 5/8-inch drywall, especially if attached to the home. Typical cost: $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot
Cost to Install Drywall in Basement
While basements are less common in Texas, finished lower levels or converted spaces generally cost: $2.00 – $4.50 per square foot
Moisture considerations may require specialty materials.
Cost to Install Drywall and Insulation
If your project includes insulation, the cost to install insulation and drywall typically ranges: $3.00 – $6.00 per square foot combined
Insulation type (fiberglass batts vs spray foam) significantly affects the final cost.
Cost to Install Drywall in New Construction vs Remodel
New construction drywall installation is generally less expensive because:
- Walls are open and unobstructed
- Framing is new and square
- There is minimal demolition
Remodel projects may cost more due to:
- Removing old paneling or plaster
- Uneven framing
- Patchwork blending
The cost to remove plaster and install drywall can increase total project costs by $1–$3 per square foot.
What Influences Drywall Installation Cost in Texas?
Several factors determine the final cost to install drywall per square foot:
1. Finish Level
Higher finish levels require more sanding and skim coating.
2. Ceiling Height
10–12 foot ceilings increase labor significantly.
3. Texture
Adding texture increases labor and material costs.
4. Sheet Thickness
5/8-inch drywall costs more than standard 1/2-inch sheets.
5. Job Size
Larger jobs often receive better per-square-foot pricing due to efficiency.
How Much Does It Cost to Install and Finish Drywall in Texas?
For most Texas homeowners, the full-service drywall installation cost — including hanging, taping, mudding, sanding, and finishing — averages: $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot
For a 1,500 sq ft interior space, that translates to approximately: $3,000 – $6,750 total
Always request itemized quotes to understand:
- Labor cost
- Material cost
- Finish level
- Texture inclusion
FAQs
- What is the average cost to install drywall in Texas?
Most homeowners pay between $2.00 and $4.50 per square foot for installation and finishing.
- How much does labor cost to install drywall?
Labor typically ranges from $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot depending on complexity.
- How much does it cost to install drywall ceiling?
Ceiling drywall installation usually costs $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot.
- What is the cost to install drywall per sheet?
Expect $50 to $90 per sheet installed and finished.
- Is drywall installation cheaper in Texas than other states?
Yes, Texas generally has lower labor rates than coastal states, but urban demand can increase pricing.
- Does drywall cost more in remodel projects?
Yes. Removing old materials and working around existing structures increases labor time.
Final Thoughts
The cost to install drywall in Texas depends on square footage, ceiling height, finish level, and project type. While basic hanging may start around $1.50 per square foot, most homeowners pay closer to $2.50–$4.00 per square foot for full installation and finishing.