Comprehensive pricing for drywall installation, repair, texturing, and finishing
Last Updated: March 2026
Quick Reference: What You'll Pay
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small patch repair | $75 | $150 | $300 |
| Large hole repair (per hole) | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| New drywall install (per sq ft) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.00 |
| Hang + tape + finish (per sq ft) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.50 |
| Full room (12x12) | $800 | $1,500 | $2,800 |
| Garage (2-car) | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 |
| Whole house (2,000 sq ft) | $8,000 | $16,000 | $28,000 |
Regional Price Variations
| Region | Price Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle / Eastside | 1.25-1.40x | Highest labor costs |
| Tacoma / South Sound | 1.10-1.20x | Competitive market |
| Olympia / Thurston | 1.00-1.10x | State baseline |
| Bellingham | 1.05-1.15x | Smaller contractor pool |
| Spokane Metro | 0.85-0.95x | Lower labor costs |
| Tri-Cities | 0.88-0.98x | Below state average |
| Vancouver / Clark | 0.95-1.05x | Portland metro influence |
| Rural areas | 1.10-1.25x | Travel charges apply |
Drywall Installation Pricing
By Project Phase
Most drywall projects include three phases: hanging, taping, and finishing.
| Phase | Per Sq Ft | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hang only | $0.80-$1.50 | Board installation, screwing |
| Tape only | $0.60-$1.20 | Joints taped, first mud coat |
| Finish (Level 4-5) | $0.80-$1.50 | Sanding, final coats |
| Complete (hang + tape + finish) | $2.50-$4.50 | All phases, ready to paint |
By Board Type
| Drywall Type | Material/sheet | Installed/sq ft | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2" | $12-$15 | $2.50-$3.50 | Most walls |
| Standard 5/8" | $14-$18 | $2.75-$4.00 | Ceilings, fire-rated |
| Moisture-resistant (green board) | $15-$22 | $3.00-$4.50 | Bathrooms (not showers) |
| Mold-resistant (purple board) | $20-$28 | $3.50-$5.00 | High-moisture areas |
| Fire-resistant (Type X) | $16-$22 | $3.00-$4.50 | Garages, code requirements |
| Soundproof | $45-$65 | $5.00-$8.00 | Media rooms, bedrooms |
| Abuse-resistant | $30-$45 | $4.00-$6.00 | High-traffic, commercial |
Finish Levels Explained
The drywall finish level determines smoothness and affects final cost.
| Level | Description | Cost/sq ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | Unfinished, board hung only | $0.80-$1.50 | Temporary walls, concealed |
| Level 1 | Tape embedded in mud, no finishing | $1.50-$2.25 | Attics, above ceilings |
| Level 2 | Tape + one coat over joints/screws | $1.75-$2.75 | Garages, storage |
| Level 3 | Tape + two coats, minimal sanding | $2.00-$3.25 | Texture walls (knockdown, orange peel) |
| Level 4 | Tape + three coats, sanded smooth | $2.50-$4.00 | Standard for most painted walls |
| Level 5 | Skim coat entire surface | $3.50-$5.50 | High-gloss paint, critical lighting |
Washington Standard: Most residential projects spec Level 4 finish. Level 5 adds $1-2/sq ft but is worth it for walls with lots of natural light or glossy paint.
Drywall Textures
Popular texture options and their costs (applied to finished drywall):
| Texture Style | Cost/sq ft | Description | Popularity in WA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth (Level 5) | $1.00-$2.00 | No texture, modern look | ★★★★★ Growing |
| Orange peel | $0.50-$1.00 | Light spray texture | ★★★★☆ Common |
| Knockdown | $0.60-$1.20 | Sprayed then flattened | ★★★★☆ Common |
| Skip trowel | $0.75-$1.50 | Hand-applied Mediterranean | ★★★☆☆ Moderate |
| Popcorn | $0.40-$0.80 | Acoustic texture (dated) | ★☆☆☆☆ Declining |
| Sand texture | $0.50-$0.90 | Fine grit finish | ★★☆☆☆ Occasional |
| Hand-troweled plaster | $4-$8 | Venetian/custom look | ★★☆☆☆ High-end |
Trend Note: Smooth walls are increasingly popular in Washington new construction and remodels. While more expensive initially, they're easier to repair and photograph well for real estate listings.
Drywall Repair Costs
Common Repairs
| Repair Type | Size | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail pops (per pop) | — | $5-$15 | Often multiple per visit |
| Small hole (fist-size) | <6" | $75-$175 | Patch + texture match |
| Medium hole | 6-12" | $125-$275 | May need backer board |
| Large hole | 12-24" | $175-$400 | Cut-and-patch method |
| Water damage (per section) | Varies | $250-$800 | May need mold inspection |
| Ceiling crack repair | Per linear ft | $15-$30 | Settling cracks common |
| Corner bead replacement | Per corner | $50-$150 | Damaged from impact |
| Entire wall replacement | Per wall | $400-$1,200 | Severe damage |
Texture Matching
Getting repairs to blend with existing texture is often the hardest part:
| Original Texture | Match Difficulty | Added Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Easy | $0 |
| Orange peel | Moderate | +$25-$75 |
| Knockdown | Moderate | +$50-$100 |
| Skip trowel | Difficult | +$75-$200 |
| Old popcorn | Difficult | +$100-$300 |
| Custom/vintage | Very difficult | +$150-$400 |
Pro Tip: For repairs in visible areas, consider re-texturing the entire wall or room for a seamless match. Sometimes more cost-effective than attempting perfect patches.
Project Examples with Pricing
Project 1: Single Room Drywall (12x12, 8' ceiling)
| Component | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wall area | 384 sq ft | — |
| Ceiling | 144 sq ft | — |
| Total area | 528 sq ft | — |
| Hang + tape + Level 4 finish | 528 × $3.50 | $1,848 |
| Orange peel texture | 528 × $0.60 | $317 |
| Subtotal | — | $2,165 |
| Seattle multiplier (1.30) | — | $2,814 |
Project 2: Two-Car Garage (20x22, unfinished)
| Component | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wall area | 672 sq ft | — |
| Ceiling | 440 sq ft | — |
| Total area | 1,112 sq ft | — |
| Fire-rated 5/8" board + Level 2 finish | 1,112 × $3.00 | $3,336 |
| Olympia baseline | — | $3,336 |
Project 3: Whole House New Construction (2,000 sq ft)
| Component | Estimate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall area | ~8,500 sq ft | — |
| Standard 1/2" + Level 4 | 8,500 × $3.75 | $31,875 |
| Smooth finish upgrade | 8,500 × $0.75 | $6,375 |
| Total (baseline) | — | $38,250 |
| Spokane pricing (0.90x) | — | $34,425 |
| Seattle pricing (1.30x) | — | $49,725 |
Washington-Specific Considerations
Building Code Requirements
Per Washington State Building Code:
| Location | Requirement | Board Type Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Garage walls (attached to house) | 1-hour fire rating | 5/8" Type X |
| Garage ceiling (rooms above) | 1-hour fire rating | 5/8" Type X |
| Furnace/water heater rooms | Fire separation | 5/8" Type X |
| Stairway walls | Fire protection | Per local code |
| Bathroom walls | Moisture-resistant | Green or purple board |
| Shower surrounds | Cement board required | Not drywall |
Note: These are minimums. Local jurisdictions (Seattle, Bellevue, etc.) may have stricter requirements.
Moisture Considerations
Washington's damp climate creates specific drywall challenges:
High-Risk Scenarios:
- Bathrooms without exhaust fans
- Basements with moisture intrusion
- Exterior walls with poor insulation
- Areas near leaky windows
Prevention Strategies:
- Use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms
- Ensure proper ventilation (per WAC 51-51-0303)
- Address water intrusion before drywall installation
- Install vapor barriers per WA energy code
Hiring a Drywall Contractor
What to Verify
Under RCW 18.27, all contractors in Washington must:
- Be registered with L&I — Verify here
- Carry a contractor bond — Minimum $12,000
- Have liability insurance — Protects your property
- Carry workers' comp — If they have employees
Questions to Ask
- "What's your L&I contractor number?"
- "What finish level do you recommend for my project?"
- "How do you handle texture matching on repairs?"
- "What's your warranty on workmanship?"
- "Do you handle permits if needed?"
Red Flags
- No contractor license number
- Cash-only pricing
- Won't provide written estimate
- Asks for large deposit upfront
- Can't explain finish levels
- Won't match existing texture
DIY vs. Professional
DIY-Friendly Tasks
| Task | Skill Level | Save vs. Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Small hole patches | Easy | 60-80% |
| Nail pop repair | Easy | 70-90% |
| Hanging drywall (garage) | Moderate | 40-60% |
| Level 2 finish | Moderate | 50-70% |
Leave to Professionals
| Task | Why Hire a Pro |
|---|---|
| Ceilings | Heavy boards, difficult angles |
| Level 4-5 finish | Requires skill and experience |
| Texture matching | Extremely difficult to match |
| Large rooms | Efficiency, quality |
| Fire-rated assembly | Code compliance |
Cost-Saving Tips
- Bundle projects — Drywall + painting together saves mobilization costs
- Flexible timing — Off-season (winter) may have lower rates
- DIY demo — Remove old drywall yourself to save $1-2/sq ft
- Level 3 where hidden — Closets and storage don't need Level 4
- Skip Level 5 — Unless using high-gloss paint
- Standard sizes — Custom cuts add cost
- Multiple quotes — Get at least 3, prices vary significantly
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does drywall installation take?
| Project Size | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Single room | 2-4 days |
| Garage | 3-5 days |
| Full house | 2-4 weeks |
Includes drying time between coats
Do I need a permit for drywall work?
Generally no for repairs and cosmetic work. Yes if:
- Part of a larger permitted project
- Changing room configurations
- Fire-rated assemblies in garages
- Some commercial applications
Check with your local building department.
Why does texture matching cost extra?
Matching existing texture requires:
- Identifying the original texture type
- Testing spray patterns and mud consistency
- Often feathering into surrounding areas
- Multiple attempts for perfect match
Many contractors prefer re-texturing entire walls/ceilings for this reason.
Should I remove popcorn ceiling?
Popular upgrade in WA. Costs:
- Removal only: $1.50-$3/sq ft
- Remove + Level 4 smooth: $3-$5/sq ft
- If asbestos present: $5-$12/sq ft (abatement required)
Pre-1980 homes: Always test for asbestos before disturbing popcorn texture.
Get Quotes from Licensed WA Drywall Contractors
Ready to start your project? Get free quotes from verified Washington contractors:
Prices reflect 2026 Washington state averages. Actual costs vary based on project specifics, finish level, and local market conditions. Always get written quotes and verify contractor licensing.