Skim coating drywall is a great alternative to replacement, and is often more affordable. Use this guide to estimate the cost to skim coat walls in your home.
How Much Does a Sheet of Drywall Weigh?
Estimate your drywall weight before tackling a project
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
A standard-sized drywall sheet weighs 50 pounds on average.
However, drywall weights commonly range between 30 and 90 pounds.
The weight of drywall panels depends on several factors, including the panel’s thickness, size, and type.
Due to drywall’s heavy weight and bulky size, you should hire a pro for installation.
On average, drywall installation projects cost $2,100.
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Drywall comes with plenty of benefits, but one of the drawbacks is that it’s fairly heavy and difficult to lug around, which is important to consider if you’re planning a DIY drywall installation. So, just how much does a sheet of drywall weigh? Let’s look at the most common weights for different drywall thicknesses.
How Much Does Drywall Weigh?
Drywall doesn’t just come in different thicknesses and sizes. It comes in various weights, too.
| Dimensions in Feet | Thickness in Inches | Average Weight in Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| 4x8 | 1/4 | 34 |
| 4x8 | 3/8 | 38 |
| 4x8 | 1/2 | 39 |
| 4x8 | 5/8 | 70 |
| 4x10 | 1/2 | 49 |
| 4x12 | 1/2 | 59 |
| 4x16 | 1/2 | 80 |
Factors That Impact Drywall Weight
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Photo: OlgaVolodina / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
There are a few factors that impact the weight of a drywall sheet, including its thickness, dimensions, and type.
Drywall Thickness and Dimensions
There are several standard drywall thicknesses:
1/4 inches
3/8 inches
1/2 inches (the most common)
5/8 inches
Drywall panels also come in multiple sizes. They’re often 4 feet wide, with heights ranging between 8 and 16 feet. The most common dimensions are 4 by 8 feet, but the standard sizes are:
4 by 8 feet
4 by 10 feet
4 by 12 feet
4 by 14 feet
4 by 16 feet
As you might expect, thicker and larger drywall panels weigh more than thinner and smaller ones.
Drywall Type
The type of drywall can also affect its weight. Lightweight drywall, for example, is 25% lighter than standard drywall.
How Does Drywall Installation Work?
There are multiple steps involved in installing drywall, including hanging it, taping and mudding the seams, and sanding. If you hire a professional crew, installing drywall takes a few days for an individual room or basement. For a 2,000-square-foot house, you can expect the project to take a week.
Pro Tip
Square footage is a key factor in determining drywall installation costs, but it's not the only factor. Drywall companies consider how long it takes to complete the job, the location of damage and framing conditions, and if other repairs are needed—especially if water damage is involved.
On average, professional drywall installation costs between $990 and $3,200. Your price will depend on the type and thickness of the drywall, level of finish, local labor rates, and other factors. Drywall projects are labor-intensive, so hiring a local drywall pro is safer than DIYing unless you already have experience in drywall installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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