Drywall texture can create an attractive finish and add dimension to your home’s walls. This guide breaks down the factors that influence the cost to texture drywall.
Drywall Installation Cost in Los Angeles [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,058 - $3,467
Drywall service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
If your drywall installation project in Los Angeles is valued at $500 or more, you’re required to hire a contractor licensed through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
While permitting isn't required for minor drywall updates, projects with structural components have to meet the city's earthquake-resistant building code requirements.
Local sales tax in Los Angeles, at more than 9%, slightly increases the cost of raw drywall materials for this project.
The average drywall installation cost in Los Angeles is $2,251, with homeowners paying anywhere from $1,058 to $3,467 to repair or replace walls in compliance with local codes and earthquake-resistant requirements. Overall, material and labor costs are evenly split for this project. However, investing in a top-tier option, such as soundproof drywall, can increase the overall cost of materials. Here’s what budgeting for new drywall installation looks like in Los Angeles, California.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
As with most projects, the pricing for new drywall installation in Los Angeles, California, will vary based on the project's size. The size and number of rooms in your home will ultimately determine the final costs.
Room Size
Whether you’re working on a small bathroom or a spacious living room, having an estimate of costs based on room size can help you plan your budget more effectively. Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $400 to $650, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:
| Room Size in Sq. Ft. | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $400–$900 |
| 200 | $800–$1,800 |
| 300 | $1,200–$2,700 |
| 400 | $1,600–$3,600 |
| 500 | $2,000–$4,500 |
Type of Drywall
Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.
| Drywall Type | Best Use | Average Cost of Materials per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-resistant | Bathrooms, kitchens | $0.50–$1 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.90–$1 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $2–$3 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.65–$1.10 |
Drywall Thickness
Drywall thickness can sway your total price. If you’re on a minimal budget, you might want to opt for the thinnest quarter-inch panels. Three-eighths-inch and half-inch are the most common varieties. Soundproof and fire-resistant panels are usually five-eighths-inch thick. Drywall is sometimes available in 3/4" thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness (Inches) | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $15 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $17 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $19 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $21 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $24 |
Level of Finish
Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.
| Level | Description | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $0.80–$1.95 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1.50–$2 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $2–$4 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $2–$3.50 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $3–$4.25 |
| 5 | A very high-quality finish which is the best option for enamel and gloss paint application. This includes three coats of joint compound and a full skim coat for a super-smooth appearance | $2–$4.75 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Expect local drywall installers in Los Angeles, California, to provide a price per square foot that combines labor and materials.
Local Labor
On average,contractors in Los Angeles charge between $1 and $3 per square foot of drywall for labor. Keep mind that factors like high ceilings, walls full of windows, archways, or other unconventional features can increase labor costs because of the complexity of cutting the drywall. If your project has structural components, contractors may charge 5% to 10% more because the work will need to be done in compliance with California Building Code for seismic standards.
Permits
New drywall installation in Los Angeles is generally exempt from permits as long as this is a nonstructural change with a project size under 100 square feet. Ask your drywall contractor about permit requirements when starting this project. If permits are needed, expect the cost range to be $50 to $200.
Licensing
Any contractor you hire for drywall installation in Los Angeles for a project valued at $1,000 or more must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). On top of the $450 fee for the original application for one contractor classification, local contractors also pay several hundreds of dollars for business licenses.
Insurance
Licensed contractors in Los Angeles must incur the cost of the $12,500 bond that's required by the CSLB. Overall, premiums for liability insurance and workers' compensation can cost the average drywall contractor $90 to $390 per month based on the number of employees they have.
Taxes
The labor portion of costs for drywall installation won't be subject to sales taxes in Los Angeles. However, raw materials for this project will be subject to the 7.25% state sales tax and a 2.5% district tax. The combined 9.75% sales tax rate is added to the material costs billed by your contractor.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Any improvement that makes a home more stable and meets upgraded earthquake-compliance standards can improve a home's value in Los Angeles. Repairing or replacement damaged drywall can also make your home more appealing to prospective buyers. Working with a licensed local contractor to complete permitted improvements is the best way to protect your return on investment on this project.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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