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.
How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,326 - $4,004
The average drywall installation cost in Washington, D.C., is $2,625, with a typical range of $1,326 to $4,004. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Drywall installation costs in Washington, D.C. are about 28% higher than the national average.
You’ll pay between $1.30 and $2.70 per square foot in labor costs when hiring a professional drywall contractor in Washington, D.C.
Soundproof drywall is the most expensive type, costing $2.35 to $3.85 per square foot.
Homeowners in our nation’s capital don’t need a permit for basic drywall work, but may need one for larger construction projects that include drywall work.
If you live in Washington, D.C., you can expect to pay between $1,326 and $4,004 for drywall installation. The average homeowner in our nation’s capital spends $2,625 for this type of work. The cost to install drywall in Washington, D.C. is about 28% higher than in the typical American city. That’s in keeping with the cost of living overall in D.C., which is about 39% higher than the national average.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
In Washington, D.C., drywall installation costs depend on several key factors, including the room size, thickness of the drywall, the type of drywall, and the level of finish.
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 $500 to $825, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,925 to $3,850.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:
| Room Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 (Small Bedroom) | $500–$825 |
| 200 (Small Bedroom) | $700–$1,275 |
| 300 (Large Bedroom) | $1,150–$1,925 |
| 400 (Small Living Room) | $1,400–$2,825 |
| 500 (Small Living Room) | $1,800–$3,575 |
| 600 (Large Space) | $2,175–$3,975 |
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 per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-resistant | Bathrooms, kitchens | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.85–$0.95 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.70–$1.15 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $2.35–$3.85 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.90–$1.15 |
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 ¾-inch thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness (Inches) | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $19.00 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $20.50 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $25.50 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $27.00 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $29.50 |
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 Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $1.00–$1.25 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1.30–$2.55 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1.60–$3.20 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.90–$3.85 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $2.10–$4.05 |
| 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 | $2.55–$4.50 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Homeowners should not tackle drywall installation themselves, as it is a time-consuming project, and simple mistakes can lead to costly repairs. We recommend working with a Washington, D.C. drywall contractor with lots of experience and stellar reviews.
You’ll pay between $1.30 and $2.70 per square foot in labor costs when you work with a professional drywall contractor in Washington, D.C. For the typical project, that’s roughly $885 to $2,815.
Old Wall Removal Costs
For certain projects, you may need to first remove old drywall, which can add to the cost. In D.C., expect to spend between $0.65 and $1.30 per square foot to remove wood paneling. The cost to replace plaster walls is slightly higher, at $1.90 to $3.85 per square foot.
D.C. Construction Permit Costs
Basic drywall repair and replacement doesn’t require a permit, but if the drywall installation is part of a larger remodeling project, you’ll need to get a permit through D.C. Department of Buildings. An alterations and repairs permit starts at $33 but can increase significantly, depending on the scope (and cost) of the construction work.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Repairing or replacing drywall is considered regular maintenance and thus won’t boost your home’s value. But if you take on a larger project that involves drywall work—think renovating a kitchen or bedroom—you can expect those changes to positively impact your home’s resale price.
The extent of the value increase depends on the level of renovation. For instance, a small bathroom remodel might not increase value as much as a completely renovated kitchen. Building a new addition adds value to your home, with a typical ROI between 24% and 35%.
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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