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.
Drywall Installation Cost in Baltimore [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,375 - $3,838
The average drywall installation cost in Baltimore, MD is $2,606, with a typical range of $1,375 to $3,838. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
On average, higher labor rates locally bring the cost of installing new drywall in Baltimore, Maryland higher compared to the national average.
Baltimore contractors pass on their costs for licensing and insurance to customers when setting the price per square foot for new drywall and related projects.
Investing in a premium option like fire-resistant drywall can boost the return on investment on this project for Baltimore homeowners by reducing their home insurance premiums.
With costs for drywall installation in Baltimore, Maryland above the national average, homeowners will need to budget for higher material costs and overall costlier labor when getting this project done as part of a new construction or renovation. The average drywall installation cost in Baltimore, Maryland, is $2,606, with homeowners paying anywhere from $1,375 to $3,838. Everything from the type of drywall you select to the amount of new materials you're installing will factor into this project's total cost.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
The project size determines the budget for this project, encompassing both materials and the required labor. Additionally, your drywall contractor will assess the complexity of your home's layout.
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 | $500–$700 |
| 200 | $1,000–$1,400 |
| 300 | $1,500–$2,100 |
| 400 | $2,000–$2,800 |
| 500 | $2,500–$3,500 |
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 | $0.45–$0.80 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.65–$1 |
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 | $14 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $17 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $19 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $20 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $25 |
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 | $1–$2 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1–$3 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $2–$3 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.75–$3 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $2–$3.25 |
| 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 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
Baltimore homeowners generally receive all-inclusive quotes that account for the cost of all labor and materials per square foot needed for this project. Keep in mind that your contractor is also applying all costs related to sales tax, licensing and insurance, and more.
Local Labor
Drywall installation pros in Baltimore, Maryland, charge between $1 and $3.50 for the labor per square foot of drywall installed.
Permits
In general, drywall repairs or like-kind replacements to address stained or dented drywall won't require a permit in Baltimore, Maryland. However, permit requirements may apply when drywall installation is part of a larger renovation or addition. For example, adding walls to finish a basement. Depending on the value of the project, expect permit fees to add another $100 to $200 to project costs.
Insurance
Adding to the cost of doing business for Baltimore contractors is the fact that they are required to maintain general liability insurance covering at least $50,000 per occurrence. Overall, Baltimore contractors are paying between $80 and $224 for monthly premiums to stay compliant.
Taxes
Maryland's sales tax rate of 6% applies to all materials purchased for this project. Drywall contractors bundle this price into the cost per square foot for materials.
Licensing
When you hire someone who knows how to hang drywall, they must have a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. With licensed applications costing $370 and exam fees totaling more than $60, Baltimore contractors pay among the highest costs in the country to be licensed.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Investing in new drywall can increase home value for Baltimore properties by addressing issues like mold, water stains, or denting. Homeowners investing in this project can get the highest return on investment by selecting smart drywall options like eco-friendly drywall or fire-resistant drywall. In some cases, installing high-quality, fire-resistant drywall can save money in the long run because you may be able to get your property insurance premiums reduced.
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’ve surveyed over 10,000 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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