How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in Seattle? [2026 Data]

Normal Range: $1,283 - $4,175

The average drywall installation cost in Seattle, WA, is $2,654, with a typical range of $1,283 to $4,175. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.

How we get this data
Cost Insights
  • Seattle’s combined sales tax rate of 10.35% applies to labor charges and materials, increasing your project cost.

  • On average, drywall installation contractors in Seattle charge between $1.50 and $4 per square foot of drywall.

  • Since Seattle has such a rainy climate, installing mold-resistant drywall is a great way to boost ROI on this project.

For Seattle homeowners, the average drywall installation cost is $2,654. Most local homeowners pay between $1,283 to $4,175, depending on the size and scope of the project. With Seattle's rainy climate in the mix, springing for moisture-resistant and mold-resistant drywall options is a great option for increasing return on investment.  

Drywall Installation Cost Factors 

Material and labor costs are evenly split when contractors bill clients for drywall installation in Seattle. In most cases, contractors provide a rate per square foot that applies to the entire project.  

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 Square FeetAverage Cost
100$500–$800
200$1,000–$1,600
300$1,500–$2,400
400$2,000–$3,200
500$2,500–$4,000

Type of Drywall

Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.

Drywall TypeBest UseAverage Cost of Materials per Square Foot
Moisture-resistantBathrooms, kitchens$0.70–$1
Mold-resistantExtra-moist areas$0.75–$1.60
Fire-resistantGarages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings$1.50–$2
SoundproofMusic rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms$1.90–$4
Eco-friendlyAll rooms$1–$2.70

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 CaseAverage Cost per Panel
1/4Curved areas or patches$14
3/8Patches or repairs$17
1/2Standard walls$20
5/8Standard ceilings, fire-proofing$21
3/4Sound-proofing, fire-proofing$25

Level of Finish

6 levels of drywall finishes illustrated, with level 5 having the final skim coat

Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.

LevelDescriptionAverage Cost per Square Foot
0Contractor hangs the drywall and no more$1–$2.95
1Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud$2–$3.50
2Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top$3–$5
3Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish$2–$4.50
4If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound$3–$4
5A 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$3–$4

Drywall Installation Pro Costs

On average, drywall installation contractors in Seattle charge between $1.50 and $4 per square foot of drywall installed. It’s worth the investment of hiring a drywall contractor to ensure your walls are installed safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Permits

Your contractor will consult the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to determine if your project needs a permit. Seattle permits are only needed for drywall work if you're adding new walls or changing the structural integrity of existing walls. Nonstructural improvement projects that cost less than $6,000 are generally exempt from permits in Seattle. If a permit is needed, fees for this type of project range from $50 to $120.

Taxes

Seattle homeowners need to budget for local sales taxes on all labor charges for this project. In addition, your contractor will build sales taxes for materials into your final bill. With all state and local taxes considered, the total sales tax rate in Seattle is 10.35%.

Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?

Homeowners looking for the strongest ROI on this project should consider upgrading to moisture-resistant and mold-resistant drywall that can protect a home from mold issues caused by Seattle's wet climate. Overall, investing in quality drywall to replace damaged drywall has a return on investment of 80% to 85%

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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