Who Installs Drywall? Get the Right Pro for the Job

Drywall installation seems like a straightforward job for a contractor. It’s the surface that makes your walls actual walls, but there’s a certain art to hanging drywall. That’s why it’s important to hire the right pro for the job. If you’re not sure where to begin, take a look at our hiring guide to learn more about who installs drywall and what that process looks like. 

Benefits of Hiring a Drywall Contractor to Install Drywall

Drywall contractors (also called drywallers or hangers) specialize in drywall repair and installation. Believe it or not, but not all drywall is the same and not all installations are equal. A good drywall contractor will:

• Choose the right kind of drywall: Sheets are 1/2-inch thick for residential applications, but you may need thicker sheets for fireproofing in certain areas. You can also choose lightweight drywall for various benefits.

• Avoid common issues: Your contractor knows how to hang drywall to avoid common issues like nail pops, sagging, and cracking. This can reduce drywall repair costs and save you money in the long run.

• Create a seamless finish across your walls: While DIYers may be able to hang drywall, a seamless finish requires expert skill.

• Texturize: A textured finish requires certain techniques depending on the design. Your contractor should be able to match any texture in your existing drywall.

• Offer a warranty or guarantee: Most drywall contractors offer a warranty or a guarantee. This helps protect your investment if their work doesn’t hold up.

• Reduce strain and chance of injury: Drywall is heavy and hanging drywall alone is labor-intensive. A pro is less likely to strain or injure themselves, will have all the appropriate tools, and can bring in additional team members if necessary.

• Work quickly: Drywall installers have the skills to be efficient. They’ll hang drywall more quickly and create less mess than your average DIYer, so installations are less disruptive.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Install Drywall?

For a big job, hire a local drywall contractor. Hanging drywall is outside the scope of a traditional handyperson because it requires a certain set of skills and expertise. That said, the average handyperson can handle small drywall repairs—whether it’s filling small cracks or patching dents. 

How Do Drywall Contractors Install Drywall?

There is a specific process to how drywall contractors start and complete the job. They’ll begin by offering a quote. Once the materials arrive, they’ll start the job. Typically, they’ll follow these steps:

1. Prep the area.

2. Measure and cut the drywall sheets, making cutouts for doors and other obstructions.

3. Position and hang the first piece of drywall. 

4. Screw the drywall in place along the studs.

5. Repeat the process until they’ve installed all of the drywall.

6. Install corner beads.

7. Drill in protruding screws.

8. Tape and spackle the drywall.

9. Clean up the mess.

Overall, it takes about four days to four weeks to complete a drywall installation—it’s highly dependent on the size of the room. Hanging drywall in a 12-by-16-foot room will only take around eight hours, but that doesn’t account for the time spent sourcing the material as well.

How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost?

The average cost to install drywall is between $1,000 and $3,200. It depends on the scale of the project and the type of drywall you choose. A higher finish can cost up to $3.50 per square foot, while a basic hanging job can cost as little as $0.80 per square foot. Texturizing will add $1 to $1.95 per square foot to the job.

Can I DIY Drywall Installation?

Some DIYers can install drywall if they understand the basics, but that doesn’t mean they’ll achieve a seamless look. Though hanging drywall is easier than the old method of lathe and plaster, the finishing techniques require practice.

The biggest difficulty is often the weight. The standard drywall sheet used for most residential projects weighs around 51 pounds. You’ll likely need friends or family to pitch in for the installation. This is especially true for the most difficult jobs, like hanging large sheets horizontally or hanging drywall on the ceiling.

A pro can hang your drywall quickly, safely, and properly.