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Costs depend on material type, labor rates, and additional features like decorative finishes or reinforcement.

You should stagger drywall sheets to help prevent cracking. The joints between drywall sheets are the weak spots, so if you install drywall with seams aligned, you’ll create weak lines that run across the length of the wall and extend from floor to ceiling. But when you stagger drywall, the solid sections of panels will support the joints. This can prevent seams from cracking or separating due to fluctuating temperature and humidity, vibrations from movement inside the home, and gravity.

Furring strips, thin strips of wood or metal, are not always required for ceiling drywall installation. If the ceiling surface is even and in good condition, drywall can be directly attached to the ceiling joists using screws. However, furring strips become essential when dealing with irregular surfaces or when additional insulation or soundproofing is needed. They create a level substrate for attaching the drywall. Ultimately, the decision to use furring strips depends on the condition of the existing ceiling and the specific requirements of the project.

It is less expensive to install a drywall ceiling. Drop ceilings are generally more costly to install than drywall, but they're also easier to install. Drywall sheets are heavier than drop ceilings—weighing in at about 60 pounds each—so if you hire a pro, they may charge a little more for labor. You should also factor in paint costs for a drywall ceiling. The least expensive drywall ceiling option is the standard, smooth variety.