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Applying plaster to a wall will usually cost between $2 and $10 per square foot for both the material and labor. The cost will vary based on the quality of the plaster you’re using and whether or not prep work is required before the work begins. Wall prep can add up to about 10% to your total costs. Plastering exterior walls can be more expensive in many cases because they are taller and require scaffolding and safety equipment.

There are several benefits to wet-sanding drywall, but the main perk is that it produces far less dust than dry-sanding. As a result, wet-sanding poses fewer health risks and makes less of a mess in your home. Plus, damp sponges are less abrasive than sandpaper, so there’s a smaller chance of scratching or damaging the drywall paper. Wet-sanding also creates a smoother finish than dry-sanding.

On average, drywall installation costs around $2,000, with a typical range of $400 to $6,000, including materials and labor. The final price depends on several factors. The most significant is the size of the area, as many contractors charge per square foot. Other cost factors include the complexity of the job (e.g., cutting around multiple windows and doors, corners, or curved walls), accessibility, location, the thickness of the drywall, the height of the room, and the desired level of finish. The level of finish can range from simply hanging the drywall to taping and mudding the seams and painting the walls.

You should always hang drywall from the top down. Starting at the top makes it easier to create a straight, tight line between the ceiling and the wall. Any gaps that occur will be at the bottom, where they are easier to manage. You can either cut the bottom piece of drywall to fit the remaining space or cover the gap with baseboard trim. Additionally, starting at the top is physically easier, as you won't have to fit the top sheet into a tight space between the lower sheet and the ceiling, or try to balance the upper sheets on the lower ones while securing them.