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The cost to install drywall is between $1.50 and $3 per square foot, while shiplap installation costs between $2 and $7 on average. In most applications, shiplap installations cost more than that of putting in drywall. However, several ways exist to reduce shiplap prices, especially for small locations or accent walls, which can keep the total cost of shiplap competitive with that of drywall.

The average life span for drywall is between 40 and 60 years, although panels can last significantly longer in many cases if it’s well-maintained. Of course, many things can reduce the life span of your drywall, including fire, smoke damage, water, moisture, and physical damage, like dents and holes. Thankfully, you’re likely to get around 50 years of value out of professionally-installed drywall, making the $2,000 you’ll spend on the job well worth it in the long run.

You should always work from top to bottom when hanging drywall. There are a few reasons for this. For one, starting at the top makes it easier to create a straight wall between the ceiling and the wall. Plus, moving downward lets you avoid any awkward gaps at the top. It’s easier to deal with gaps at the bottom because you can cut the drywall to fit the space or cover the gap with baseboard trim.

Whether you apply the drywall mesh before or after drywall mud depends on the type of patch it is. For self-adhesive patches, you’ll put the patch down first and then coat it with mud. Mesh patches that are not self-adhesive will require you to put mud down first and then press the mesh into it, followed by additional coats of mud.