If you're planning a remodel, finishing a basement, or building new in Northern Utah, one of the first numbers you'll want is: how much does drywall installation cost per square foot?
As a contractor who hangs and finishes drywall across Davis County, Salt Lake County, and Weber County every week, here's what we're seeing in 2026.
Average Drywall Installation Cost Per Square Foot (2026)
| Service | Cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hang only (standard 1/2") | $1.50 – $2.25 | Includes material + labor |
| Hang + tape & finish (Level 4) | $2.75 – $4.00 | Most common for living spaces |
| Hang + finish (Level 5 / smooth) | $3.50 – $5.00 | Skim coat, no texture |
| Moisture-resistant (green board) | $3.00 – $4.50 | Bathrooms, laundry rooms |
| Fire-rated (Type X, 5/8") | $2.50 – $3.75 | Garages, furnace rooms |
| Soundproof (double layer + Green Glue) | $4.50 – $7.00 | Home theaters, bedrooms |
These ranges reflect material costs in our market (we buy from local suppliers in Ogden and Salt Lake) plus professional labor. DIY material alone runs about $0.40–$0.65 per square foot for standard sheets.
What Drives the Price Up or Down?
Ceiling height
Standard 8-foot walls are straightforward. Vaulted ceilings, 9- or 10-foot walls, and cathedral ceilings require scaffolding, longer sheets (sometimes 12-footers), and more finishing time. Expect a 15–25% premium.
Texture
Knockdown and orange peel textures add $0.30–$0.75 per square foot over a basic finish. Smooth (Level 5) walls cost the most because they require a full skim coat — every imperfection shows under paint.
Room access
A wide-open basement with one big room is faster to hang than a floor plan with seven small bedrooms, closets, and hallways. More cuts, more corners, more finishing work.
Moisture-resistant or specialty board
Green board (moisture-resistant) for bathrooms costs about 30% more than standard drywall. Type X fire-rated board for garages and furnace rooms carries a similar premium. Soundproofing with double layers and damping compound roughly doubles the cost.
Real Project Examples From Northern Utah
Basement finish — Layton (1,200 sq ft)
Standard hang + Level 4 finish + knockdown texture. Total drywall cost: approximately $4,800. That includes walls and ceiling for a family room, two bedrooms, a bathroom (green board), and a hallway.
New construction — Farmington (3,000 sq ft living space)
Full hang and finish, mixed textures (smooth in kitchen/baths, knockdown everywhere else). Drywall portion: approximately $11,500.
Garage conversion — Kaysville (400 sq ft)
Type X board on shared walls, standard elsewhere, Level 4 finish. Approximately $1,800.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
Square-footage pricing is a starting point, not a final bid. The only way to get an accurate number is a site visit where we measure, check ceiling heights, count corners, and discuss your finish preferences.
We provide free estimates across Northern Utah — Davis County, Salt Lake County, and Weber County. Call (385) 315-4768 or request a quote online.
Why Pricing Varies Between Contractors
If you're comparing bids, look at what's included. Some contractors quote hang-only and add finishing as a separate line item. Others include everything but skip primer. A few will quote "per sheet" instead of per square foot, which makes comparison harder.
Our bids include material, labor, finishing to your specified level, and cleanup. No surprise add-ons after the fact.