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myCost of Plasterboard Installation
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing plasterboard is around £920.
- The job will take approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes things you need to consider, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what types of services can be performed.
- How to find and hire a drywall installer on MyJobQuote.
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Want to find out how much drywalling (or plasterboard) costs?
The average cost for installing drywall will be anywhere between £540 and £920.
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This guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of drywalling a house.
£920
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost To Fit Drywall?
The concept of drywalling or plasterboarding your house, rather than having a more traditional wet plaster applied to each room, has become increasingly popular in the UK.
Drywall is also known as plasterboard (sometimes referred to as wallboard or gypsum board), is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) with or without additives, that's usually encased between two outer layers of paper. These drywalls are used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings.
One of the benefits drywall has over plastering is the fact it's a much quicker process to install, which generally makes it the cheaper option. Drywalling can also help to reduce noise when combined with materials that provide additional insulation. Drywalling a house also offers some fire–resistant properties, due to water naturally present in the gypsum crystals within the boards.
For these reasons, the process is becoming and increasingly popular alternative to the traditional method of plastering an indoor wall. The average cost of drywalling a fairly standard 12-foot square room can vary between £540 and £920 (materials and labour included) depending on the thickness of the panel and the finish required.
You can also paint the walls as soon as they've been installed, rather than having to wait for the plaster to dry out first.
It's recommended to get up to 3 quotes to get the best price for drywalling your home. MyJobQuote has plenty of plasterers or renderers that can help with a variety of similar jobs in your home.
We are about to embark on a kitchen remodel on our new house, and stripped back the lovely paper that was on the walls and ceiling (!) to find chipped and cracked concrete with some plaster where the tiles were. Is it possible to plaster this, or would it be better to drywall? Thanks!
"Hi, yes it would be better to drywall or you cannot Guarantee the cracks would not reappear and it is not best to plaster over concrete hope this helps and would be happy to give you a quote for this. Thanks Dean"
Drywall Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Drywall a standard
ceiling |
2-3 hours |
£90-£150 per ceiling
(including taping) |
£190-£250 per job
depending on company, conditions and finish required |
|
Drywall an average
room |
4-10 hours |
£200-£350 per room
(including taping) |
£360-£600 per job
depending on company, conditions and finish required |
|
Drywall a standard
size family home |
2-3 days |
£1500-£2550 per
house (including taping) |
£1500-£2550 per
house (including taping) |
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Things to Consider When Drywalling a House
Although you will most likely receive a quote based on the overall job, some contractors may vary their price depending on the size of the project.
On smaller jobs, the cost may be quoted per square foot to help offset overheads such as transport and insurance. It’s not unusual for a small bedroom to cost around £2 per square foot, while working on a larger property could work out at half the price.
Other factors that can influence the cost of your project include:
- Location of the job site.
- Environment (wet areas such as bathrooms will need to be drywalled with a specially treated panel to avoid damp and mould issues later on).
- Non-standard features of a room such as arches and curves can cause your costs to increase by as much as double.
The estimate for your drywall construction job should include the following:
- Cost for materials specifying the dimensions and types of the panels and taping to be used.
- Cost for transporting materials and equipment to the job site.
- Job site preparation including protecting existing structures, finishes, etc.
- Labour setup and mobilisation time.
- Clean-up and removal of debris.
Drywall has five levels of finishes depending on where it is being installed and the preferences of the homeowner.
Level 0 is the bare minimum of drywall installation and Level 5 is the highest level of finish available-this is a finish that you will have to specifically ask for and carries an extra cost.
Doing it Yourself
Drywall is a fairly easy material to use and is relatively inexpensive to purchase, so any mistakes you make won’t cost an arm and a leg.
However, it is very heavy work and if you don’t hang the drywall correctly, a neat and smooth finish will never be achieved. Each sheet of drywall needs to be ‘taped’ to secure it after hanging.
This is a skilled job that sees up to three layers of taping compound being applied to seams and corners to cover all the joints and fasteners. This is one of the main reasons why it is advisable to search out a professional for the job rather than attempt this yourself.
An average drywall panel can be heavy, measuring 2.4m x 1.2m and each weighing around 25–30kg (possibly more for fire-rated or acoustic boards). As such, you may well need another pair of hands or the need to hire a drywall hoist.
This will obviously add to the cost of the job, whereas a drywall specialist will already have the tools and machinery required. They will also have experience of using the machinery and the ability to work efficiently, while creating as little mess as possible along the way.
Checklist: Hiring a Drywall Specialist
Consider these key points before hiring a drywall professional:
- Are they insured for their work? While not a legal requirement, having public liability insurance covers against any accidental damage or injury. Likewise, with any tradesmen you should check the drywalling comes with a guarantee in the event of any unforeseen issues.
- Have you gathered at least three quotes? Find a professional company via MyJobQuote and remember to follow the golden rule of getting a minimum of three quotes before choosing the tradesmen you wish to hire.
- What’s included in the quote? Before deciding, double check exactly what the price includes, if unsure ask for the quote to be broken down into separate lines. It should then be clear whether the likes of taping, delivery of materials, and waste removal are all included.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Look for before and after photos of previous drywall jobs, check their MyJobQuote profile or ask friends and family for recommendations so you can gauge the quality of their work before agreeing to give them the go ahead.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check feedback from other homeowners on MyJobQuote to see if previous clients were satisfied with the workmanship and professionalism of your chosen drywall specialist.
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FAQs
Do I Need to Plaster Over Drywall Before Painting?
No, the great thing about drywalling is once they're installed, providing the surface is smooth, you can add your primer and then paint over them once it's dried. Just make sure you've taped over any areas you don't want to get paint, such as borders or light switches.
Do I Need Different Types of Plasterboard in Different Rooms?
Yes, plasterboards are often designed for different environments. For example, moisture-resistant boards are ideal for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, whereas acoustic boards can help reduce noise between rooms. You can also purchase boards with a higher fire-rating, adding an extra level of protection.
Can Drywall Be Installed Over Existing Walls or Ceilings?
Yes, rather than removing old walls and ceilings, drywall can often be installed directly over existing surfaces. This can save time on demolition and reduce labour fees, however, potential concerns such as damp or structural issues will still need addressing first.
Do I Need to Insulate Drywalling?
Although you don't have to, it is recommended to add insulation - especially in rooms where temperatures may fluctuate or as a way of helping noise reduction. Installing insulation can also help with energy efficiency, potentially reducing energy bills.
Can You Drywall an Exterior Wall?
Yes, drywalling an exterior wall is possible, however you need to ensure it is carried out properly. As well as insulation, you will also need to consider vapour barriers and adding moisture control layers, as a drywall should not be applied directly to a cold or damp surface.
