How Much Does Sheetrock and Drywall Cost

Buying sheetrock (a USG product) and drywall can mean wide price fluctuations. Overall, as of early 2019 the market for drywall over the past year or two has brought a only slight increase for most types and sizes. Choices of supply include the drywall supplier, big box outlets and hardware stores (where you can often expect to pay more for much the same product). A typical 2 ft by 2 ft square of sheetrock commonly used for making patches now sits at around $4.90 each, found in convenient stacks at hardware & big box stores.

Quantity and Order Size - accounts for much of the costs of wallboard, depending on place of purchase and this can mean substantial discounts. As a rule, the distributor requires minimum quantity orders in the form of a ‘Lift’ to quality for purchase discounts. This translates typically to; (34) sheets for ½", (26) sheets for 5/8” and (24) sheets for ¾” thick drywall.

Note that when going by square foot prices – remember to account for waste amounts, and on smaller projects, the square footage break off points. Often these quotes are based on quantity minimums: ½” at .19/ft., etc. While custom orders for sheet lengths by special order request often have minimum order quantities; here 10,000 sq ft. minimums aren't unheard of. Green board is commonly available at ½” in 8 foot ($11 to $12.50 per sheet - with the purple board variation at up to $20) and 12 foot lengths ($16 to $19 /sheet) while the 5/8” thick version is available in 8 foot (about $12.50), 10 foot (near $16) and 12 foot lengths (close to $19) a board. These are typical measurements for most sources*:

Market Conditions: Demand for new housing directly affects the cost of drywall. Getting the board can even prove difficult in periods of new housing surges. Potentially setting new homeowners back on move-in dates, and delaying new home completions. The 95’ to 97’ shortage even drove the sourcing to areas of China and Canada (indirectly resulting in harmful health effects). All in all, costs fluctuate with demand, at times exceeding 30% price spans.

Special sheets: Extra thin sheets are available at above standard ½ pricing or around $9.50/sheet for ¼” and 3/8” thicknesses. Used as build-ups, to accommodate casings, or as flexible sheets for wrapping contours. The ½” by 4’ by 54” length sheets are available in the 12’ lengths.