Drywall Cost Estimate
How Much Does Drywall Cost?
Drywall installation costs depend on whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional, the type of board you need, and the level of finish required. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can create an accurate budget.
Complete Material Cost Breakdown
| Material | Cost per m² | Cost for 45m² Room | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall sheets (12.5mm) | €3.50-5.00 | €157-225 | Standard board |
| Drywall screws | €0.40-0.60 | €18-27 | ~10 screws per m² |
| Joint tape | €0.15-0.25 | €7-11 | Paper or fibreglass mesh |
| Joint compound | €0.80-1.50 | €36-68 | Three coats |
| Corner bead | €0.20-0.40 | €9-18 | For outside corners |
| Sandpaper | €0.10-0.20 | €5-9 | 120-150 grit |
| Total materials | €5.15-7.95 | €232-358 |
Specialty Board Pricing
| Board Type | Cost per Sheet | Cost per m² | Premium Over Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 12.5mm | €10-15 | €3.50-5.20 | Baseline |
| Moisture-resistant | €14-20 | €4.85-6.95 | +35-40% |
| Fire-rated (30 min) | €15-22 | €5.20-7.65 | +45-55% |
| Fire-rated (60 min) | €18-28 | €6.25-9.70 | +75-90% |
| Acoustic / soundproof | €20-30 | €6.95-10.40 | +90-110% |
| Flexible (for curves) | €16-25 | €5.55-8.70 | +55-70% |
Use standard board wherever possible and specialty boards only where required by building codes or specific conditions.
Labour Costs: What Professionals Charge
Drywall work has two distinct phases, each with different skill requirements and pricing:
Phase 1: Hanging (fixing sheets to studs)
- €8-15 per m²
- Straightforward but physically demanding
- Faster with two people and a drywall lift
- DIY-friendly for simple rooms
Phase 2: Finishing (taping, mudding, sanding)
- €10-20 per m²
- Highly skill-dependent
- Quality varies enormously between finishers
- Professional finishing is recommended for visible areas
| Service | Cost per m² | For 45m² Room |
|---|---|---|
| Hang only | €8-15 | €360-675 |
| Finish only (Level 3) | €10-15 | €450-675 |
| Finish only (Level 5) | €15-20 | €675-900 |
| Hang + finish (Level 3) | €18-28 | €810-1,260 |
| Hang + finish (Level 5) | €23-35 | €1,035-1,575 |
Finish Levels Explained
The Joint Compound Manufacturers Association defines five finish levels, and each costs more:
| Level | Description | Use Case | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No taping or finishing | Hidden areas, above ceilings | Cheapest |
| Level 1 | Tape embedded in compound, no finishing | Garages, utility spaces | Baseline |
| Level 2 | One coat of compound over tape | Areas behind tile, behind cabinets | +10% |
| Level 3 | Two coats of compound, light sand | Textured walls, heavy wallpaper | +25% |
| Level 4 | Three coats, smooth sand | Standard painted walls | +40% |
| Level 5 | Level 4 + skim coat over entire surface | Flat/matte paint, critical lighting | +60% |
Most residential walls need Level 4. Level 5 is only necessary when using flat paint or when lighting angles (like wall-wash fixtures) would highlight imperfections.
DIY vs Professional: Full Cost Comparison
For a standard bedroom with 45 m² of wall area:
| Cost Element | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall sheets | €160-225 | €160-225 |
| Screws, tape, compound | €70-110 | €70-110 |
| Tools (purchased) | €50-100 | Included |
| Labour | €0 | €450-900 |
| Total | €280-435 | €680-1,235 |
| Time | 2-3 weekends | 2-4 days |
DIY saves €400-800 per room but takes significantly longer, especially the finishing phase. A realistic DIY timeline for a bedroom is one weekend for hanging and two weekends for three coats of compound with drying and sanding between each.
Cost-Saving Tips for Drywall Projects
- Hang sheets yourself, hire a finisher — This hybrid approach saves €8-15/m² on the hanging labour (the easier part) while getting professional-quality joints and corners (the harder part).
- Use setting compound for the first coat — Setting compound (powder mixed with water) is cheaper than pre-mixed compound and dries faster, allowing you to apply the second coat sooner.
- Rent tools instead of buying — A drywall lift costs €20-40/day to rent. Buying one makes no sense for a single project.
- Buy in bulk — 10-packs of drywall sheets are 10-20% cheaper per sheet than buying individually. Joint compound in 20kg buckets is far cheaper per kg than 5kg tubs.
- Minimise joints — Use the longest sheets that fit your ceiling height. Every joint requires tape, compound, and time to finish. Fewer joints = less cost and less visible imperfections.
- Skip Level 5 where possible — Level 4 finish with eggshell or satin paint looks nearly identical to Level 5 at a fraction of the finishing cost.
Drywall vs Alternatives: Cost Comparison
| Material | Material Cost/m² | Labour Cost/m² | Total/m² | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall | €5-8 | €15-30 | €20-38 | Fast, affordable, DIY-friendly | Not waterproof, dents easily |
| Wet plaster | €3-5 | €25-45 | €28-50 | Hard surface, premium feel | Slow, skill-intensive, drying time |
| Plywood panelling | €8-15 | €10-20 | €18-35 | Warm look, no finishing needed | Limited styles, dated appearance |
| Cement board | €8-12 | €15-25 | €23-37 | Waterproof, fire-resistant | Heavy, only for wet areas |
Drywall remains the most cost-effective wall finishing option for the vast majority of residential applications. Wet plaster is a premium alternative that offers a harder surface but at significantly higher labour cost.
Getting Accurate Quotes
When requesting quotes from drywall contractors:
- Specify the finish level you need (Level 3, 4, or 5)
- Mention any specialty boards required (moisture, fire-rated)
- Note ceiling height — anything over 2.7m typically costs more
- Ask whether the quote includes materials or labour only
- Request a breakdown so you can compare quotes fairly
- Get at least three written quotes before making a decision
These calculations are estimates only. Actual requirements may vary depending on surface conditions, product specifications, and installation methods. Always consult a qualified professional for precise measurements.
Prices updated: 2026-03Frequently Asked Questions
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