Installing drywall isn’t complete without applying drywall mud, a vital material that ensures smooth, seamless walls. Commonly known as joint compound, drywall mud fills in the gaps between panels, covers screw holes, and provides a flawless surface for painting or texturing. No matter what job you have in store – at home you have to renovate your house, construct a new one or repair a crack – the proper mud could help obtain good results drastically.
Different types like pre-mixed drywall mud or quick-setting compound cater to various project needs. The information about the cost of drywall mud, kind and the number needed will prevent wastage and blocks. The guide is going to take you through all the requirements you will need as well as provide fast drywall takeoff to do precise estimates.
What Is Drywall Mud and Why It Matters in Installation?
Drywall mud, or joint compound, is a paste used to fill gaps, cover screws, and smooth drywall surfaces before painting. It is clean and polished to come out clean on the walls and ceilings inside.
This is important to have durability and the professional appearance of a mud application without the correct type of mud and techniques. This process increases strength of seam and mask and also part and parcel of drywall installation.
Price to put up Drywall Per Square Foot (2025 Rates)
Application of standard work of the drywalls requires between 1.50 to 3.50 per square foot in 2025. This includes materials, labor, and drywall mud application for basic finishing.
Bigger or more intricate projects such as personalized dwellings or business premises can remodel at a price range of between $4 and $6 per square feet. To get a precise figure, simple calculations via a scaled up professional estimate is the best method in terms of providing an accurate figure that is specific to your project size and nature.
Price of Drywall Installation as per material Type.
Various types of the drywall have varied prices. The normal drywall is low cost but accessory boards, such as fire-rated or soundproof drywall are higher in price and provide greater protection and performance.
The choice of the material has effects on cost and quality. Our estimating service assists you in comparisons between costs of types, enabling you to select what suits you both in terms of needs and budget.
Standard Drywall
Standard drywall is the lowest cost and most popular choice with standard costs ranging between 10 and 15 dollars per 4×8 sheets. It goes well with living rooms and bedrooms as well as any other dry places.
It is economical to work with and most finishing techniques work with it, hence it is a preferred option to both contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Moisture Proof Gypsum Board
Green board, also called moisture-resistant drywall, is the most appropriate suggestion in a high-humidity place such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ordinary prices indicate the sheet to cost between 14 and 20 dollars.
It is mold and mildew resistant and therefore cannot cause damage long term and will be much more durable in wet areas.
Fire-Resistant Drywall
Fire-resistant drywall or Type X board is priced around 15-25/sheet and it has an intention of delaying fire. It has been employed in garages, basements, and in the housing spaces.
This form of installation guarantees safety and is, in many cases, demanded by the building regulations in apartment or commercial buildings.
Soundproof Drywall or Soundproof Acoustic
Soundproof drywall sells at an average of 40-60 dollars a sheet and is specially constructed to offer sound resistance to sensitive rooms such as the bedroom, the office or the media room.
It has additional layers and damping materials that minimize transmission of sounds, providing peace and privacy at homes and workstations.
Green and Paper-free Solutions
Green drywall contains reused material and low emitting VOCs. Depending on the brands and the quality, prices of Kinyo papers are between 20 and 30 dollars per sheet.
Instead of paper, paperless drywall is surrounded in fiberglass mat that makes it more resistant to mold. These are excellent choices when they are used in green building projects or homeowners who are health friendly.
Additional Cost of Drywall Installing by the Type of a Room
Size and Configuration are the main aspects for drywall installation cost. Certain rooms are less expensive and smaller as opposed to larger open spaces that raise the quantity of material and labor required.
Our estimating tools give an accurate room-by-room breakdown of cost so you do not have to make any guesses and know that you fit your budget on the renovation or the build.
Bedroom
Wall installing drywall of a typical 10×10 sized bedroom normally takes around 500-800 dollars, depending on the level of finish and the ceiling height. It is typically a simple space and that is why it is a good place to begin among the budget-conscious works.
Living Room
The installation of drywall will cost 1,200 to 2,000 dollars on a 12×20 living room. When an estimator is involved in proper planning of the projected work, additional corners, trims, and mudding are considered.
Kitchen & Bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom would be more expensive to dry wall as there are cutouts in the plumbing pipes and moisture resistant boards need to be used. The wage estimation depends on the size and materials and its around $500 – $800. Here Green board or cement board is normally used and it increases the material cost but pays in the long run.
Basement
The cost of installing drywall in the basement is between 1,500 and 3,000 dollars depending on the area and the requirement of the insulation. Basements often require fire-rated or moisture-resistant materials, so the choice of drywall mud and board matters.
What is the Cost of Drywall Ceiling Installation? explained
Drywall ceilings are more expensive than walls as they require overhead labor. A minimum of 2.00 or 4.00 dollars a square foot, depending upon whether or not scaffolding or special equipment will be required.
Vaulted ceilings or trays will add additional expense, and non-existent (flat) ceilings will have lower expenses and a quicker completion time.
How Much Does Drywall Mud Cost in 2025?
In 2025, drywall mud typically costs $6–$15 per bucket (4.5 gallons) for standard use. Quick-set and lightweight mud types can be more expensive.
There is bulk pricing on projects that are larger and it saves both time and money to estimate the amount of what you require.
Price/per Bucket/Bag
Drywall mud is sold in pre-mixed buckets or dry bags. A 4.5-gallon bucket is cost around 10-15 dollars weighing 18lb.A package of a dry mix is 8-12 dollars.
The difference between the two will depend on the size of your projects and time frame as well as whether you are recruiting a contractor or doing it yourself.
Comparison of Cost Pre-Mixed vs. Powdered Cost
Ready mud is more convenient and very fast to use, but at a slightly higher price. Mixing and additional work is required in powdered mud, which is also cheap.
In small or do it yourself (DIY) work, premixed should be used. Powdered mud is cheaper to mix in large quantities and is used when the product is to be used commercially on many occasions.
How Much Drywall Mud Do You Need Per Square Foot?
There is an average of 0.053 cent of mud per square foot of drywall or approximately 1 gallon per 100120 square feet. This depends on the coats applied, the drywall type and finishing degree. The benefit of our estimating service is to prevent waste by estimating precise quantities used.
The Influences That Affect the Cost of Drywall and Mud
The prices of drywall and mud variations are influenced by a lot of functions; material quality, labor rates, finishing degree, and waste. An excess or underestimation can be a problem. Estimation will help to minimize risks, allow you to manage the cost, and provide you with the appropriate materials in the suitable space.
Room size and Finish level
Time and materials are needed when dealing with bigger rooms. One of the apps will be a basic finish and the other is Level 5 smooth finish that requires more mud, sanding, another one is needing more labor. Being clear about what you should expect at the very outset will prevent nasty surprises and undesirable aftermarket.
Place and accessibility to it.
Densely populated places tend to be more expensive in terms of labor costs than rural areas. In addition, cramped or difficult to access areas cost more in terms of time and total cost. To have a more precise budgeting, our estimates consider the location and the site condition.
Labor Charges & Wastes of Materials
Uneconomical cuts or over-application and damage can increase expenses in terms of material waste. Labor-intense finishes or custom finishes add to your budget too, using skilled labor would be cost intensive. Working with a detailed takeoff would minimize wastage and maximize crew time there.
Find Fast and Accurate Estimating Services of Drywall online
Here in a flash is how to determine the cost of drywall and mud. At COMET Estimating our qualified estimators do precise quantity take-offs and estimations in 24 to 48 hours. Bid a commercial job or plan a remodel in your home and we will give you material lists and prices that assist you in making a smart decision fast.
Final Thoughts
The information on the price of drywall and mud in 2025 will allow you to be more prepared and prevent delays and overspending. All these factors are important, including the materials, and labor is even more crucial nowadays, with the increased construction market.
You are in luck, get in touch with us and we will offer you a quick, low price quote specific to what you need. Stop wasting your time and energy, eliminate stress and complete your drywall project in a proper manner.
