GTA drywall installation cost — straight numbers.
No bait pricing. No surprise charges. Here is what drywall installation actually costs in Toronto and the GTA in 2026.
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The short answer
Most GTA drywall installation projects fall between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot hung and taped to a Level 4 paint-ready finish. That includes board, screws, joint compound, corner bead, tape, primer, and labour.
Pricing by project type
| Project | Typical size | Cost range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basement finishing | 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $3,500 – $7,500 | 4–6 days |
| Single room (10x12) | 120 sq ft floor | $900 – $1,800 | 1–2 days |
| Full house renovation | 2,000–2,800 sq ft | $8,500 – $15,500 | 2–3 weeks |
| Garage conversion | 300–500 sq ft | $1,800 – $3,500 | 3–4 days |
| Laneway suite | 600–800 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,400 | 5–7 days |
| Addition / 2nd storey | 600–1,200 sq ft | $2,800 – $6,200 | 5–8 days |
| Single bathroom | 40–80 sq ft | $650 – $1,200 | 1–2 days |
What drives drywall cost up or down?
- Ceiling height. Standard 8 ft ceilings are baseline. 9 ft adds a few percent. 10–14 ft cathedral ceilings need scaffolding or lifts and add 15–30%.
- Finish level. Level 4 is standard. Level 5 adds a full skim coat — typically 15–25% more.
- Board type. 1/2" standard is cheapest. 5/8" Type X fire-rated, green board, QuietRock, and abuse-resistant board all cost more per sheet.
- Access. Walk-in basement vs. carrying boards down a steep narrow stair changes labour by hours.
- Cuts. Open rectangular rooms hang fast. Curved walls, archways, niches, soffits, and many electrical penetrations slow it down.
- Repair vs new. A new framed wall is fast. Cutting out water-damaged drywall, drying, and patching is slower per square foot.
- Site dust control. Occupied homes need zip walls and HEPA vacuums — adds a small premium over open construction sites.
What is included in our installation quote
- Drywall (1/2", 5/8" Type X, green board as needed)
- Screws, tape, joint compound (setting + ready-mix), corner bead
- Hanging and screw-out
- Three-coat tape, fill, finish
- Sanding to Level 4
- Drywall primer (PVA)
- Daily clean-up + final vacuum
- 1-year workmanship warranty
What is not included
- Demolition and existing drywall removal (priced separately if needed)
- Framing or stud wall construction
- Insulation and vapour barrier
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Final paint topcoat (we coordinate with your painter)
- Permit fees and inspection costs (where applicable)
How to get an accurate quote
For most residential work we will visit the site (free) within 24–48 hours, measure, and email an itemized written quote within 24 hours of the visit. For repairs and small jobs you can text photos and we will quote from the photos. For commercial work we bid from architectural drawings within 5–7 business days.
Looking for the full drywall installation service overview? Or learn more about the related taping and mudding, ceiling repair, and drywall repair services.
Drywall cost FAQ
Why does drywall installation cost so much?+
A square foot of drywall is cheap; the labour is what costs. Hanging is fast, but proper taping is three coats over multiple days, plus sanding, plus prime. A 1,200 sq ft basement is roughly 80 hours of skilled labour, which is the bulk of the price.
Are basement installations more expensive?+
Per square foot, slightly. Basements have low ceilings, more cuts, code-required 5/8" Type X on the ceiling, and often green board around plumbed walls. Expect $3.00–4.50 per sq ft for a basement vs $2.50–3.50 for above-grade rooms.
How much for just the materials?+
In the GTA today, drywall sheets run $14–24 each depending on type. Joint compound, tape, screws, primer, and corner bead add roughly $0.40 per sq ft of wall. Materials are typically 25–35% of the total project cost.
Can I save money by hanging drywall myself?+
Yes — taping-only quotes typically save 35–45% off a full hang-and-tape number. We will tape over your hung work as long as it is reasonably square and screws are properly set. Just be aware: a poorly hung sheet creates problems we cannot tape away.
Pricing applies across all 19 GTA cities
We do not change our prices by city. Drywall installation runs the same per-square-foot range whether you are in Toronto, Hamilton, or Newmarket. Local context, examples, and same-day quotes for your area:
Service overview: Drywall installation → · All 19 GTA service areas
Related reading
Two articles that go deeper on the cost question.
How to pick the right drywall thickness for ceilings, walls, fire-rated assemblies, and wet areas.
Read article →
A line-by-line breakdown of what you are actually paying for when a drywall crew quotes a basement or whole-house job.
Read article →Ready for square corners and smooth walls?
Get a same-day estimate from a real GTA drywall crew. No high-pressure sales — just a clear quote.