Cost to Drywall a Garage

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Drywalling your garage improves insulation, fire resistance, and aesthetics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of costs, factors, and ways to save.

Average Costs

Cost per Sq. Ft. (Materials + Labor): $1.50–$3.50
One-Car Garage: $360–$1,350
Two-Car Garage: $540–$1,700
Three-Car Garage: $1,050–$3,000

Cost Breakdown

1. Materials

Drywall Panels: $10–$65 per 4x8 ft. panel
Standard drywall: $10–$25/panel
Fire-resistant or water-resistant drywall: $20–$65/panel
Thickness:
Standard (1/2 inch): ~$10–$25/panel
Fire-resistant (5/8 inch): +$5–$10/panel

2. Labor

Professional Installation: $1.20–$3 per sq. ft.
Accounts for 15%–25% of total project cost.

3. Finishing

DIY Materials:
Joint compound: $10–$25 per bucket (covers 450 sq. ft.)
Drywall tape: ~$5 per roll.
Professional Finishing: $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.

4. Texturing (Optional)

Cost: $0.50–$2 per sq. ft.
Spray texture: $0.50–$1 per sq. ft.
Hand-applied texture: $1.50–$2 per sq. ft.

Additional Factors

Existing Garage Features

Higher walls, odd shapes, windows, or multiple doors increase cutting and material costs.

Drywall Removal (if replacing)

Cost: $0.30–$0.45 per sq. ft.
Two-Car Garage: $100–$225

Location

Costs vary by city:
Los Angeles, CA: ~$2,200
Austin, TX: ~$1,600

Repairs

Average drywall repair costs: $300–$900

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

| DIY Costs | Pro Costs |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| $0.30–$2/sq. ft. for materials | $1.20–$3/sq. ft. for materials + labor |
| $75–$1,720 total (materials only) | $1,125–$3,000+ total for a pro-installed garage |

DIY Tips:
- Installing drywall is an intermediate-level project.
- Save 15%–25% by finishing drywall yourself.

Ways to Save Money

DIY Installation: Save on labor by installing panels yourself.
Skip Texture: If aesthetics are less important, leave the drywall untextured.
Choose a Lighter Texture: Opt for spray textures over hand-applied ones.
Use Thinner Drywall: Thinner sheets are cheaper but may sacrifice fire resistance.
Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple contractors for the best deal.

Drywalling a garage is a cost-effective way to enhance its functionality and appearance. With careful planning and smart choices, you can tailor the project to your budget!