Prices for 5/8 inch Sheetrock, also called Type X in some markets, typically range from low to high based on thickness, finish, and regional labor. The cost is driven by sheet size, moisture resistance, fire rating, and delivery charges. This article outlines current pricing in USD, with concrete per-sheet and per-project ranges to help buyers budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8″ Sheetrock per 4×8 sheet | $10 | $15 | $25 | Standard white or paper-faced drywall |
| Delivery fee per order | $0 | $40 | $150 | Depends on distance and supplier policy |
| Labor to install per sheet | $1.50 | $3.50 | $6 | Drywall hanging, taping, mudding |
| Joint compound and tape per project | $8 | $20 | $40 | Multiple coats typical |
| Finishing by tradesperson per hour | $40 | $65 | $95 | Drywall finishing labor rate |
What Buyers Usually Pay for 5/8 Sheetrock Installed
Average total project cost often falls between $1.20 and $2.50 per square foot for installed value. For a standard 50-by-100-foot room with random cuts, expect several hundred dollars for materials and well over a thousand including labor. Typical per-sheet price ranges from $15 to $25 for material alone; installation adds roughly $1.50 to $6 per sheet depending on complexity. Assumptions: standard 4×8 sheets, ordinary access, midrange labor rates, no specialized moisture or fire-rated assemblies.
| Scenario | Material per Sheet | Labor per Sheet | Estimated Installed Cost per Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard interior walls | $12-$18 | $2-$4 | $16-$22 |
| Basement or moisture-prone areas | $14-$22 | $3-$6 | $17-$28 |
| Fire-rated Type X panels | $16-$25 | $4-$6 | $20-$31 |
Major Cost Components in a 5/8 Sheetrock Quote
Materials, labor, and finishing dominate the quote. The quote usually breaks into three to five line items: Materials (sheets, seam tape, joint compound), Labor (hanging, taping, mudding, sanding), Tools and Equipment usage, Delivery or staging, and Optional finishing or texture work. The table below shows a typical quote structure with concrete ranges.
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12-$18 per sheet | $14-$20 | $20-$28 | 5/8″ sheets, tape, compound |
| Labor | $2-$4 per sheet | $3-$5 | $5-$8 | Hanging and finishing |
| Delivery | $0-$60 | $20-$50 | $80-$150 | Distance dependent |
| Finishing/Texture | $0-$6 per sheet | $2-$5 | $6-$9 | Skim coats, smoothing |
| Permits/Inspection | $0-$50 | $10-$25 | $100-$200 | Rare in interior repairs |
Variables That Most Influence the 5/8 Sheetrock Price
Panel type and installation scope drive the final bill. Key drivers include sheet type (standard, moisture/mire, or fire-rated Type X), wall height and run length, number of cuts, and access. Precision cuts around outlets, windows, and corners add labor time. Regional wage differences and supplier proximity can swing costs by 10-25% for a typical project. Assumptions: one-story interior install, standard ceilings, normal access.
| Driver | Impact on Price | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet type | Material delta | $12-$28 per sheet | Type X for fire resistance costs more |
| Wall area | Labor scaling | $1.50-$6 per sheet | More sheets increase labor proportionally |
| Access complexity | Labor multiplier | 0.8x–1.4x | Corners, tight spaces raise time |
| Region | Labor rate variance | −10% to +25% | Urban vs rural differences |
Regional Price Differences You Should Expect
Urban markets tend to pay higher material and labor rates than rural areas. By region, 5/8 sheet price often trends higher on the West Coast and Northeast due to logistics and wages. Expect roughly 5% to 20% higher material costs in metropolitan zones versus rural Midwestern markets. Delivery surcharges can add another 10% in remote locations. Assumptions: standard delivery distance with occasional offloading needs.
Labor Considerations and Time Impact
Labor hours per sheet vary with finish level and crew size. Hanging a sheet may take 15-25 minutes per sheet for one worker, while taping and multi-coat mudding can extend to 45-90 minutes per sheet for a two-person crew. A typical 1,000 square foot project might require 60-80 sheets, translating to 30-60 labor-hours depending on finish quality. Assumptions: standard ceiling height, normal waste disposal, and no need for specialized acoustical work.
How to Reduce the 5/8 Sheetrock Price Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart scope changes and material choices cut costs. Consider using standard 5/8″ sheets with traditional seams instead of moisture- or fire-rated variants for non-wet areas. Bundle delivery with other materials, plan drywall before rough-in to avoid rework, and batch finishing work to minimize travel time. If moisture resistance isn’t required, skip Type X to save per-sheet cost. Assumptions: regulatory requirements allow standard interior installation.
Common Add-Ons That Change the Bottom Line
Texture, corner bead, and extra coats add to the final bill. Texture options (orange peel, skip trowel) can add $0.50-$2.50 per square foot in finishing costs. Corner bead, tapes, and screw-down costs are typically included in per-sheet labor; extra coats may push per-sheet finishing closer to $2-$6. For repairs, expect higher per-sheet rates due to patching and matching existing texture. Assumptions: patchwork not required beyond standard repairs.
Three Realistic Quote Scenarios
Concrete examples illustrate how ranges appear in practice.
- Standard interior remodel, 1,000 sq ft, 4×8 sheets, normal access: Materials $12-$18 per sheet; Labor $2-$4 per sheet; Delivery $0-$60; Total installed per sheet $16-$22; Estimated project $1,600-$2,200.
- Basement bathroom walls, moisture-prone area, 400 sq ft: Type X panels $18-$25 per sheet; Labor $3-$6 per sheet; Delivery $20-$70; Total per sheet $25-$31; Estimated project $1,000-$1,500.
- Fire-rated assembly in a garage conversion, 600 sq ft: Type X panels $20-$28 per sheet; Labor $4-$7 per sheet; Delivery $40-$90; Total per sheet $28-$35; Estimated project $2,100-$2,700.
Per-Unit Pricing Details for Quick Budgeting
Use per-sheet and per-square-foot benchmarks for fast budgeting. A quick rule: interior walls with standard finish average about $1.60 to $2.20 per sq ft installed, while areas requiring Type X or moisture resistance range from $2.50 to $4.00 per sq ft installed. For a 1,000 sq ft project, that equates to roughly $1,600 to $4,000 depending on scope and finish. Assumptions: typical room shapes, no unusual spans, standard stud spacing.
Extra Considerations: Permits, Scheduling, and Timing
Permits rarely apply to simple drywall projects, but timing can affect price. If a permit is required for structural or fire-rated work, add a modest fee or contractor-administered permit cost. Scheduling constraints, such as multi-trade coordination or rush timelines, may elicit small premium depending on regional demand. Planning ahead often yields better delivery windows and lower rush fees. Assumptions: non-urgent project with standard crew availability.