Drywall Installation Cost in Canada (Per Sheet and Per Room)

Drywall Installation Cost in Canada, Per Sheet and Per Room

Whether you are finishing a basement, renovating a kitchen, or building a new home, drywall installation is one of the most common construction tasks across Canada. Understanding the true cost of drywall installation helps homeowners budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses. This comprehensive guide breaks down drywall costs by sheet, by room, and across major Canadian provinces, plus practical tips to keep your project on budget.

Average Drywall Installation Costs in Canada

Drywall installation costs in Canada vary widely based on location, labour availability, material prices, and project complexity. As of 2026, here are the realistic ranges:

• Per sheet (4x8 feet): $15 to $25 CAD material only
• Per square foot: $1.50 to $3.00 CAD for labour and installation
• Per hour: $50 to $85 CAD for skilled drywall contractors
• Average room (150 sq ft): $450 to $850 CAD for labour alone

These prices reflect standard 5/8-inch drywall with basic finishing. Specialty products, moisture-resistant drywall, or fire-rated boards cost more.

Drywall Costs by Canadian Province and Region

British Columbia

British Columbia has some of the highest drywall labour costs in Canada, driven by strong market demand and higher contractor wages. Vancouver and suburban areas command premium rates.

• Labour per square foot: $2.25 to $3.00 CAD
• Per hour: $70 to $85 CAD
• Average bedroom (150 sq ft): $650 to $900 CAD labour only
• Material per sheet: $18 to $25 CAD

Alberta

Alberta offers more competitive drywall pricing than BC, though Calgary and Edmonton have slightly higher rates than rural areas. Material costs are moderate.

• Labour per square foot: $1.75 to $2.50 CAD
• Per hour: $55 to $75 CAD
• Average bedroom (150 sq ft): $500 to $750 CAD labour only
• Material per sheet: $16 to $22 CAD

Ontario

Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area, reflects moderate-to-high drywall costs. Supply chains are well-established, keeping materials affordable despite labour premiums in urban centres.

• Labour per square foot: $2.00 to $2.75 CAD
• Per hour: $60 to $80 CAD
• Average bedroom (150 sq ft): $550 to $800 CAD labour only
• Material per sheet: $17 to $23 CAD

Quebec

Quebec benefits from strong local drywall supplier networks and a competitive contractor market, resulting in lower overall costs than many regions.

• Labour per square foot: $1.50 to $2.25 CAD
• Per hour: $50 to $70 CAD
• Average bedroom (150 sq ft): $450 to $650 CAD labour only
• Material per sheet: $15 to $20 CAD

Cost Breakdown By Project Type

Basement Finishing

Basement drywall projects typically cover 800 to 1,500 square feet and often include moisture-resistant materials.

• Standard drywall: $1,600 to $3,000 CAD labour
• Moisture-resistant drywall: $2,000 to $3,500 CAD labour
• Materials: $800 to $1,500 CAD total

Bedroom Installation

A typical bedroom of 150 square feet with basic finishing costs:

• Drywall hanging only: $250 to $400 CAD
• Hanging plus taping and mudding: $500 to $900 CAD
• Materials: $150 to $250 CAD

Ceiling Installation

Ceiling work is more labour-intensive due to overhead positioning and requires skilled application.

• Labour per square foot: $2.50 to $4.00 CAD
• 150 sq ft ceiling: $600 to $1,200 CAD labour
• Materials: $200 to $350 CAD

Major Cost Factors and Variables

Labour Complexity: Basic hanging costs less than finishing (taping, mudding, sanding, priming). Full finishing can double or triple labour costs.

Material Type: Standard 5/8-inch drywall is standard. Moisture-resistant (green board) costs 10 to 20 percent more. Fire-rated and soundproof varieties cost 15 to 30 percent more.

Room Accessibility: Tight spaces, low ceilings, or difficult layouts increase labour hours and costs by 15 to 30 percent.

Existing Conditions: Removing old drywall, asbestos remediation, or structural repairs add significant cost.

Finishing Level: Contractors offer different finish levels, from basic to premium. Premium finishes suitable for high-end paint cost considerably more in labour.

How To Save Money on Drywall Installation

1. Choose Basic Finishing: Skip premium finishes if you are painting. A Level 3 finish is adequate for most residential projects and costs significantly less than Level 4 or 5.
2. Bundle Projects: Hiring one contractor for multiple rooms reduces setup time and overhead. Request a discount for larger jobs.
3. Remove Old Drywall Yourself: If you are comfortable with demolition, removing old materials before the contractor arrives saves labour costs.
4. Compare Multiple Quotes: Get at least three quotes from licensed drywall contractors in your area. Prices vary significantly.
5. Use Standard Materials: Stick with standard drywall unless moisture resistance or fire rating is necessary. Specialty boards add cost without benefit in typical residential rooms.
6. Plan During Off-Season: Drywall contractors may offer discounts during slower periods (winter in some regions).
7. Negotiate Material Supply: Some contractors allow you to buy materials yourself, potentially reducing total costs, though this shifts responsibility to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Hang Drywall Only, Without Finishing?

Drywall hanging labour typically costs $0.75 to $1.50 CAD per square foot across Canada. For a 150-square-foot room, expect $110 to $225 CAD in labour. Material costs remain the same. Hanging-only work is faster and cheaper but leaves seams visible, requiring finishing later.

What Is the Difference Between Drywall Finishing Levels?

Level 1 is basic (tape joints only). Level 2 includes one mud coat. Level 3 includes two coats and light sanding. Level 4 includes three coats with sanding. Level 5 is premium finish for high-end paint or wallpaper. Costs increase significantly with each level, particularly from Level 3 to Level 5.

How Long Does Drywall Installation Take?

A skilled contractor hangs approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet per day. Finishing takes considerably longer: roughly 300 to 500 square feet per day for complete finishing. A typical 150-square-foot bedroom takes two to three days for hanging and finishing combined.

Is Moisture-Resistant Drywall Worth the Extra Cost?

In bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms, moisture-resistant drywall is worth the 10 to 20 percent premium. It resists mildew and extends the life of your walls. In bedrooms and living areas with normal humidity, standard drywall is adequate.

Next Steps: Find a Drywall Contractor in Your Area

Now that you understand drywall costs across Canada, the next step is connecting with a qualified, licensed contractor. Whether you are in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, or elsewhere in Canada, finding the right professional ensures quality workmanship and fair pricing. Visit Local Skilled Trades to find a drywall contractor near you today. Get multiple quotes, verify licenses and insurance, and trust the process. Your renovation project deserves skilled hands and professional expertise.