Whether you’re remodeling a room or building a home from scratch, finishing sheetrock (also known as drywall) is a crucial step for smooth, paint-ready walls. But how much should you budget? In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of sheetrock finishing, factors that affect pricing, and tips to save money—whether you’re DIYing or hiring pros.
📊 Average Cost of Sheetrock Finishing Per Square Foot
As of 2025, the average cost to finish sheetrock ranges between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot, depending on the finish level, location, and labor costs.
| Level of Finish | Typical Use | Cost/Sq Ft (Labor & Material) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Utility areas, garages | $1.00 – $1.50 |
| Level 3 | Areas with texture or wallpaper | $1.50 – $2.25 |
| Level 4 | Painted walls with flat paint | $2.00 – $3.00 |
| Level 5 | High-end smooth finish | $2.50 – $3.50 |
💡 Pro Tip: The smoother the finish (especially Level 5), the more labor and sanding involved, which increases the cost.
🛠️ What’s Included in Sheetrock Finishing?
Finishing sheetrock involves several steps:
- Taping joints
- Applying joint compound (mud)
- Sanding between coats
- Smoothing out screw holes
- Final surface prep for paint
If you’re hiring a professional sheetrock finisher, these steps are typically bundled into the total labor cost.
💡 Cost Factors to Consider
Here’s what affects the final price of finishing sheetrock:
- Room Size – Larger spaces = higher total cost, but often lower cost per square foot.
- Number of Corners & Seams – More edges and angles = more time.
- Ceiling Height – Tall walls or vaulted ceilings cost more.
- Labor Rates – Urban areas may see higher hourly charges.
- Drywall Finish Level – Higher-level finishes (especially Level 5) cost more.
- Repairs or Old Drywall – Patching or refinishing old walls can add to the cost.
👷 Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
DIYing your drywall finish can save money, but there’s a learning curve. If you’re a beginner, start with small rooms and use the best sheetrock mud for beginners, such as lightweight all-purpose compound.
Hiring a drywall finishing company brings speed and experience, especially for large or complex jobs. You can find local pros by searching “drywall finishing companies near me” or “sheetrock finishing near me.”
📍 Finding Drywall Finishers Near You
To find reputable sheetrock finishers in your area:
- Search Google for “drywall and finishing companies near me”
- Look on review sites like Angi, Yelp, or HomeAdvisor
- Ask for references and portfolio photos
- Make sure they are licensed and insured
Always get 2–3 estimates to compare pricing and scope of work.
💵 Cost-Saving Tips
Want to save money on drywall finishing? Try these:
- Do the cleanup and prep yourself
- Use mid-level finishes (Level 3 or 4)
- Buy materials in bulk if you’re handling multiple rooms
- Hire during off-season periods (late fall/winter)
✅ Final Thoughts: What’s Your Sheetrock Finishing Budget?
In 2025, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for a professionally finished drywall surface. By understanding your project needs and finish level, you can better plan your budget and timeline. Knowing the costs upfront will help you make smarter decisions.
📞 Ready to Start Your Project?
Looking for sheetrock finishing near you? Contact JNL Painting today @ 907-213-0987 for a free estimate from experienced drywall pros in your area.
