How many sheets of drywall do I need?
Sheets, joint compound, screws and tape — by room size and sheet type. Free, no email required to see the math.
Your inputs
12-footers mean fewer butt joints on long walls but are a two-person carry.
You'll need
Assumptions (tap to adjust)+
The math, in plain English.
We add up the surface you're covering — the four walls minus doors and windows, plus the ceiling if it's getting new board — tack on a waste factor for cuts, and divide by the sheet size you picked. Then we round up, because a partial sheet is still a whole sheet at the register.
Joint compound, screws and tape are figured off that same area and sheet count. The mud number assumes a standard tape-and-two-coat finish; if you're going for a Level 5 finish or a full skim coat, plan on a good deal more. Screws assume framing at 16" on center.
Hanging is the easy part — finishing is where drywall jobs go sideways. If you're patching into an existing wall or ceiling, texture matching is what makes a drywall repair disappear, and it's harder than it looks. Buy an extra sheet; the scraps become patch stock later.
Drywall questions
Should I use 4×8 or 4×12 sheets?+
12-foot sheets cover a long wall with fewer butt joints, which means less taping and a flatter finish. They're heavy and awkward to get through a doorway, though. For most rooms with a helper, 4×12 on the walls and 4×8 where access is tight is a good split.
1/2" or 5/8" drywall?+
1/2" is standard for walls. 5/8" is stiffer — good for ceilings on 24" framing so it doesn't sag — and Type X 5/8" is what's usually required where fire rating matters, like a garage wall shared with the house. Check your local code if it's a garage or a rental.
What finish level do I need before painting?+
Level 4 is the normal paint-ready finish for most rooms. If you're using a glossy paint, strong side lighting, or want a perfectly smooth wall with no texture, ask for Level 5 — a full skim coat over everything. Textured walls hide a lot; smooth walls hide nothing.
Can you match my existing texture?+
Usually, yes. Orange peel and knockdown are the common ones in Clark County homes and both can be matched with the right hopper and a good eye. Older hand textures take more trial and error. A patch that's matched well disappears once it's painted; one that isn't never does.
How much does drywall repair cost in Clark County?+
These ranges reflect the Vancouver, WA / Portland metro market — outside the area, treat them as a rough guide. A typical range for a small patch is on the low end of a service call, while a full room hang-and-finish runs into the four figures depending on ceiling height and finish level. Texture matching and repainting add to it. Want a real number? Request a free estimate and we'll price it line by line.
How many screws per sheet?+
About 32 for a 4×8 on 16" centers — screws every 12" in the field and every 8" along the edges. Ceilings get a few more. One pound of #6 1-1/4" screws is roughly 300, so most rooms are a one- or two-pound box.
Get a free estimate for drywall.
You've got the numbers — we've got the crew. Free onsite consult and a line-item quote, usually same day to 48 hours, depending on scope.