Drywall is the most-installed interior material in residential construction. A single house can consume 200–400 sheets. At that volume, a $0.50 price difference per sheet adds up to hundreds of dollars — making supplier comparison essential before every job.
Standard 1/2-inch drywall (also sold as "Sheetrock," USG's brand name) is the workhorse of interior finishing. But specialty types — moisture-resistant ("greenboard"), mold-resistant ("purple board"), fire-rated (Type X), and soundboard — command premium pricing and require supplier comparison. Board prices also vary significantly between big-box stores and drywall-specialty distributors.
Common drywall types: 1/2" standard (most interior walls and ceilings), 5/8" Type X fire-rated (garages, furnace rooms, code-required applications), 1/2" moisture-resistant for bathrooms and kitchens, mold-resistant board for humid climates, 1/4" flexible for curved walls, and 5/8" Ultralight for easier ceiling installation.
Typical price ranges: Standard 1/2" 4×8 sheets run $12–$18 per sheet. 5/8" Type X runs $16–$24 per sheet. Moisture-resistant runs $18–$26. Mold-resistant (purple board) runs $20–$30. Prices drop at 50+ sheet quantities and drop again at full unit (250–500 sheet) pallet buys.
Buying tips for contractors: Delivery is critical for drywall — factor it into your price comparison. Drywall specialty distributors often beat big-box pricing on full lifts and include delivery in the quote. Order 8%, 10%, or 12% overage for waste (more for complex floor plans). Always compare delivered price, not just per-sheet price.
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