How Much Does Drywall Cost in Ontario?
Drywall (gypsum board) costs in Ontario cover materials and labour separately. Most contractors charge per sheet hung plus a finishing rate per square foot. A Level 5 finish (smooth, paint-ready with skim coat) costs significantly more than a Level 3 (common in new builds). Expect to pay a premium for tape and mud in Toronto and the GTA.
Quick Price Summary
Average drywall job in Ontario costs around $1,561 CAD. Actual costs depend on scope, materials, and your city.
| Service | Low | Average | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Drywall Install | $2 | $3 | $5 | per sq ft |
| Taping Finishing | $1 | $2 | $3 | per sq ft |
| Patch Repair | $150 | $300 | $600 | per repair |
| Full Room Drywall | $800 | $1,500 | $3,000 | per room |
| Basement Drywall | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 | full basement |
All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD). Updated February 2026. Prices vary by city and project scope.
Drywall Cost Ranges
What Affects Drywall Pricing?
- 1Square footage of walls and ceilings
- 2Finish level required (Level 3 for texture, Level 4-5 for smooth paint)
- 3Accessibility (cathedral ceilings, tight spaces)
- 4Number of corners, curves, and archways
- 5Whether asbestos testing is needed (pre-1980 homes)
- 6Soundproofing assembly (resilient channel, acoustic caulk)
When Are Drywall Prices Lowest?
December-February — slowest period for interior trades
May-August — busy season, skilled tapers are fully booked
How to Save on Drywall Work
- Specify Level 4 finish — it's paint-ready without the premium of Level 5
- Source materials yourself if you have a contractor account at a supplier
- Bundle drywall with a renovation — contractors reduce mobilization cost
- Batch repairs together rather than calling for single cracks
- Avoid popcorn ceiling removal if you can — asbestos testing adds cost
Payment Schedule & Protection
Recommended: 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion
Ontario Law: Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects. Read the Construction Act →
Licensing: No mandatory Ontario licence. Drywall is not a regulated trade in Ontario, but professional plasterers and drywall tapers should carry liability insurance and WSIB. Large commercial drywall projects may require membership in the Drywall Acoustic Lathing and Insulation (DALI) Local 675.
Frequently Asked Questions — Drywall Costs
- How much does drywall work cost in Ontario?
- New Drywall Install: $2-$5 (per sq ft). Taping Finishing: $1-$3 (per sq ft). Patch Repair: $150-$600 (per repair). Full Room Drywall: $800-$3,000 (per room). Basement Drywall: $3,000-$12,000 (full basement). All prices are in CAD and approximate for Ontario.
- What factors affect drywall pricing in Ontario?
- Square footage of walls and ceilings. Finish level required (Level 3 for texture, Level 4-5 for smooth paint). Accessibility (cathedral ceilings, tight spaces). Number of corners, curves, and archways. Whether asbestos testing is needed (pre-1980 homes). Soundproofing assembly (resilient channel, acoustic caulk).
- When is the cheapest time to hire a drywall contractor?
- Prices typically drop during: December-February — slowest period for interior trades. Prices rise during: May-August — busy season, skilled tapers are fully booked.
- How can I save money on drywall work?
- Specify Level 4 finish — it's paint-ready without the premium of Level 5. Source materials yourself if you have a contractor account at a supplier. Bundle drywall with a renovation — contractors reduce mobilization cost.
- Should I get multiple quotes?
- Always get at least 3 written quotes. Compare scope, materials, timeline, and warranty — not just price. The cheapest quote often means corners cut.
- How much deposit should I pay?
- 10-15% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, 10% holdback until completion. Ontario's Construction Act provides a 10% holdback right on construction projects.
Are You a Drywall Contractor?
See how your business stacks up. Get your free gap score in 30 seconds.
Own a Local Business?
Claim your free listing + get a marketing gap analysis in 30 seconds.
Get Real Quotes from Drywall Contractors
These are estimates. For accurate pricing, get 3 written quotes from verified contractors in your city.