Many buyers look only at the sticker price of plasterboard, missing key factors that impact total renovation cost.
A standard 8x4 ft (4×8 ft) plasterboard sheet costs around $10–$15 in the US, or 40–80 yuan in China, depending on thickness, features, and brand.
To avoid budget surprises, you need to factor in finishing, wastage, and specialty board price differences before making a purchase.
Is drywall price per sheet?
Drywall pricing can sound simple, but the way stores sell it can confuse many DIY buyers.
Drywall is priced per sheet, but large stores often sell in bundles of 10–25 sheets, making unit cost calculations more difficult.
I once helped a friend budget for 12 sheets. The local store only sold full packs of 20, which meant buying 8 extra sheets. The per-sheet price was low, but the total spend went up fast.
Here’s how sales formats differ:
| Sales Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Single Sheet | Flexible purchase | Higher risk of damage during transport |
| Bundle (10–25 sheets) | Lower handling damage, bulk discount | Requires buying more than needed, increasing cost |
Always confirm if prices cover single sheets or bundles before budgeting.
Is plasterboard or plywood cheaper?
Some buyers assume similar materials cost about the same, but plasterboard usually wins on upfront price.
Plasterboard is typically 40–60% cheaper than plywood of the same size. A 4×8 plasterboard sheet averages $12, while plywood of similar quality costs $25–$35.
Years ago, I compared both for a small renovation. Plasterboard won on purchase price, but required seam-finishing, sanding, and painting. Plywood was faster to install but cost more initially.
Here’s a direct comparison:
| Material | Avg. Price (4×8 ft) | Installation Complexity | Finish Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasterboard | $10–$15 | Medium | Yes (seam, paint) |
| Plywood | $25–$35 | Low-Medium | Optional |
The right choice depends on your budget and ability to handle extra finishing work.
How much does a 4x8 sheet of drywall cover?
Coverage seems simple, but real-world installation reduces the actual usable area.
Theoretical coverage is 32 sq ft per 4×8 drywall sheet. In practice, due to cuts and joins, usable coverage is closer to 28–29 sq ft.
During one DIY project, a client calculated materials on perfect coverage, ignoring waste. That mistake caused a mid-project shortage and delayed completion.
Coverage breakdown:
| Area Type | Sq Ft Covered | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical (no waste) | 32 | Full sheet as per product size |
| Practical (with waste) | 28–29 | 10–15% loss from cuts and overlaps |
Professional builders recommend adding 15% extra material to cover waste and avoid shortages.
Conclusion
Plasterboard costs less than plywood, but total expenses depend on sheet type, finishing needs, and realistic coverage. Plan for waste and check how suppliers sell it.
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By Nick Wang
