Many homeowners hear both "plasterboard" and "drywall" and assume they are different materials, leading to confusion and wrong budgeting.
In the US and Canada, plasterboard and drywall are the same product, costing about $0.40–$0.65 per square foot for standard ceiling boards.
I often explain to clients that the main cost factors are board price, labor charges, and any finishing work like taping and painting. Once this is clear, budgeting becomes more accurate.
How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 ceiling?
A 12x12 ceiling is one of the most common home improvement sizes, but total cost depends on both material and labor.
Drywalling a 12x12 ceiling costs about $300–$500, including $100–$150 for materials and $200–$350 for labor.
The material cost covers standard 1/2-inch plasterboard (drywall) sheets, plus joint compound, screws, and tape. Labor includes cutting, lifting, securing, and finish work. Below is a quick breakdown:
| Item | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 100 – 150 | Drywall sheets, screws, joint compound |
| Labor | 200 – 350 | Installation, finishing, cleanup |
| Total | 300 – 500 | Varies by region and contractor rates |
One homeowner I worked with recently saved money by prepping the space themselves, reducing labor time, but still had a professional finish the job for smooth results.
Is plasterboard cheaper than drywall?
This is a question I get from almost every first-time renovator, and the answer surprises many.
In North America, plasterboard and drywall are the same, so there is no price difference — they both cost about $0.40–$0.65 per square foot.
The real cost comparison is between drywall (plasterboard) and traditional wet plaster. Wet plaster is more expensive because it is labor-intensive and requires higher skill. Here is a cost comparison example:
| Material Type | Cost per Sq Ft (USD) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall/Plasterboard | 0.40 – 0.65 | Fast to install, low labor cost |
| Traditional Plaster | 2.00 – 3.00 | Skilled labor, more durable, detailed look |
Many clients opt for drywall for budget and speed, unless historical restoration or high-detail finishes are required.
How much does ceiling plaster cost?
If you still prefer the traditional plaster finish, be ready for the higher price and longer installation time.
A traditional plaster ceiling costs about $2–$3 per square foot, making it 20%–35% more expensive than drywall.
The higher cost comes from needing several coats, more precise finishing, and drying time between stages. Plaster also needs highly skilled tradespeople. Here’s a simple comparison for a 12x12 ceiling:
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft (USD) | Total Cost for 12x12 (USD) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall/Plasterboard | 0.40 – 0.65 | 58 – 94 | Quick install |
| Traditional Plaster | 2.00 – 3.00 | 288 – 432 | Skilled, slower work |
I once guided a client building a studio space to use plaster for acoustic control and elegant curves. The cost was higher, but they said the look and sound quality were worth it.
Conclusion
Choosing between plasterboard and plaster depends on budget, time, and design goals — drywall is faster and cheaper, plaster is costlier but more refined.
TRUSUS – Bring beauty to every corner of the world
