As home renovation continues to thrive in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), homeowners and property investors are constantly on the lookout for up-to-date pricing on essential materials and labor. One of the most fundamental elements in any home remodeling or construction project is drywall. From interior renovations and home additions to full-scale custom home builds, drywall plays a critical role in shaping and finishing interior spaces. In this blog, we dive deep into the average cost of drywall per square foot in Toronto in 2025, what factors influence pricing, and how homeowners in areas like Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, Scarborough, and North York can plan their renovations efficiently.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Drywall and Its Role in Home Renovation
- Average Cost of Drywall per Square Foot in Toronto in 2025
- Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Labor
- Factors That Influence Drywall Costs
- Type of Drywall
- Wall Height and Thickness
- Project Size
- Location in the GTA
- Complexity and Customization
- Installation Process and Timelines
- Additional Costs to Consider
- Demolition and Removal
- Finishing and Taping
- Priming and Painting
- Soundproofing and Insulation
- Comparing DIY vs. Hiring a Toronto Contractor
- How David Reno Can Help With Drywall and Interior Renovations
- Tips to Save Money on Drywall Installation
1. Introduction to Drywall and Its Role in Home Renovation
Drywall, also known as plasterboard or gypsum board, is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate pressed between thick sheets of paper. It is used to create walls and ceilings and is a staple in modern interior construction. Drywall is popular for its versatility, ease of installation, and affordability compared to older methods like plaster.
Whether you’re undergoing a complete home renovation in Toronto or adding a home extension in Vaughan, drywall is essential to achieving a polished, functional space. It serves as the canvas for paint, wallpaper, and other finishes, contributing to both aesthetics and structural integrity.
2. Average Cost of Drywall per Square Foot in Toronto in 2025
In 2025, the average cost of drywall installation in Toronto ranges between $1.80 and $4.50 per square foot, depending on several factors we will explore further. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing tiers:
- Basic Drywall Installation: $1.80 – $2.50/sq ft
- Mid-Range Installations (standard rooms, smooth finish): $2.50 – $3.50/sq ft
- High-End Projects (custom shapes, high ceilings, soundproofing): $3.50 – $4.50/sq ft
These estimates include both materials and labor.
3. Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Labor
Understanding how the cost divides between materials and labor can help homeowners plan budgets more effectively.
- Materials: Drywall sheets typically cost $0.40 to $0.65 per square foot depending on type (standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, soundproof).
- Labor: The cost of labor in the GTA varies but generally ranges between $1.40 and $3.85 per square foot, influenced by the complexity of the project and the contractor’s expertise.
4. Factors That Influence Drywall Costs
Several variables can increase or decrease your final drywall installation bill:
- Type of Drywall: Moisture-resistant boards for bathrooms and basements are more expensive than standard sheets. Soundproof drywall and fire-rated panels can also increase costs.
- Wall Height and Thickness: Taller ceilings or thicker drywall (e.g., 5/8″ instead of 1/2″) will raise material and labor costs.
- Project Size: Larger renovations often benefit from bulk pricing. A whole-house renovation in Mississauga may have a lower per-square-foot rate than a small bathroom upgrade in North York.
- Location in the GTA: Prices may be slightly higher in central Toronto compared to suburban areas like Markham or Scarborough due to labor demand and transportation costs.
- Complexity and Customization: Unique architectural features such as arches, niches, or recessed lighting will require more labor and increase costs.
5. Installation Process and Timeline
A typical drywall installation involves several key steps:
- Framing Inspection
- Drywall Delivery
- Cutting and Hanging Panels
- Taping and Mudding (Joint Compound Application)
- Sanding
- Priming (Optional)
The installation timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. For a 500 sq ft room, installation can take 2-4 days. Larger projects or basement renovations in Vaughan or Scarborough may take up to two weeks, especially when combined with electrical, HVAC, or plumbing updates.
6. Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for drywall installation, be sure to account for these often-overlooked expenses:
- Demolition and Removal: Removing old drywall or plaster can cost an additional $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot.
- Taping and Finishing: High-end finishes require multiple coats of mud and precision sanding, costing up to $1.00 per sq ft.
- Priming and Painting: Add another $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot if you want your contractor to paint after installation.
- Soundproofing and Insulation: Upgrades like resilient channels, acoustic sealant, or mineral wool can add $1.00 to $3.00 per sq ft.
7. Comparing DIY vs. Hiring a Toronto Contractor
While DIY drywall installation might seem cost-effective, it comes with significant challenges. Hanging drywall requires skill, strength, and experience to achieve a smooth, professional look. Errors in taping, cutting, or finishing can lead to costly fixes and unsightly walls.
Hiring a licensed Toronto Contractor like David Reno ensures:
- Proper installation and finishing
- Compliance with building codes
- Faster project completion
- Warranty on labor and materials
In most cases, especially for large-scale projects or luxury renovations in North York or Richmond Hill, hiring a professional is the smarter investment.
Where to Buy Drywall in Toronto: Trusted Local Suppliers
When planning a home renovation or interior remodeling project in Toronto, having access to quality drywall materials is essential. Whether you’re hiring a Toronto contractor or tackling some aspects yourself, sourcing reliable materials can significantly impact the final result. Here are some top places to buy drywall in Toronto and the surrounding GTA, including Markham, Vaughan, North York, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
1. The Home Depot
A go-to option for many homeowners and contractors, The Home Depot has several locations across Toronto and the GTA. They carry a wide range of drywall products, from standard gypsum board to moisture-resistant panels and specialty acoustic drywall.
- Website: www.homedepot.ca
- Locations: Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Vaughan, Mississauga, and more
2. Lowe’s Canada / RONA
Lowe’s offers a selection of drywall panels, corner beads, joint compounds, and other necessary materials. They also provide delivery services, which is helpful for large renovation projects.
- Website: www.lowes.ca
- Locations: Toronto, North York, Mississauga, and nearby areas
3. Taj Building Supplies
A trusted local supplier that serves both homeowners and professionals across Toronto and the GTA. Taj specializes in drywall and framing materials, making it a top choice for larger renovation and home addition projects.
- Website: www.tajbuildingsupply.com
- Location: Scarborough
4. City Drywall Supply
Focused specifically on drywall and related materials, City Drywall Supply is a contractor-favourite located in Toronto. They offer a large inventory of gypsum board, steel studs, insulation, and taping supplies.
- Website: www.citydrywallsupply.com
- Location: Toronto
5. The Drywall Store
This GTA-based supplier is ideal for both DIY renovators and professional contractors. They provide competitive pricing, expert advice, and a wide selection of products to support all types of home renovation needs.
- Website: www.thedrywallstore.ca
- Locations: Vaughan and Mississauga
Tips When Purchasing Drywall:
- Measure Twice, Buy Once: Always calculate your square footage needs carefully, including a 10–15% buffer for waste or mistakes.
- Compare Prices: Pricing can vary between suppliers, especially when buying in bulk.
- Check Delivery Options: Many suppliers offer delivery, which can be a huge time-saver—especially in tight urban spaces like Downtown Toronto or North York.
- Ask About Bulk Discounts: If you’re doing a large-scale home remodeling or basement renovation, you may qualify for contractor pricing or volume deals.
8. How David Reno Can Help With Drywall and Interior Renovation
David Reno is a leading Toronto Contractor offering full-service home renovation solutions across the GTA. From interior renovations and home additions to full custom home builds, our team ensures high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Whether you’re renovating a condo in Downtown Toronto, finishing a basement in Mississauga, or adding a home office in Vaughan, we provide:
- Professional drywall installation
- Comprehensive design-to-build services
- Transparent pricing and estimates
- Skilled, insured contractors
We proudly serve Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, North York, Mississauga, Scarborough, and beyond.
9. Tips to Save Money on Drywall Installation
- Plan Ahead: Consolidate renovations to reduce labor mobilization costs.
- Buy in Bulk: For larger projects, request wholesale pricing or contractor discounts.
- Choose the Right Drywall Type: Avoid over-specifying (e.g., fire-rated in non-critical areas).
- Minimize Custom Work: Keep designs straightforward to reduce complexity.
- Bundle Services: Use a contractor who can handle framing, drywall, and painting as one package.
In 2025, the cost of drywall in Toronto continues to be a fundamental factor in home remodeling and interior renovations. By understanding current pricing trends, cost breakdowns, and the value of working with a professional Toronto Contractor, homeowners can make informed decisions and stretch their renovation budgets further.
Whether you’re upgrading a single room in Markham, completing a basement transformation in Vaughan, or planning a full home renovation in Mississauga, drywall installation is a pivotal part of the process.
Contact David Reno today to get a free estimate and expert guidance on how to bring your dream renovation to life—on time and on budget.
Looking to renovate your home in 2025? Whether it’s drywall installation, a kitchen upgrade, or a complete home remodeling project, David Reno is your trusted Toronto Contractor for expert craftsmanship across the GTA.