Drywall Installation Cost in Bakersfield – 2026 Price Guide

Cost Per Sheet

Standard 4x8 foot sheets of 1/2 inch drywall typically run $15 to $25 per panel for the material alone. Moisture-resistant (green board) and fire-resistant (Type X) drywall will be $20 to $35 or more per sheet, depending on thickness and the specific product. These are material-only prices and don't include labor, delivery, taping, or finishing.

Labor and Installation Rates

Professional drywall installation in the Bakersfield area ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for hanging, taping, and basic finishing. That works out to roughly $40 to $75 per standard sheet installed. The price goes up for higher level finishes, specialty products like sound-dampening drywall, or if the project involves curved walls, high ceilings, or intricate architectural details.

Average Project Costs

A single 12x12 bedroom typically costs $600 to $1,200 to hang, tape, and finish. An average-sized living room might run $1,000 to $2,500. A whole-house drywall installation for a 2,000 square foot Bakersfield home can cost $4,000 to $10,000 depending on layout complexity, ceiling height, and the level of finish you're after.

Factors That Affect Price

• Level of finish — Level 4 standard for paint. Level 5 smooth high-end costs more
• Drywall type — Type X fire-rated, green board, sound-dampening panels cost more per sheet
• Removal of existing materials — Budget an extra $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot
• Access and ceiling height — High ceilings need scaffolding and more labor
• Texture matching — Orange peel, knockdown, or skip trowel adds finishing time

How to Get an Accurate Quote

The only way to get an accurate price is to have a contractor look at your project. At Bakersfield Elite Drywall , we offer free, no-pressure estimates for every residential and commercial project. We'll measure the space, discuss your finish expectations, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. Serving Bakersfield, Oildale, Rosedale, Lamont, Greenacres, and all of Kern County.