Basic
$1.85 – $2.20 per sq ft
1/2 in. standard drywall, paper tape and all-purpose compound, Level 3 finish ready for texture

Install Sheetrock: national installed price range, materials and labor breakdown, and local pricing by ZIP code.
Install Sheetrock in Des Moines, Iowa typically costs $2.17 to $2.59 per sq ft as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Prices in Des Moines are 3.0% lower than the national average for install sheetrock.
National average: $2.26 – $2.69 per sq ft
$1.85 – $2.20 per sq ft
1/2 in. standard drywall, paper tape and all-purpose compound, Level 3 finish ready for texture
$2.17 – $2.59 per sq ft
1/2 in. lightweight drywall, sag-resistant ceilings, paper tape, Level 4 smooth finish ready for paint
$2.71 – $3.23 per sq ft
1/2 in. lightweight drywall, sag-resistant ceilings, paper tape, Level 5 skim coat for a uniform smooth finish
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $0.96 – $1.14 | sq ft |
| Labor | labor | $0.79 – $0.94 | sq ft |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $0.25 – $0.30 | sq ft |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $0.17 – $0.21 | sq ft |
Hung and taped drywall walls in a garage before sanding and paint
Photo: Sery Content Development · CC BY 2.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisCut half-inch drywall pieces with joint tape and finishing knives
Photo: Timothyjosephwood · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisFinished drywall walls in a basement with a wood bar base installed
Photo: NLT CONSTRUCTION · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisLabor costs in Des Moines run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
BuildX Pro researches and reviews the national price range for Install Sheetrock, then adjusts it to your ZIP code for local labor and material costs using the public data below. Last checked Sep 2026.
Connect with local install sheetrock contractors in Des Moines for personalized quotes based on your specific project.