Division 09 - Gypsum Board & Framing

Drywall Estimating Services in Arizona

Drywall and metal framing takeoffs and estimates for residential, commercial and multifamily projects across Arizona. Board by type and thickness, studs and track, fire-rated assemblies, ceilings, finish levels and textures, priced for drywall contractors and general contractors.

Overview

Drywall Estimates by Wall Type and Finish Level

Quick answer: Drywall estimating is the takeoff and pricing of gypsum board walls and ceilings and the framing that supports them. The estimator measures wall and ceiling areas by assembly type, counts board by thickness and type such as fire-rated or moisture-resistant, takes off metal studs and track by gauge and height, adds insulation, corner bead, tape, compound and texture, and prices hanging, finishing and framing labor based on the specified finish level.

Drywall is one of the largest interior scopes on most projects and one of the easiest to get wrong. Wall heights, multiple layers, fire-rated assemblies, soffits and finish levels all change the quantity and labor dramatically. Our drywall estimators measure each wall type separately and price it according to the assembly shown on the drawings.

We estimate residential board and texture packages, commercial metal stud and board systems, fire-rated corridors and shafts, ceilings and soffits, and multifamily unit and corridor packages. Each estimate is organized by wall type and area so you can compare against the plans and price changes easily.

Drywall packages pair with our Framing and Lumber Estimating Services for wood-framed buildings, our Insulation Estimating Services and our Painting Estimating Services.

What Your Drywall Estimating Includes

Get a Fixed Quote Today

Send your drawings and receive a fixed fee and delivery date, usually the same business day.

Scope of Work

Drywall and Framing Work We Estimate

Residential Drywall

Walls, ceilings, garages and textures for homes, ADUs and remodels.

Commercial Metal Stud Walls

Interior partitions with light-gauge studs, track, bracing and board.

Fire-Rated Assemblies

One- and two-hour walls, rated ceilings and corridor systems per tested assemblies.

Shaft Walls

Elevator, stair and mechanical shafts with shaft wall systems.

Ceilings and Soffits

Drywall ceilings, bulkheads, soffits and framed ceiling features.

Acoustical Ceilings

Suspended grid and acoustical tile ceilings in commercial spaces.

Sound-Rated Walls

Party walls and demising walls with acoustic insulation and resilient channel.

Moisture-Resistant Areas

Moisture-resistant and cement board in wet areas and showers.

Multifamily Packages

Unit, corridor and common area board by building. See Multifamily Estimating Services.

In Depth

How We Estimate Drywall

Wall types

Each wall type from the partition schedule is measured by length and height. Height matters: the same wall length at 10 feet uses 25 percent more board than at 8 feet, and tall walls may need heavier studs or bracing.

Board

Board is calculated by face, layer, type and thickness, then converted to sheets by size. Waste is applied based on room size and ceiling height.

Framing

Metal studs and track are counted by gauge, width and height at the specified spacing, with headers, jambs, bracing and backing for cabinets, grab bars and equipment.

Finishing

Tape, compound, corner bead and trim are calculated from board area and corners. Labor reflects the specified finish level and texture.

Ceilings

Drywall and acoustical ceilings are measured by area and height, with soffits, bulkheads and edge trims taken off separately.

At a Glance

Drywall Takeoff Items and Units

ItemUnitNotes
Gypsum boardSF / sheetsBy type, thickness, layer and face
Metal studsLF / EABy gauge, width, height and spacing
TrackLFTop and bottom track, deflection track
Shaft wall systemsSFBy rating and height
Corner bead and trimLFStandard, bullnose and specialty trims
Tape and compoundSF of boardBy finish level
Acoustical ceilingsSFGrid and tile by type
Backing and blockingLF / EAFor cabinets, grab bars, equipment

Expert Guide

Finish Levels and Arizona Textures

The Gypsum Association’s GA-214 defines finish levels from Level 0 to Level 5. Higher levels require more coats of compound and more labor:

  • Level 1 and 2: used above ceilings, in garages and in areas that will receive tile or are not visible.
  • Level 3: used where heavy textures will be applied.
  • Level 4: common for flat paint and light textures in homes and offices.
  • Level 5: a skim coat over the entire surface, used where critical lighting or smooth glossy finishes are specified.

Arizona textures

Arizona homes commonly use knockdown, orange peel and smooth Santa Fe-style finishes, along with rounded bullnose corners. Each texture has its own labor and material cost, and bullnose corners require special bead and more finishing time. We price the texture and corner style shown in the specifications or finish schedule.

For commercial interiors, see our Commercial Estimating Services and Renovation Estimating Services.

Arizona Factors

Arizona Drywall Cost Factors

Fast Drying in Dry Air

Low humidity speeds compound drying but can cause shrinkage and cracking if not managed, affecting finishing labor.

Bullnose Corners

Rounded corners are popular in Arizona homes and need special bead and extra finishing time.

Regional Textures

Knockdown and Santa Fe-style finishes are common and priced by area and texture type.

Garage and Attic Heat

Garages and attic spaces reach very high temperatures, affecting fire-rated separations and working conditions.

Multifamily Volume

Large apartment and BTR projects create big, repetitive drywall packages.

Hanger and Finisher Demand

Busy residential and commercial markets keep drywall labor in demand.

How It Works

How Our Drywall Estimating Process Works

Every project follows the same transparent four-step process. Read the full walkthrough on our How It Works page or see how we build and check numbers on our Estimating Methodology page.

01

Send Your Documents

Email drawings, specifications, addenda and the bid date, or share a download link for large sets.

02

Approve a Fixed Quote

We confirm scope, fee and delivery date in writing, usually the same business day.

03

Takeoff and Pricing

Quantities are measured digitally and priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs.

04

Review and Delivery

A second estimator checks the work before you receive Excel and PDF files with marked-up drawings.

FAQs

Drywall Estimating Services FAQs

We measure each wall and ceiling type by length, height and area, calculate board by face and layer, convert it to sheets and apply waste based on room size and height.

Yes. Metal studs and track are counted by gauge, width, height and spacing, with headers, bracing and backing.

Yes. Fire-rated walls, ceilings and shaft walls are priced according to the tested assemblies shown on the drawings.

Yes. We price the finish level and texture specified, including knockdown, orange peel, smooth finishes and bullnose corners.

Yes. Suspended grid and acoustical tile ceilings are measured by area and type, with edge trims and specialty areas.

Residential drywall estimates are usually delivered within 24 hours. Commercial and multifamily packages typically take 2 to 4 business days.

Get Accurate Drywall Estimating Services in Arizona

Send your plans today for a fixed quote and a firm delivery date. Every estimate is priced with current Arizona labor, material and equipment costs and checked by a second estimator.

Location & Contact

Our Phoenix Office Serves Contractors Across Arizona

Arizona Cost Estimating works from Midtown Phoenix and supports builders, contractors and owners statewide. Send plans by email, call our estimating desk, or use the map below for directions to the office.

Office Address

413 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Midtown Phoenix, Maricopa County

Estimating Desk Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Arizona Time (MST, no daylight saving)

Scroll to Top