Gypsum board
by type and thickness (standard, Type X, moisture-resistant, abuse-resistant, shaft liner, and exterior sheathing) in square feet and sheet counts
Division 09, Drywall
Drywall Estimating Services for Board, Framing & Finishing
Drywall bids are won and lost on the details nobody sees once the paint goes on: how tall the walls go, which assemblies are rated, how many layers they need, what level of finish the architect specified, and whether the walls run to the deck or stop above the ceiling.
Our drywall estimating services take off gypsum board, metal stud framing, and finishing for commercial and residential projects, organized by wall type so you can check every assembly against the partition schedule.
09 20 00Board, framing and finishing
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
ZIP-code pricedLocal material and labor rates
24 to 48 hoursTypical turnaround
What's in a Drywall Takeoff
Metal stud framing
by size, gauge, spacing, and height
Track
top, bottom, and deflection track
Finishing materials
tape, joint compound, corner bead, and trims
Accessories
control joints, reveals, and access panels
Labor
framing, hanging, taping, and finishing
All organized by partition type, so each line ties back to the wall schedule.
Metal Stud Framing
Wall height drives framing cost more than anything else:
Taller walls
need deeper or heavier-gauge studs to meet deflection limits, which the partition schedule or a design table specifies.
Walls to deck
need deflection (slip) track so the structure can move without cracking the wall.
Walls above ceilings
may stop at the ceiling with bracing to structure, or continue to the deck for fire or acoustic reasons.
Headers and openings
need additional framing at doors, windows, and large penetrations.
Structural, load-bearing light-gauge framing is part of our framing or metal estimates. Framing estimating →
Rated Assemblies and Shaft Walls
Fire-rated partitions follow specific tested designs, which dictate board type, layers, stud size, and fastening. A two-hour wall may have two layers of Type X on each side: four times the board of a single-layer wall.
Shaft walls at stairs, elevators, and mechanical shafts are built from one side with shaft liner panels and specialty studs. They carry their own material and labor rates. Firestopping at rated walls is often excluded by the drywall sub: we flag it. Fireproofing estimating →
Levels of Finish
Industry finish levels run from Level 0 (no finishing) to Level 5 (a skim coat over the entire surface). The level specified changes finishing labor significantly:
Level 1 to 2
typical above ceilings, in mechanical rooms, or where tile is applied
Level 3
under heavy texture
Level 4
standard for most painted walls
Level 5
for critical lighting, gloss paint, or high-end spaces
We price the finish level the specification calls for in each area. Painting estimating →
Ceilings and Soffits
- Gypsum board ceilings and soffits, with framing and suspension systems
- Bulkheads and light coves
- Acoustical ceiling tile (ACT) grid and tile, if in your scope
Scope Splits
Sound attenuation batts
drywall sub or insulation sub? Insulation estimating →
Blocking and backing
for cabinets, grab bars, TVs, and equipment
Access panels
furnished by MEP, installed by drywall?
Painting
primer by drywall or paint sub?
We list these in the clarifications so nothing is assumed.
Who Uses Drywall Estimating
- Drywall and interior systems contractors
- General contractors and builders
- Remodelers
- Tenant improvement contractors
Checklist
What to Send
- Floor plans and reflected ceiling plans
- Partition schedule and wall types
- Building sections (for wall heights)
- Life safety plans for rated walls
- Division 09 specifications
Send Your Files
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
Excel + PDFWith marked-up drawings
Deliverables
What You Receive
- Quantities by wall type: board, studs, track, and finishing materials
- Sheet counts by size and type
- Labor hours by task
- Material and labor pricing
- Color-coded marked-up drawings
- Clarifications and exclusions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you estimate drywall?
By measuring each wall type's length and height from the plans and sections, calculating board area per side and layer, then adding framing, finishing materials, and labor.
Do you include metal stud framing?
Yes, non-structural framing is part of the drywall takeoff.
What level of finish do you assume?
The level specified. Where none is stated, we note our assumption.
Do you include ceilings?
Gypsum ceilings yes; acoustical tile ceilings if they're in your scope.
Ready to Get Started?
Bid Drywall by the Wall Type
Send your plans, partition schedule, and specs. We'll quote the takeoff and delivery date.