Drywall for a Garage
Free calculator with pre-filled dimensions • Updated March 2026
A 24×24 garage with 9-foot walls needs about 41 sheets of 4×8 drywall total (walls and ceiling, with 10% door/window deduction).
Open calculator with these dimensions →Drywall for a 2-Car Garage
Garage drywall is often a code requirement, not just an aesthetic choice. The wall between an attached garage and living space must be covered with 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch Type X (fire-rated) drywall for fire separation. A 24×24 garage with 9-foot ceilings requires approximately 48 sheets.
Fire Code Requirements
- Wall shared with house: 5/8" Type X drywall required (1-hour fire rating). IRC Section R302.6.
- Ceiling below living space: 5/8" Type X required.
- Other walls and ceiling: 1/2" standard is typically acceptable, but many builders use Type X throughout for simplicity.
Material Estimate
| Material | Quantity | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 5/8" Type X sheets (4×8) | 48 sheets | $624–$816 |
| Joint compound | 5 buckets | $75–$100 |
| Paper tape | 5 rolls | $15–$25 |
| Drywall screws (1-5/8") | 15 lbs | $45–$60 |
Total: $760–$1,000 for materials. Professional: $2,500–$4,000.
Pro Tips
- Type X is heavier. A 4×8 sheet of 5/8" Type X weighs about 70 lbs vs. 50 lbs for 1/2" standard. Ceiling installation requires helpers or a drywall lift ($40/day rental).
- Don't finish to Level 5 in a garage. Level 3 (taped and two coats) is sufficient if you're painting. This saves 30–40% in finishing labor.
- Insulate before drywalling. If the garage shares a wall with living space, code often requires R-13 or R-15 insulation in that wall cavity. Install it before drywall goes up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drywall required in a garage?
Yes, for attached garages. Building code (IRC R302.6) requires the wall between the garage and living space to be covered with minimum 1/2-inch drywall. The wall common to a living area above requires 5/8-inch Type X.
How much drywall for a 2-car garage?
A standard 24×24 garage with 9-foot walls needs approximately 48 sheets of 4×8 drywall (30 for walls, 18 for ceiling). Using 4×12 sheets reduces the count to about 32.