Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to replace wood panelling with drywall?
Last updated: 31 March 2022
How much does it cost to replace wood panelling with drywall?
If the wood paneling in your home is not to your taste, the good news is you can replace it with drywall. Find out the costs involved.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to replace wood panelling with drywall, this post is for you.
Wood panelling can take on many guises. In a period property, it’s not uncommon to see beautiful, hardwood panelling adorning the walls. But in the 60s and 70s, the appeal of cheap plywood or pressed fiberboard left many homes resembling an ‘indoor sauna’.
While some people love the look and feel of wood panelling - and there are certainly ways to modernise it - it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So let's have a look at the cost of replacing that wood panelling with drywall.
How much does it cost to replace wood panelling with drywall?
The cost to replace wood panelling with drywall is on average £22.50 per m2. This includes the cost to remove the wood panelling (£11.50 per m2) and the cost to install drywall (£11 per m2), including joint filler. If you'd prefer your drywall to be installed and then skimmed, you're looking at around £17.50 per m2.
| Item | Unit | Range - low | Range - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to remove wood panelling | Per m2 | £10 | £13 | £11.50 |
| Cost to install plasterboard (skimmed) | Per m2 | £15 | £20 | £17.50 |
| Cost to install plasterboard (with joint filler - drywall) | Per m2 | £10 | £12 | £11 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
When planning your project, you'll also need to consider whether you want skirting boards fitted, as this will be extra. Decorating costs will be another factor to budget for. Check out our post on the cost of installing drywall for more information.
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There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of replacing wood panelling with drywall, including:
Your location (expect to pay more in London)
Type of room (bathrooms require treated panels to prevent mould)
Non-standard room features, for example, arches
The amount of room preparation required
Waste removal once the project is complete
Can I replace wood panelling with drywall?
Yes. Wood panelling can be quite a defining feature in a room, so if it’s not to your taste, you’ll want to remove it. Once the panelling has been removed, drywall is the ideal way to get a smooth and even finish ready for painting.
If you’re considering doing this job yourself, be aware that removing wood panelling and replacing it with drywall is a messy job, so plan ahead to avoid dust spreading throughout your home. When it comes to the install, you may need an extra pair of hands, as each drywall panel weighs between 20-35kg. Lastly, consider the tools and materials you’ll need for the job, and how you’ll remove the waste once the job is complete.
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FAQs
Does replacing panelling with drywall increase value?
If it’s 70s panelling, as opposed to 17th-century panelling, then the answer is yes. Replacing panelling with drywall will likely increase the value of your home. Why? Because 70s panelling is not to everyone’s taste, therefore to appeal to a broad market, it’s often better to stick to neutral design schemes.
How much does it cost to remove wood panelling?
Removing wood panelling costs around £11.50 per m2. You’ll need to multiply this cost by the m2 measurement of your room to get an idea of the cost of your project. Next, add the cost of installing drywall. This is typically around £11 per m2 for drywall with joint filler. To have your drywall installed and then skimmed will cost on average £17.50 per m2.
Is wood panelling difficult to remove?
Removing wood panelling is not too difficult to do. It can normally be pulled off quite easily using a pry bar (a flat, thin version of a crowbar). First remove any trim or mouldings, for example along the floor or ceiling. Then use the pry bar to ease the panels away from the wall studs.
What is drywall?
Drywall is a popular choice for building interior walls. It comes in sheets of varying sizes and thicknesses, the most common being 4 x 8 ft. Tradespeople commonly refer to drywall as ‘plasterboard’.
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