- Ballpark drywall and ceiling prices in South Africa, so you can sanity-check a quote.
- Explains how partitions are measured and what moves the price.
- These figures are not quotations. A site visit and written quote set the price.
Get prices for your actual project rather than a range. Free, with no obligation.
Compare QuotesDrywall Partition Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Standard partition, supplied and installed | R350 - R500 per m² |
| Partitions across all specifications | R350 - R800 per m² |
| Standard partition per linear metre, up to about 2.7 m high | R950 - R1,200 |
| Example: 3 m x 3 m room, two new walls, both sides boarded | R5,700 - R7,500 |
| Labour only | R150 - R300 per m² |
Ceiling Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Gypsum board ceiling with H-strip joints | R150 - R250 per m² |
| Gypsum board ceiling, typical installed range | R220 - R380 per m² |
| Flush plastered ceiling | R300 - R500 per m² |
| Suspended ceiling, grid and tiles | R250 - R450 per m² |
| Bulkhead | R400 - R800 per linear metre |
| Strip and dispose of old ceiling | R50 - R100 per m² |
Finishing, Repairs and Specialist Boards
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Skim coat on drywall | R200 - R500 per m² |
| Small drywall or ceiling repair | R500 - R1,500 per job |
| Acoustic partition | R500 - R1,000 per m² |
| Fire-rated partition | R500 - R750 per m² |
| Moisture-resistant board, material | R120 - R150 per m² |
| Painting | R50 - R300 per m² |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges are compiled from price guides published by South African drywall and ceiling contractors in 2025 and 2026, checked 8 October 2026, and rounded. Most do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
Partition Area vs Floor Area
Partitions are priced on wall area: length times height. Floor area does not set the price.
- A 3 m wall at 2.7 m high is 8.1 m² of partition.
- Enclosing a 3 m x 3 m corner with two new walls needs 6 m of wall, about 16 m², regardless of the 9 m² floor.
- Ask whether a quote measures one face or both faces of the wall.
- Some contractors quote per linear metre at a standard height and add for taller walls.
- Ceilings are the exception: they are priced on ceiling area, which is roughly the floor area.
What Changes a Drywall Quote
- Dimensions. Total wall or ceiling area, and how many separate walls and corners.
- Wall height. Walls above about 2.7 m need heavier studs, more board and often scaffolding.
- Board type. Moisture-resistant, fire-rated, acoustic and impact boards cost more than standard board.
- Insulation. Adds material and labour, and is needed for most acoustic walls.
- Openings. Doors, windows and glazed panels are framed and priced on top.
- Access. Upper floors, small lifts, parking and after-hours work add cost.
- Labour. Rates vary by region, crew size and how busy contractors are.
- Finish level. H-strip, taped joints, full skim or painted. Agree this in writing.
Comparing Drywall Quotes
- Check every quote uses the same measurements.
- Compare the board, stud size and insulation specified.
- Check what is included: finishing, painting, doors, skirting and rubble removal.
- Confirm VAT, the deposit and payment stages.
- Ask for the start date and how long the job will take.
Get prices for your job rather than a range. Free, with no obligation.
Compare QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
How much does drywall cost per m² in South Africa?
A standard partition is roughly R350 - R500 per m² supplied and installed. Specialist systems run higher.
How much is drywall per linear metre?
Around R950 - R1,200 per metre for a standard partition up to about 2.7 m high.
Is drywall cheaper than brick?
For internal non-load-bearing walls it is usually quicker to build and often cheaper once plastering and building time are included. Compare quotes for your job.
Do drywall prices include VAT?
Not always. Many published prices do not say. Check each quote.
Why do drywall quotes vary so much?
Different board types, finish levels and inclusions such as painting and doors. Compare like with like.
For how drywall partitioning works from start to finish, see Drywall Installers South Africa.
Related Services
Drywall Installers South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Drywall and ceiling work is measured, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, and the payment terms before paying anything.
Drywall Prices South Africa. Describe your project once and compare real quotes from drywall contractors.
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