Comparing Trusscore vs drywall cost usually ends with the same surprise: drywall isn’t just cheaper – it still looks better in most finished rooms and holds up well when the space isn’t battling moisture.
Trusscore has its strengths in garages, basements, and damp areas, but the higher material price makes it a niche choice rather than a full-home solution.
Since both materials get talked up for different reasons, we’ll break down the costs, the performance differences, and where each one makes sense.
Key Notes
Drywall costs far less per square foot than Trusscore once fully installed.
Trusscore’s moisture-proof PVC construction outperforms drywall in high-humidity spaces.
Drywall delivers superior aesthetics and easier long-term repairs for finished living areas.
Cost Overview: Trusscore vs Drywall
Here is a simple side‑by‑side cost snapshot before we get into the details:
Category | Drywall | Trusscore |
Materials | $0.30–$0.48 per sq ft | $2.75–$3.75 per sq ft |
Installed Cost | $1.50–$4.00 per sq ft | $5.35–$6.35 per sq ft |
Drywall is drastically cheaper upfront. Trusscore is roughly 3 to 5 times the material cost and 2 to 3 times the installed cost.
Material Costs Only
Drywall Material Costs in Seattle
Standard gypsum boards stay affordable, which is why they remain the most common wall surface in Seattle homes.
1/2 inch drywall: $10 to $20 per sheet (about $0.30 to $0.37 per sq ft)
5/8 inch drywall: $13 to $25 per sheet (about $0.34 to $0.41 per sq ft)
Moisture‑resistant “green board”: $12 to $20 per sheet (about $0.40 to $0.48 per sq ft)
In Seattle’s damp climate, moisture‑resistant drywall is common in bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
Trusscore Material Costs
Trusscore uses PVC interlocking panels designed for moisture‑heavy or utilitarian spaces.
Wall & Ceiling Board: $2.75 to $3.75 per sq ft
Trim + Accessories: Adds another $0.25 to $0.50 per sq ft
Even before labor, Trusscore is one of the most expensive interior wall systems you can install in a residential setting.
Installation Costs
Drywall Installation Costs
Drywall is more labor‑heavy than Trusscore. It requires:
Hanging boards
Taping seams
Applying joint compound (multiple coats)
Sanding
Priming
Painting
Seattle contractors typically charge $1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft installed depending on finish level and ceiling height. Moisture‑resistant drywall, skim coats, and texture matching can push costs higher.
Our repair and install pricing reflects how drywall work scales:
Small repairs: $399–$499
Medium: $599–$699
Large: $799–$999
X‑Large: $1,099–$1,599+ (may require in‑person consult)
Drywall takes time, skill, and proper tools. But the payoff is a smooth, paintable surface that fits any design.
Trusscore Installation Costs
Trusscore installations are faster and simpler. No taping, mudding, sanding, priming, or painting.
Labor averages about $2.60 per sq ft, bringing most projects to $5.35 to $6.35 per sq ft installed. Because panels lock together using tongue‑and‑groove edges, one person can often cover a garage wall in a single afternoon.
The catch? Materials are expensive, and trims add up quickly.
Hidden Costs Homeowners Don't Expect
Drywall Hidden Costs
Drywall seems simple until the finishing phase kicks in.
Hidden costs often include:
Joint tape
Multiple coats of mud
Sanding materials
Primer + multiple coats of paint
Delivery fees
Disposal fees for demo
Touch‑ups or texture matching
If moisture gets behind drywall, repairs can multiply fast.
Trusscore Hidden Costs
Trusscore avoids most finishing costs, but introduces new ones:
Higher material and accessory costs
Adhesive (depending on install surface)
Electrical cutout trims
Incompatibility with existing drywall finishes
Trusscore’s hidden cost isn’t labor, but the sheer amount you spend on the product itself.
Durability & Maintenance Over Time
Drywall Durability
Drywall handles normal home use well, but it’s not built for heavy abuse. You can dent it with a ladder or crack it with a doorknob. Luckily, drywall repairs are easy and fast.
Seattle homes see the most issues around:
Leaks
Plumbing cutouts
Electrical changes
Settlement cracks
But when drywall does need work, it’s predictable and repairable.
Trusscore Durability
Trusscore is incredibly tough. The PVC panels:
Resist dents
Resist impact
Won’t absorb moisture
Won’t mold
Won’t rot
For utility environments, it’s nearly maintenance‑free. But if it cracks, you replace the entire panel – not spot‑repair.
Installation Speed & Disruption
Drywall Timeline
Drywall is usually a multi‑day process with most contractors.
Fast Patch doesn’t work that way. We use hot mud compounds that set quickly and vacuum‑assisted sanding that keeps dust contained instead of floating through the home.
Our workflow looks like this:
Hanging: Same day
Hot Mud Application: Fast‑set compounds reduce wait times dramatically
Sanding: 99% dust‑controlled with vacuum‑assisted systems
Texture + Blend: Completed in the same visit on most jobs
Paint‑Ready: Often within hours
Trusscore Timeline
Trusscore still wins on overall speed – no finishing, no texture, no paint, and no drying cycle. A garage or utility room can be done in half a day.
But when you compare real‑world timelines, the gap between Trusscore and a fast hot‑mud, dust‑controlled drywall workflow is much smaller than homeowners expect.
Aesthetic Differences
Drywall Aesthetics
Drywall wins aesthetically almost every time:
Smooth, continuous surface
Paintable in any color
Works with texture (orange peel, knockdown, smooth)
Timeless and familiar
If you want a modern home finish, drywall is the default.
Trusscore Aesthetics
Trusscore looks… like durable PVC panels.
Clean and bright, yes
But more “garage/shop” aesthetic
Some homeowners like the utility look, but most don’t want it throughout their home.
Environmental Considerations
Drywall
Gypsum is recyclable
Low VOC once installed
Paint choice influences environmental impact
Trusscore
PVC manufacturing has environmental drawbacks
Longer lifespan means fewer replacements
Non‑paintable surface reduces long‑term material use
Sample Cost Comparisons (Seattle 2026)
1,400 sq ft Basement Wall System
Drywall
Material: ~$150
Labor + finish: ~$1,000–$1,600
Total: $1,150–$1,750
Trusscore
Material: ~$1,200–$1,500
Labor: ~$1,000
Total: $2,200–$2,500
Small Bathroom (80 sq ft)
Drywall: $200–$350
Trusscore: $400–$520
1‑Car Garage
Drywall: $1,000–$2,000
Trusscore: ~$2,370+ for materials alone
Across every example, drywall remains the cost‑efficient choice.
Final Verdict
If you’re deciding between Trusscore and drywall purely on cost, drywall is the clear winner. It’s cheaper to buy, cheaper to install, and easier to repair.
Trusscore has real advantages in garages, basements, and moisture‑heavy spaces – no doubt. But for most Seattle homes, especially finished interior rooms, drywall remains the smarter, more flexible, more budget‑friendly choice.
When in doubt, drywall gives you the look you want and the value you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trusscore considered a structural material?
No. Trusscore panels are purely a wall and ceiling finish. They don’t replace framing, insulation, shear walls, or fire-rated assemblies. You still need a standard structural wall behind them.
Can you mix drywall and Trusscore on the same wall?
You can, but it requires careful planning. The two materials sit at different thicknesses, and their finishes don’t visually match, so you need trims or transitions to avoid uneven surfaces.
Does Trusscore reduce noise like drywall does?
Not really. Drywall has better mass and sound-dampening performance. Trusscore’s PVC structure isn’t designed for acoustics, so it performs more like a panel system than a sound barrier.
Can Trusscore be installed directly over existing drywall?
Yes, in many cases. Panels can be screwed into studs through the drywall, which saves demo time. But you’ll still need to adjust electrical boxes and trim to accommodate the added thickness.
Want A Quote That Reflects Your Space?
Avoid overpriced wall systems – get drywall guidance built around your home.
Conclusion
When you stack Trusscore vs drywall cost side by side, the gap is hard to ignore. Drywall is easier on the budget, gives you a cleaner finish, and is easier to repair years down the line.
Trusscore earns its place in garages, basements, and damp rooms where moisture is a real fight, but the higher material price and plastic look limit where it makes sense.
If you want clear, accurate numbers based on your space, getting a quick quote is the easiest way forward. We’ll look at the space, factor in moisture, and tell you exactly what makes sense so you can plan with confidence.
Prices mentioned are general estimates. Final cost depends on damage size, access, texture, and repair scope. Send photos for a fast, accurate quote.
