Appleton Drywall: Drywall Installation & Repair
Appleton Drywall provides professional drywall installation, repair, and finishing for homes and businesses throughout Appleton, Wisconsin, and the Fox River Valley. From small drywall repairs to complete home installations and commercial build-outs, we handle the work needed to create clean, durable, paint-ready walls and
ceilings.
Our team delivers a comprehensive range of services, including drywall installation and replacement, drywall repair, taping and mudding, smooth finishes, texture
matching, water-damaged drywall replacement, basement drywall, popcorn ceiling
removal, commercial drywall installation, metal stud framing, and historic plaster restoration. We take pride in our quality workmanship, maintain clear communication, and deliver a finished product ready for the next stage of your project.
Contact Appleton Drywall today to discuss your project and request an estimate.
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Why Choose Appleton Drywall?
15+ Years of local Experience
We have over 15 years of local experience and more than 200 completed projects across the Fox River Valley
A Customer First Approach
From your consult call to the final walk through, you'll get honest recommendations and pricing, clear updates and a project that finishes on time
Quality Materials
We exclusively use trusted manufacturers such as USG Sheetrock and Gold Bond, including sag-resistant ceiling boards and moisture-resistant options.
Residential Drywall Services in Appleton, WI
Drywall Installation
We install high-quality drywall for new construction, room additions, remodeling projects, basements, garages, walls, and ceilings. Our complete installation process includes evaluating your framing, measuring and cutting panels, securing the drywall, treating joints, installing corner bead where needed, and preparing your surfaces for the selected finish.
While we use standard 1/2-inch drywall for many interior walls, certain ceilings, fire-rated assemblies, and specialized applications require 5/8-inch or specialty panels. We analyze your framing, spacing, building requirements, and intended use of the space to select the perfect materials. Our experienced team works directly with you to match the right materials to your specific project needs.
Drywall Repair
Our drywall repair services restore your damaged surfaces while preserving as much of the existing drywall as possible. We customize our repair method based on the exact type of damage you have:
- Small holes and dents: We patch these with professional materials and feather them seamlessly into the surrounding surface.
- Larger holes: We cut back the damaged area and replace it with a properly supported drywall section.
- Nail pops: We correct the underlying fasteners and refinish the surface.
- Cracked seams: We reinforce and refinish the seam, and we investigate further if the cracks repeatedly return.
- Damaged corners: We repair or replace the area with durable corner reinforcement.
We ensure your repair fully blends into the existing wall. To do this, we properly support the patch, feather the joint compound smoothly, and match your existing
texture as closely as practical.
Drywall Finishing & Texture Matching
Our professional drywall finishing process creates the continuous, flawless surface you see after installation. We tape joints, apply quality joint compound, reinforce
corners, sand the surfaces, and prepare your walls and ceilings for paint.
Our expert finishing services include:
- Skim coating
- Smooth wall finishing
- Orange-peel and knockdown textures
- Existing texture matching
- Surface preparation for painting
We prioritize texture matching when repairing your existing walls. Because a smooth patch stands out against a textured surface, our team carefully matches
the existing pattern and blends the edges so the repaired area disappears into
the surrounding wall.
Water-Damaged Drywall Repair
Leaks from plumbing, roofs, overflowing fixtures, and basement moisture can cause drywall staining, swelling, soft spots, and deterioration. Before repairing water-damaged drywall, we help identify and correct the source of the moisture. We inspect insulation, framing, and surrounding materials for hidden damage. If
we suspect mold or find extensive contamination, we ensure proper assessment and remediation take place before we begin reconstruction. Once the area is dry
and suitable for rebuilding, we can begin work to repair or install replacement drywall. Our repair approach is tailored to the condition of your materials. We can often repair minor surface damage if the drywall remains sound and we dry it thoroughly. Conversely, we completely remove and replace soft, swollen, crumbling, or extensively contaminated drywall.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Let our experienced team give your home a modern look by removing dated popcorn ceilings. Our removal process involves evaluating the existing coating,
protecting your room, removing or covering the texture safely, repairing the underlying surface, and applying your selected finish. We can refinish some
ceilings immediately after texture removal, while we treat others with skim coating or additional drywall repairs to achieve a perfectly consistent
appearance.
Important note for older homes: In older properties, ceiling textures and building materials can contain asbestos. We check your ceiling for asbestos-containing materials before we begin any work. Once we clear the
ceiling, we restore it with a smooth finish or a new texture that complements your home.
Basement Drywall Installation & Repair
Basement drywall installations present unique challenges. Before we install any panels, we evaluate foundation seepage, plumbing leaks, condensation, and the condition of your framing and insulation. We typically utilize moisture-resistant drywall for basement applications to combat the clay soils and high water tables common in the Fox Valley area. Our team expertly coordinates your drywall installation with the larger renovation, including framing, electrical work, insulation, and required inspections. We also plan around your utility access, ceiling heights, beams, and ductwork.
Commercial Drywall & Specialty Services in Appleton WI
Commercial Drywall Installation
We provide complete drywall installation for office interiors, retail spaces, tenant improvements, and other commercial construction projects. Our work includes building interior partitions, hanging drywall ceilings, replacing panels, finishing joints, and preparing surfaces for painting.
Our team coordinates smoothly with general contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, and other trades. We manage scheduling, site access, material deliveries, and inspections to keep your project moving forward.
We build to your exact project specifications, including fire-rated assemblies, sound control, impact resistance, or other specialized construction details. We strictly follow your specified design, using the correct panels, framing, fasteners, joints, and penetrations. Whether we are building a new office layout or making repairs in an occupied business, we deliver a professional finish that supports your overall construction schedule.
Metal Stud Framing
Our framing installation process leverages accurate layout, appropriate stud and track selection, correct spacing, and precise coordination around door openings, utilities, and suspended ceilings. We utilize metal stud framing for commercial interiors and selected residential applications to provide a perfectly
consistent framework for drywall partitions, soffits, and other interior assemblies.
We use steel framing because it is lightweight, noncombustible, and exceptionally well-suited for office build-outs and interior partition systems. We match
framing specifications to your required wall height, loading, deflection, and assembly needs. When building fire-rated and sound-rated walls, we ensure the
entire assembly meets code, from the metal tracks to the final layer of drywall. Our proper framing process creates the essential foundation for straight walls, secure drywall attachment, and clean finished corners.
Plaster Repair & Wall Stabilization for Historic Homes
Many older Appleton homes feature traditional plaster walls and ceilings. We can often save and repair cracks, loose plaster, damaged corners, and deteriorating surfaces without resorting to complete removal.
We begin our restoration process by assessing your existing plaster and identifying areas that are loose, cracked, or missing. Depending on the condition, our repairs include:
- Stabilizing existing plaster
- Repairing cracks and damaged corners
- Patching missing sections
- Replacing selected areas with compatible materials
- Integrating drywall with existing plaster where appropriate
When we introduce drywall into an older plaster wall, we carefully plan the transitions to account for differences in thickness and texture. We also assess older coatings and materials for hazards before we disturb them. Our goal is to preserve your sound original material whenever practical while addressing damage and creating a consistent, beautiful finish.
Drywall Materials and Conditions in the Fox River Valley
Clay Soils and Structural Settling
Because the soil around the Fox River Valley is clay-rich and silty, seasonal moisture changes and building movement can place stress on your interior finishes. Wisconsin's shifting temperatures and humidity levels also cause wood framing to expand and contract, which can trigger nail pops, joint cracks, and small separations.
We carefully evaluate the location and pattern of your cracks. While a narrow seam crack often points to a minor finishing issue, we look out for recurring diagonal cracks, widening openings, or sticking doors and windows, which may indicate structural settling. We analyze whether the problem appears localized or recurring before we recommend a repair. If we find signs of structural movement, we advise a structural evaluation before we perform cosmetic repairs so we can fix the root cause rather than repeatedly patching a moving surface.
Basement Moisture and Water Management
We prioritize proper moisture management for all Fox River Valley
basement projects. Because groundwater pressure, foundation leaks, surface drainage, plumbing problems, and indoor condensation can all affect below-ground spaces, we never install drywall over damp framing or unresolved water intrusion. Before we rebuild, we ensure the moisture source is identified and corrected.
While we use moisture-resistant drywall to provide added protection in below-ground spaces, we always remind homeowners that it is not a substitute for proper waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, or humidity management. We help our clients select the right services to ensure their basement environment is completely dry and properly prepared before we begin a successful drywall installation.
Choosing the Right Drywall for Your Home in Appleton
Standard Gypsum Board or Sheetrock
Not every room needs the same type of board. Moisture, fire-separation requirements, sound control, ceiling spans, and the planned finish all influence the right material.
Standard gypsum board is a cost-effective, lightweight choice for ordinary living spaces and bedrooms where moisture exposure is limited. It creates a flat base for taping, finishing, and paint.
5/8-inch Type X Fire-Rated Drywall
Type X board is commonly used in attached garages, mechanical rooms, and fire-resistance-rated commercial assemblies. Its
formulation includes glass fibers and is designed to provide up to one hour of fire resistance as part of a tested assembly. Required thickness and assembly details depend on the building code and specific application.
Moisture-Resistant Green or Purple Board
Moisture-resistant wallboard is often considered for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Greenboard and purple products have different performance characteristics, so the choice should reflect the level of moisture exposure. These products are not a substitute for a waterproof system in areas exposed to direct water splashes.
Acoustic or Soundproof Board
Acoustic drywall can help reduce sound transmission in home theaters, home offices, shared walls, and other spaces where privacy matters. Performance depends on the complete wall assembly—including framing, insulation, layers, and sealing—not the board alone.
Drywall Costs and Budget Planning
We customize our estimates based on your project size, materials, labor, surface preparation, finishing requirements, and site conditions. We price small patches per repair or service visit, while we estimate complete basement or home installations
according to the full scope of work.
What Affects Drywall Installation and Repair Costs?
When we build your custom estimate, we factor in:
- Project size: Larger projects require more materials and labor, though they offer setup efficiencies.
- Installation vs. repair: Patching holes requires a different approach than replacing drywall across an entire room.
- Ceiling height and access: Vaulted ceilings, stairwells, and restricted spaces require specialized labor and overhead work.
- Drywall type: Standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, and specialty panels carry different material costs.
- Finish level: Standard finishing, texture matching, skim coating, and Level 5 finishes require different amounts of skilled labor.
- Existing conditions: Damaged framing, wet insulation, deteriorated plaster, and hidden problems may require additional
preparation work.
- Preparation and cleanup: We factor in furniture protection, demolition, debris removal, and dust containment.
Estimated Cost Guide By Material:
Material Type | Est Price per Sq Ft | Best for |
Standard Gypsum/Sheetrock | $1.50 – $2.50 | Commonly used in bedrooms and living rooms |
Moisture-resistant green board | $1.60 – $2.75 | Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and damp crawl spaces |
Premium mold-resistant purple board | $1.65 – $3.50 | Younger children with developing bite or jaw issues |
5/8-inch Type X fire-rated drywall | $1.60 - $3.50 | Attached garages, apartment common area walls |
Acoustic soundproof drywall | $3.55 - $7.50 | Home theaters and multi-family |
Hear it from our happy clients!
“I found Appleton Drywall on Google, and could not be happier with the work. We had a substantial amount drywalling with a lot of complicated corners and transitions. The quality of the work is impeccable. Rick worked straight through and finished more quickly than we had expected. Very pleased... the work speaks for itself..”
Steve Aldas
“Excellent work from Appleton Drywall! They were professional, reliable, and did an amazing job from start to finish. The drywall work came out smooth and clean, and you can tell they really care about the quality of their work. They showed up on time, kept everything organized, and made sure I was completely satisfied before finishing. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for drywall repair or installation. ”
Ben Whelan
“Rick and his team did a fantastic job across several phases of basement remodeling : demolition, removal, replacing my entire basements drywall, finishing and finally painting. All outcomes were high quality - highly recommend!.”
Matthew Ellis
Drywall Installation and Repair Frequently Asked Questions
We use Level 4 for standard painted walls. We apply a Level 5 finish—which adds a full skim coat—to create
greater uniformity under critical lighting or high-sheen paint. For textured finishes, we apply decorative patterns like orange peel or knockdown to achieve your desired look.
We can often complete small patches in a single visit, though drying and painting times affect the final timeline. A typical room installation takes us several days to allow proper drying time between finishing coats.
We use standard 1/2-inch drywall for most interior walls. We swap this for specialized products when framing garages, bathrooms, basements, and fire-rated assemblies to meet moisture and building codes.
Yes. We fully finish, sand, and clean your new drywall, and we always recommend applying a quality primer before painting to prevent uneven absorption. We can include painting directly in your project scope or coordinate it separately.
While we do not need permits for simple repairs, the City of Appleton requires a residential interior alterations permit for structural changes, new wall openings, or basement finishing. We coordinate our installations with your approved plans and handle the required inspections.
Yes, we specialize in stabilizing loose areas, repairing cracks, patching missing plaster, and integrating new drywall with older plaster walls seamlessly.
Not necessarily. If we find limited surface damage, we can save the drywall provided it remains structurally sound and we can dry it completely. If the material is soft, crumbling, or contaminated, we remove and replace it immediately.
We use regular drywall for standard dry spaces, and we install moisture-resistant drywall in humid areas. However, because it isn't waterproof, we install approved tile backer systems instead of drywall for shower and tub surrounds.