Where drywall contractors buy
Drywall contractors buy board and mud from interior building materials distributors with job site delivery.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Supply Interiors (formerly L&W Supply) | Distributor | Interior building materials with over 270 branches nationwide. | Ask at the counter |
| GMS (Gypsum Management and Supply) | Distributor | Wallboard, ceilings and steel framing from a network of more than 320 distribution centers, in business since 1971. | Ask at the counter |
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items drywall contractors buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Joint compound, setting and premixed | Every job |
| Paper and mesh tape | Joints and patches |
| Corner bead | Outside corners |
| Drywall screws | Hanging |
| Patch kits and scraps | Small repairs |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: drywall tool kit: knives, pan and corner tools; taping knife, 8 in; taping knife, 14 in; drywall screw gun; t-square, utility knife and rasp; rotary cutout tool; mud mixer paddle and drill; step ladder and a work bench. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: drywall lift; automatic taper and boxes; dust-free sander; drywall stilts where allowed; texture sprayer and hopper.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the drywall tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Bon Tool, Little Giant).
When supplier prices change
Update your drywall price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- ABC Supply Interiors: About, checked October 9, 2026
- GMS: About us, checked October 9, 2026
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.