15 Best Drywall Lifts Reviews 2023 | Suited To Your Needs

Drywalls; if you are in the process of remodeling or renovating your house, then you might have come across this piece of work quite often.

Drywall(s) is typically made of gypsum with varying quantities of additives; it acts as an internal panel for the construction (or reconstruction) of ceilings and internal walls.

Since drywalls aren’t the easiest to work with, you will need some gear to prop them up and hoist them high enough to be used for the actual construction process.

Here is where a drywall lift comes in. Naturally, you don’t want to take a risk when it comes to this sort of equipment.

Top 15 Drywall Lifts Reviews

There are multiple brands providing quality drywall lifts in the market.

However, if you aren’t familiar with them before, it might get a little intimidating to choose the right type of drywall lift.

Therefore, to help you have out, we’ve listed down 15 of the most efficient and quality drywall lifts.

1. Troy DPH11 Drywall & Panel Lift Hoist

This lift has been made from welded steel from top to bottom, it is easy to assemble/disassemble and can reach a height of 11 feet for horizontal ceilings and 15 feet for regular walls.

It can hold a single sheet drywall of dimensions up to 4 by 16 feet. The lift has 5-inch casters weighs about 110 lbs.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Can be used by one person
• No tool/one person assembly
• Eliminates the risk of accidents/injuries
• Compact in size
• Doesn’t require batteries

Cons

• Limited maneuverability in smaller spaces
• A full-extension may prove difficult

2. Idealchoiceproduct ’16 Drywall Lift

It is made of welded steels and has a powder coating for further strengthening.

There are four caster wheels making it easier to move, and foot stops to hold the lifting stationary while you are working.

There is a built-in winch brake as well, along with a tilting hoist for walls and ceilings.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Foldable and easy to store
• No tools required to disassemble
• Has a load capacity of 150 lbs

Cons

• Multiple tools required for assembly
• Does not reach full extension of 16 feet

3. ARKSEN Drywall Lift

The ARKSEN lift has a wide cradle and can be maneuvered to load the drywall.

It has a total capacity of 150 pounds while the lift itself weighs about 88 pounds.

The lift extends to about 11’ for ceilings and 13’ for walls. There is a brake and a handle to keep you safe while on the job.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Can be used by one person
• Ease to operate
• Ideal for a DIY project
• Easy to disassemble for storage

Cons

• Does not have an extension
• Slightly complicated to assemble
• Prone to some welding faults

4. GypTool Heavy Duty Drywall Sheet

The particular model is more heavy-duty and highly recommended for professional use, with a total loading capacity of about 1800 pounds.

The deck/cradle is easily accessible and ideal for loading drywall.

The lift weighs 91 pounds and has four swivel wheels, making it easier to move it around.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Made from high-quality steel
• Long term durability
• Large deck for loading
• Easy to move around
• Quick assembly and disassembly

Cons

• Does not fold up
• The cart itself can only carry 500 lbs of load

5. Golplus Heavy Duty

This model has four 6” casters in total, including two swivel casters and two fixed casters so you can move it from one place to another with ease.

It is made of high-quality steel and therefore highly durable in the long run.

It is ideal for multi-purpose work such as paneling and hoisting plywood so it will be worth the investment.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Sturdy built
• Does not wobble while in use
• Smooth movement
• Rounded edges to prevent damage to walls
• Easy assembly
• Resistant to corrosion

Cons

• Only appropriate for light to medium-duty work
• Loading shelf is not particularly deep

6. Telpro Inc. PanelLift Drywall Lifter

The Telpro is built for single-person use; the cradle is quite large and tilts to a 65-degree angle, making it easier for you to load the drywall.

It is ideal for installation on titled walls/ceilings. There is a winch brake to keep the lift in place while you work and prevent it from wobbling.

The lift is manufactured in the US. Therefore, you can rest assured regarding the quality.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• No tools required for assembling/dissembling
• Large cradle to fit big loads
• Can fit into the trunk of your car
• Good lumbar support for lifting

Cons

• Loading capacity of only 150 pounds
• Does not reach full extension without extender

7. Red Line Professional Drywall Lift

This one is ideal for DIY projects and single-person operation. The drywall sheets are loaded and then rolled in place in the lift to be used for installation.

The cradle tilts to a 65-degree angle for loading purposes, doing most of the work for you. You can even drywall an entire room by yourself in little to no time.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• No tool assembly/disassembly
• Compact enough to fit in your car
• Easy storage
• Can handle sheet widths of up to 16.’

Cons

• Mostly suited for heavy-duty projects
• Requires an extension to reach 16.’

8. Artist Hand 11’Drywall Lift

With an overall steel construction and a loading capacity of 150 pounds, you can count on this lift to be durable for long term use. It is ideal for light to medium-duty work.

It has three by 4” caster wheels which it easy to move the lift around and a built-in winch brake to keep it from moving while you work.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Easy to assemble and disassemble
• Minimal tools required for operation
• Tilting cradle for easier loading
• Easily foldable for storage

Cons

• Can only lift drywall panels of 4 by 8’ or lower
• The extension required to reach the maximum height

9. GypTool Drywall Lift Panel

This is ideal for commercial use or professional contractors because it is designed for heavy-duty lifting.

However, it is highly durable as well, with the manufacturers even claiming that it will last for a lifetime, which is always a good investment.

Along with being stable, it is easy to move from room to room.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Tool-free assembly and disassembly
• Easily portable
• Compact for storage

Cons

• Only designed for heavy-duty work
• Can only handle about 8 feet drywall sheets safely 

10. Panellift 439 Drywall Lifter

The Panellift has a higher loading capacity than some of the other lifts on this list, 200 pounds to be exact.

It is manufactured in the US so the quality can be trusted upon.

There are safety torques as well to prevent you from overloading the lift and keeping you safe.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Good for light and heavy-duty work
• Compact design
• Ease to move around
• Exceptionally low loading height
• Can be extended to a height of 15 feet

Cons

• Requires an extension
• Weighs more than standard lifts

11. Golplus 11’ Drywall Lift Panel

With a standard loading capacity of 150 lbs and steel manufacturing, this lift is durable in the long-term.

The built-in winch brake enhances sturdiness and safety while you are at work.

It has an adjustable telescope arm that can handle standard drywall sheets of 4’ by 16’, making it easy to use for installation purposes.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Tool-free assembly and disassembly
• Ideal for a single person operation
• Compact design for storage

Cons

• The vertical lifter may be tricky to use

12. Best Choice Products Drywall 11’ Lift

Another drywall lift with heavy-duty steel construction and long-lasting durability, this is well suited to DIY projects or at home use.

It is a well-built and sturdy design with three base wheels to maintain stability.

The best thing about this lift is that it can lift very bulky or uneven drywall pieces as well, as can be seen during the removal of drywall.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Can extend to hold larger sheets of drywall
• Lightweight
• Easy to use

Cons

• Large in size
• May cause storage problems

13. Unihome Drywall Lift 16 Feet

This is a great two in one deal because the lift can be used at home and on bigger, commercial projects.

It is durable and sturdy, with a built-in brake. Foot stops are also built into the drywall lift to maintain stability.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Adjustable height from 6’ to 16’ for panel-loading
• Easily portable
• Several assemblies required before use

Cons

• Heavyweight crank wheel

14. FDW Drywall Panel Hoist

This drywall wall is more recommended for heavy-duty/commercial use as it can reach heights up to 16 feet in total.

The overall lift is sturdy and stable with brakes, and caster wheels to move it around.

It has an anti-skid design that is good for hoisting large sheets up on the max. Height, i.e., about 16 feet.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Smooth operation
• Can hold large sheets of drywall up to 15 feet high
• Great for angle ceilings/walls

Cons

• The extension required reaching the max-height

15. Unihome Drywall Lift 11’

If you are looking to save yourself some time, then go for this simple and elegant lift design.

It has similar dimensions to a standard drywall lift, 150 lbs worth of loading capacity and steel manufacturing.

You can count on this as a durable choice for at-home use.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Safe and sturdy winch brake
• Drywall panels can be rolled in place on the lift
• Can be disassembled easily

Cons

• Crank wheel is relatively heavy
• Assembly requires several steps

Buyer’s Guide

This review and guide contain information regarding some of the best drywall lifts you can find on the market so that you can make a well-informed decision in this regard.

Buying vs. Renting

Drywall lifts are relatively inexpensive, and it is recommended that you buy one instead of renting it because the cost is similar. It will also rid you of the hassle of returning the lift once you have used it.

Alternatively, you will have the convenience of having the lift available on hand at all times and ready to be used.

Durability

Nobody wants a flaky product, especially when it comes to something that can pose a potential risk of injury.

Moreover, if you are spending good money on a product, then it is natural that you want it to be durable.

Keep the durability of the drywall lift in mind before you buy one. You can do this by analyzing the materials and design to gauge its structural integrity/durability.

It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but this isn’t the time to skimp on the money because you might end up compromising on the quality of the product.

Usage

Drywall lifts are used for several purposes. , In addition to hoisting up drywall, they can also be used to lift other kinds of wallboards and panels such plywood.

Therefore you should buy a model that is suited to your particular preferences and frequency of use.

Keeping this in mind will help you choose a product that is optimally suited to your needs and well, within your budget.

Compatibility and Size

One more factor you have to consider is the site of the actual lift. Some models can fit in your car while others are more compatible with pickup trucks.

If you are transporting it from one place to another, you might have to disassemble the lift and reassemble it.

So it is better if you are prepared for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high will a drywall lift go?

Drywall lifts can go up to varying heights depending on the model that you have.

Typically, they can go to heights ranging from 11 to 16 feet. Some lifts also have extensions that you can use to extend the lift higher up to its maximum height.

What is a drywall roll lifter?

As evident by the name, a drywall roll lifter is a tool that is used to lift a panel of drywall and load it up on a drywall lift.

A roll lifter makes the loading process much easier because it reduces back strain as well as friction, so your drywall panels will be in place in no time.

How do you use a drywall roll lifter?

To use a drywall roll lifter, you simply have to place your panel(s) of drywall into your desired position and then hoist them up using the tip of the roll lifter.

Once the lifter has slid under the panel, use your foot and apply pressure on the other end to lift the panel until it has reached its place.

How do you use a drywall jack?

A drywall jack is the same as a drywall lift. To use it, you have to prop up your drywall panels into the loading cradle of the jack and then hoist it up using the crank wheel.

Once it is at your desired height, you can begin the installation process.

How much does a drywall lift weigh?

Drywall lifts’ weights can vary depending on the type of lift you are using.

However, most lifts typically stay in the range of about 80 to 90 pounds with a standard loading capacity of 150 pounds.

How heavy is a sheet of drywall?

The weight of a sheet of drywall varies depending on its dimensions.

Typically, for a sheet of 5 by 8 inches of thickness, you can expect a weight of about 2.31 pounds.

Again, total weight may vary depending on the brand you are using and the size of your sheet.

Is it better to hang drywall horizontally or vertically?

When it comes to hanging drywall, there is no single answer. Although hanging it horizontally has its own set of benefits and is the conventional method, there are advantages to vertical installation as well.

The vertical installation makes for a smoother finish and is easier; this can cut down on labor costs as well.

However, horizontal installation is highly recommended because it is more structurally sound.

How much does it cost to put drywall up?

Speaking in terms of square feet, it can cost about USD 1.50 per square foot.

For a single panel that is professionally installed, you can expect the cost to range between USD 40-60, depending on the cost of labor and materials.

From then on, you can calculate the number of panels that will go in a typical room and deduce the total cost from there.

What does Level 5 Drywall mean?

A Level 5 Drywall is simply the best quality drywall finish that you can get.

The cost is relatively higher as well because Level 5 finishing uses better materials, level of skills, and time.

How long does it take to drywall a room?

To drywall a room you should set aside about two hours of your time.

The first part of the process, i.e., installing the panels (sheets) will take an hour followed by taping and sanding, which will take twenty minutes each.

Make room for some extra time if the room has a closet and other outlets that need to be accommodated as well.

Should I drywall my garage?

This is completely up to you, if you like the look of drywall and want to spruce up the look of your house then, by all means, go for it.

However, there are no significant benefits to this process. 

Is plaster better than drywall?

Plaster provides a better finish than drywall. However, it is generally more expensive and labor-intensive.

Plaster is more soundproof while drywall provides better insulation.

You can consider both options and go with the one that is more suited to your personal preferences.

Can you plaster overall regular drywall?

The simple answer is yes you can apply plaster over regular drywall.

However, it is better to use plaster that has a gypsum formulated base (similar to drywall) so that it can sit well.

Conclusion

After getting to know about all these drywall lifts, you have a fairly solid idea of what kind of products/features you should be looking at.

By going through these reviews, you can make an informed decision regarding the product that suits you (and your pocket) the best!