Choosing the Perfect Drywall Texture: A Homeowner’s Guide

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Drywall By AMFA

Selecting the right wall texture can transform your home’s entire aesthetic. Whether you’re planning a renovation, building new construction, or simply refreshing your interior design, understanding different drywall textures is essential for creating the perfect atmosphere in each room.

Drywall textures serve multiple purposes beyond visual appeal. They can hide minor imperfections in your walls, add depth and character to flat surfaces, and even influence how light moves through your space. The texture you choose affects everything from maintenance requirements to resale value, making this decision more important than many homeowners realize.

Each texture option comes with its own set of benefits, challenges, and ideal applications. Some work beautifully in high-traffic areas where durability matters most, while others shine in formal spaces where elegance takes priority. Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.

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Common Types of Drywall Textures

Smooth Wall

Smooth wall textures represent the pinnacle of modern minimalism. This finish creates completely flat surfaces without any texture patterns, offering a clean, sophisticated look that works exceptionally well in contemporary homes. Modern living rooms with smooth wall textures showcase this minimalist aesthetic perfectly, creating serene spaces that let furniture and artwork take center stage.

However, smooth walls demand perfection during installation. Every imperfection becomes visible under the right lighting conditions, which is why this drywall finishing technique requires high skill levels. The cost ranges from $0.80 to $1.20 per square foot, but the investment pays off through timeless appeal and easy maintenance.

For maintenance, smooth walls are remarkably simple to care for. A damp cloth removes most marks and scuffs, while touch-up paint easily covers any damage. This makes smooth textures ideal for families who want beautiful walls without complicated cleaning routines.

The DIY difficulty for smooth walls is considerable. The unforgiving nature of this finish means imperfections stand out dramatically, making professional installation the wisest choice for most homeowners.

Orange Peel

Orange peel texture gets its name from its subtle, dimpled appearance that resembles citrus fruit skin. This popular choice offers the perfect balance between visual interest and practicality, making it excellent for various room types. Bathrooms and kitchens frequently use orange peel textures because they provide moisture resistance while adding subtle visual appeal.

The application process involves spraying a diluted drywall compound onto the wall, creating small, randomly distributed bumps. This technique costs between $1.00 and $1.50 per square foot and works well throughout most homes.

Orange peel textures are more forgiving than smooth walls when it comes to hiding minor imperfections. Regular maintenance involves occasional dusting with a soft brush to avoid damaging the delicate texture pattern. The gentle cleaning approach preserves the finish while keeping walls looking fresh.

This texture ranks as one of the most DIY-friendly options. With proper preparation and technique, beginners can achieve professional-looking results, making it an attractive choice for hands-on homeowners.

Knockdown

Knockdown texture creates a sophisticated, slightly rustic appearance through a two-step process. First, texture compound is applied to create peaks, then a knockdown knife flattens these peaks partially, leaving an irregular, flattened pattern. This drywall work technique produces walls with excellent character and depth.

Family rooms and basements benefit tremendously from knockdown textures because they’re incredibly durable and excel at hiding imperfections. The varied surface catches light differently throughout the day, creating dynamic visual interest that changes with natural lighting conditions.

Costs for knockdown texture range from $1.20 to $2.00 per square foot, reflecting the additional labor involved in the two-step application process. Despite the higher initial investment, the long-term durability often justifies the expense.

Maintenance requirements are minimal. The texture’s natural ability to camouflage minor dings and scratches means less frequent touch-ups. Regular dusting and gentle cleaning keep these walls looking excellent for years.

The DIY difficulty level is moderate. Success requires mastering the specific knockdown knife technique, making this better suited for those with some drywalling experience rather than complete beginners.

Popcorn

Popcorn texture, also called acoustic texture, was extremely popular in past decades but has fallen out of favor in modern design. This heavily textured finish creates a bumpy, irregular surface that effectively hides ceiling imperfections and provides some sound dampening properties.

Many older homes still feature popcorn textures on ceilings, though most renovation projects now involve removal rather than installation. When homeowners see before and after renovation examples, they typically prefer smoother, more contemporary alternatives.

The cost ranges from $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot, making it one of the most affordable options. However, the low price doesn’t offset the maintenance challenges and dated appearance.

Popcorn texture presents significant maintenance difficulties. The bumpy surface traps dust and debris while being prone to damage from even light contact. Professional cleaning is often necessary, and repairs typically require matching the texture pattern exactly.

While popcorn application is technically simple, most homeowners today choose removal over installation, making DIY skills more relevant for texture elimination than creation.

Slap Brush

Slap brush texture creates unique, artistic patterns through a distinctive application technique. A brush loaded with texture compound is literally slapped against the wall, creating varied patterns that range from subtle to dramatic depending on the application method.

Hallways and entryways showcase slap brush textures beautifully, adding artistic flair and visual interest to transitional spaces. This technique allows for creative expression while maintaining the practical benefits of textured walls.

Costs range from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot, reflecting both the labor-intensive application process and the skill required for consistent results. The higher price point positions this as a premium finishing option.

The finished drywall requires minimal maintenance beyond regular dusting with a soft brush and gentle wiping when necessary. The durability of properly applied slap brush texture makes it suitable for high-traffic areas.

DIY difficulty is moderate, requiring practice to master the slap brush technique for consistent patterns. Success depends on developing rhythm and pressure control, skills that improve with experience.

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How to Choose the Right Texture for Your Home

Room function plays the primary role in texture selection. High-traffic areas benefit from more forgiving textures like knockdown or orange peel, while formal spaces might call for the elegance of smooth walls. Consider how each space is used and who uses it most frequently.

Lighting conditions significantly impact texture appearance. Rooms with abundant natural light can handle more dramatic textures, while dimly lit spaces often look better with subtler finishes. Test samples under your actual lighting conditions before making final decisions.

Your home’s architectural style should influence texture choices. Contemporary homes typically favor smooth or subtle orange peel finishes, while traditional or rustic styles can accommodate more pronounced textures like knockdown or slap brush.

Maintenance preferences matter tremendously. Busy families might prefer textures that hide everyday wear, while empty nesters might prioritize easy cleaning over damage concealment.

DIY vs Professional Application

A professional drywall company bring expertise that ensures consistent, high-quality results across your entire project. They possess specialized tools, understand proper mixing ratios, and can troubleshoot problems that arise during application. The investment in professional drywall installation often pays dividends through superior finished appearance and long-term durability.

DIY applications can work well for simpler textures like orange peel, especially in less critical areas where slight imperfections won’t be noticeable. However, techniques requiring specialized skills or tools generally produce better results when handled by experienced professionals.

Consider your timeline, skill level, and quality expectations when deciding between DIY and professional application. Sometimes a hybrid approach works best, with homeowners handling preparation work while leaving the actual texturing to professionals.

Conclusion

The right drywall texture transforms ordinary walls into design elements that enhance your home’s beauty and functionality. Each option offers distinct advantages, from the timeless elegance of smooth walls to the practical durability of knockdown finishes. Understanding these differences empowers you to make choices that align with your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.

Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or updating a single room, texture selection deserves careful consideration. The investment in quality drywall work pays dividends through improved appearance, easier maintenance, and enhanced home value.

Ready to explore how professional drywall textures can transform your Indianapolis home or business? Contact Drywall By AMFA for expert drywall installation and finishing services that bring your vision to life with precision and craftsmanship.

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The Difference Between Manual and Spray Drywall Textures

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Drywall By AMFA

Drywall texture is an important design application that delivers enhanced warmth, appeal, and overall aesthetic to an interior. Although there are hundreds of different styles of drywall texture, all fall under one of two primary application processes: manual or spray. Continue reading to learn more about each category of drywall texture application, including what sets them apart and how to choose which style for your remodel.

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Manual Drywall Textures

When drywall texture is applied by hand, they are manual textures, or hand textures. For this type of drywall texture application, basic hand tools, like trowels and hawks, are used to achieve the desired look. Most often, a simple pan and knife are the tools chosen to apply manual drywall textures. Additional hand tools, such as specialized brushes and rollers, are used to complete the textured swirl, stomp, and swoosh motifs into the drywall mud. Sometimes, commercial paint sprayers are used to apply drywall texture, but this method is still considered manual.

Spray Drywall Textures

When drywall texture is sprayed onto a surface, they are spray textures. This method of drywall texture application requires specialized machinery that pumps drywall texture onto surfaces. Such machines are can be electric or gas-powered, but all are manufactured with powerful pumps that supply drywall mud through inner lines, and out of a special nozzle or tip. The designs in the drywall mud are created using compressed air and a sprayer gun, rather than by hand.

Common Drywall Texture Names:

➤ Skip Trowel
➤ Popcorn
➤ Smooth Wall
➤ Hawk and Trowel
➤ Crows-Foot Stomp
➤ Splatter Knockdown
➤ Orange Peel
➤ Rosebud
➤ Stomp Knockdown
➤ Santa-Fe Texture
➤ Double Skip
➤ Swirl Drywall

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Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

How to Match Drywall Texture

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

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When you have to patch textured drywall, matching the textures properly can be quite the challenge since there are so many variables involved. In fact, it is strongly recommended to use professional drywall service for patching and repair work on textured drywall unless you have experience. Professional drywall contractors retain all the proper tools, materials, and training to match drywall textures effortlessly. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself, there are a few tips to learn before
you get started.

Continue reading to learn some advice on how to match drywall textures and achieve a seamless finish.

Be Sure the Width of the Drywall Matches the Existing Layer

It is important that the wall is level. To ensure this, you must use the same thickness drywall as the new layer. Otherwise, the new layer will protrude or cave in, which will look defective when finished. Simply measure the width of the existing drywall and find the matching size at your local home improvement store. One exception to this rule is plaster. You may have to use shimming to raise the final layer of your drywall patch since plaster is not always an exact size.

Use as Little Drywall Mud as Possible on the Surrounding Drywall

When taping and coating the surrounding patch area in an effort to make it as flat as possible, be sure to limit the amount of mud you use. Use the thinnest layer possible to get the job done.

Blend the Lines that Distinguish the New Layer with the Existing Layer of Mud

One of the primary focuses of a drywall patching job is to blend the lines so they are not distinguishable when the wall is finished. But there is more to this strategy than this obvious factor. For flat finishes, you could simply feather out the mud and do away with these lines entirely; but for textures, you will need to use a drywall knife or other tool to fill these crevices with excess drywall mud.

Mimic the Same Application Technique Used for the Original Texture

It is vital to use the same tools and techniques used for the existing drywall texture. If you do anything differently, you will not get the same results and your patch will not match the rest of the wall. If you did not apply the initial layer of drywall, you may want to hire a professional for assistance.

Be Sure You Use the Same Amount of Spackle as the Existing Layer of Drywall

Just like you matched the drywall width and technique, you must also match the same amount of drywall mud. If you use less mud than the existing layer, it will appear concaved; and if you use too much, it will look swollen. Work in moderate amounts so you can match the layer accurately.

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A Closer Look at Skip Trowel Drywall Texture

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Drywall By AMFA

Skip trowel is a confusing term since it can refer to several different types of drywall texture. It is used too vaguely in the drywall industry, which is misleading among property owners. Proper skip trowel texture can only be achieved using the right tools and techniques. For it to be a true skip trowel, the drywall mud material must be applied in a very thin layer using a specialized curved knife, called a trowel. These are 18 inches wide, which aids in the application process. When applied at the right angle, the blade of the knife spreads the mud in a way that causes it to “skip” across the surface. This creates a unique rounded circle texture that is a true and true skip trowel.

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Similar Drywall Textures

Skip trowel is often confused for alternative drywall textures. One of the most common textures mistaken for skip trowel is called hawk and trowel. This drywall texture is a lot different because it produces many layers of texture, rather than just one thin layer. Also, hawk and trowel texture creates several lines and uneven circles, unlike skip trowel that produces small round circles. Another common drywall texture that is frequently confused for skip towel is called Sante Fe texture. Santa Fe drywall texture also uses a very thin layer of material.

Skip Trowel Application

If you are planning to finish your drywall on your own, you will need to purchase the materials for the project. You can find everything you need for drywall work at any local home improvement store. It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, it is a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional drywall contractors. They have the training, equipment, and resources to deliver prompt and professional drywall finishing at an affordable price.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Call Drywall by AMFA at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall texture and drywall service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.