Cost to Texture Drywall

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Home Services

Adding texture to drywall is a great way to enhance the visual appeal of your walls or ceilings. The cost of this project depends on factors like the texture type, room size, materials, and labor. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Average Cost to Texture Drywall

National average cost: $1.00–$3.00 per square foot
Typical range for a standard room:
Small projects (e.g., single wall): $99–$360
Full rooms (e.g., living room or bedroom): $418–$1,200

2. Cost Breakdown by Texture Type

| Texture Type | Appearance | Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|-----------------------|------------------------|-------------------------|
| Popcorn | Bumpy, irregular | $1.30–$1.90 |
| Smooth | Flat, modern | $1.00–$1.80 |
| Venetian Plaster | Polished, luxurious | $3.00+ |
| Spray Sand | Subtle, tiny bumps | $1.05–$1.20 |
| Orange Peel | Subtle, irregular | $1.25–$1.95 |

3. Costs by Room Size

| Room/Wall | Size (sq. ft.) | Price Range |
|-------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------|
| Living Room | 450 | $495–$900 |
| Bedroom | 380 | $418–$760 |
| Finished Basement | 600 | $660–$1,200 |
| Hallway | 135 | $148.50–$270 |
| 10 ft by 9 ft Wall | 90 | $99–$180 |
| 18 ft by 10 ft Wall | 180 | $198–$360 |

4. Key Cost Factors

Labor

Per sq. ft.: $1.50–$3.00 for simple textures.
Hourly rate: $40–$100/hour for contractors.
Convenience fees may apply for smaller projects.

Materials

Drywall and screws: Low-cost and widely available.
Joint compound, tape, and additional tools for texturing.

Application Method

| Method | Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|-------------------|------------------------|
| Sprayed | $0.80–$1.50 |
| Hand-applied | $1.50–$2.00 |

Removing Existing Texture

Cost: $1–$3 per sq. ft. or $300–$1,200 total.
Popcorn ceilings are particularly costly to remove.

5. Additional Costs

Drywall repairs: $300–$950, depending on damage.
Painting textured drywall:
$1–$3 per sq. ft., or up to $4.75 per sq. ft. for premium finishes.

6. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY

Pros: Save on labor costs.
Cons: Time-consuming, requires skill and proper tools.

Hiring a Professional

Pros: Expert finish, faster completion, minimal cleanup.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, especially for intricate textures.

7. Tips to Save Money

Combine projects: Pair texturing with other repairs or painting jobs.
DIY simpler textures: Take on basic finishes like spray sand.
Choose basic textures: Avoid costly textures like Venetian plaster.
Shop around: Get multiple quotes from contractors.
Texture over existing texture: Avoid removal costs when possible.

Summing it up

Texturing drywall is a cost-effective way to add character to your home. Whether you’re going for a modern smooth finish or a classic orange peel texture, this project can range from $1–$3 per square foot for most types. Hiring a pro ensures a polished finish, but skilled DIYers can save by tackling simpler textures themselves!