How Much Does It Cost to Texture Drywall in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Texturing drywall costs an average of $625, with most homeowners spending between $575 and $675. The price per square foot ranges from $0.80 to $2.00, depending on the texture and application method. The top factors that influence the cost of texturing drywall include local labor rates, the surface area, the type of texturing, and the application method.

Drywall Texture Cost Factors

Drywall texture costs depend on several factors, including the texture type, project size, and labor rates.

Type

The drywall texture you choose can have a big impact on cost. Intricate styles like Venetian plaster require more labor and materials, such as marble dust, which can drive up expenses. In contrast, spray textures like orange peel or knockdown are more affordable and easier to apply. Hand-applied methods tend to be pricier due to the additional time and skill involved. The quality of materials and the thickness of the application also contribute to the overall cost.

Size

The size of the area being textured plays a key role in determining the cost. Larger spaces like living rooms, basements, or entire ceilings require more materials and labor, leading to higher expenses. Smaller areas or accent walls, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly. Keep in mind that drywall finishers near you may charge based on the surface area of the walls or ceilings rather than the room's square footage. 

Labor

Labor makes up a significant portion of the cost when texturing drywall. Professional drywall finishers often charge by the square foot for labor plus the cost of materials. On average, you can expect to pay between $40 and $70 per hour, but rates can increase for more intricate textures due to the extra time and skill required. For smaller projects, contractors may add a minimum fee regardless of the project size. If you need to remove old textures first, like a popcorn ceiling, your labor costs will be even higher.

Texture Removal

If you're looking to convert a textured wall back to a smooth surface, you can expect to spend between $100 and $300, or about $1 to $3 per square foot. If the drywall professional needs to remove the textured drywall rather than applying skim coats to mask it, costs may be closer to $3 per square foot. For unpainted textured walls, a pro can often dampen the drywall and smooth it out before painting, which can save time and money.

Drywall Texturing Costs by Application Type

Different types of texture paint require varying application methods. Sprayed methods, such as popcorn, knockdown, or orange peel, are less expensive to apply than hand-applied methods like skip trowel and slap brush, as they’re more time-consuming and require a higher level of expertise.

Spray-On Textures

Spray-on drywall textures are applied using a machine with a special nozzle that sprays drywall mud onto the wall in your desired pattern. This method is efficient and often more budget-friendly. You can expect to pay between $0.80 and $1.50 per square foot for spray-on applications.

Common spray-on textures include:

• Orange peel

• Knockdown

• Popcorn

• Splatter drag

Hand-Applied Textures

Hand-applied textures offer a wide array of styles, as professionals can create unique finishes using tools like pans, knives, brushes, and trowels. While these methods are more labor-intensive and may cost between $1.50 and $2 per square foot, they allow for a customized look that personalizes your space.

Popular hand-applied textures include:

• Skip trowel

• Santa Fe

• Stomp or slap brush

• Hawk and trowel

• Double skip

• Swirl

• Crows-foot

• Rosebud

• Stomp knockdown

• Comb

• Smooth

DIY vs. Hiring a Drywall Texturing Pro

While DIY drywall texturing can save you money, it requires significant time, skill, effort, and cleanup. Achieving an even texture across large areas can be challenging without experience. Hiring a professional drywall contractor ensures the job is done right the first time and can save you time and potential frustration.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.