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 projects falling within the range of $575 to $675. Contractors charge $0.80 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on the texture and the method of application. Your final price will hinge on local labor rates, surface area, texture style, and whether it’s sprayed or hand-troweled. Because a fresh texture can quickly change the look of a room, many people add this upgrade every few years or during larger renovations.

Drywall Texture Cost Factors

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

Type

The drywall texture you choose can significantly impact the cost. Intricate styles, such as Venetian plaster, require more labor and materials, including 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 more expensive due to the additional time and skill required for their implementation. 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, such as living rooms, basements, or entire ceilings, require more materials and labor, resulting in 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 $100 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, such as a popcorn ceiling, expect additional removal and drywall repair charges of between $1 and $3 per square foot, which may be higher if complete removal is required instead of skim coating.

Texture Removal

If you're looking to convert a textured wall back to a smooth surface, you can expect to spend between $300 and $1,200, or $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, creating a unique ambiance.

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

Tackling drywall texture on your own can trim labor costs, but it also requires time, skill, and considerable cleanup. Without experience, achieving an even finish across an entire wall or ceiling can be challenging.

Hiring a local drywall contractor ensures the job is done right the first time, saving you time and potential frustration. If you’d rather skip the mess and start enjoying your updated walls sooner, consider hiring a local pro for a flawless finish.

Budgeting Tips for Drywall Texturing

Texturing your drywall doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some practical ways to manage costs while still achieving great results:

• Get multiple quotes from local contractors—prices can vary by 20% or more for the same job.

• Consider simpler textures, such as orange peel or knockdown, which are less expensive than hand-applied finishes.

• Tackle smaller rooms first if you're doing it yourself, as mistakes will be less costly and less visible.

• Buy slightly more material than you need (about 10% extra) to avoid costly mid-project store runs.

• Schedule your project during the contractors' off-season when many offer discounted rates.

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.