Smooth drywall might seem like the sophisticated choice when building a home. It looks premium and sleek in perfectly lit photos, but once you're living in the space, you’ll quickly realize it wasn’t worth the extra cost and headache.
Let’s break down why going with a textured drywall finish might be the best move if your budget is tight.
The Problem With Light
The thing that most homeowners don’t realize is that light will expose every single imperfection on a smooth wall. Whether it’s a bright entryway or a living room with lots of natural light, smooth drywall will show waves, taping lines, sanding blemishes, and minor nicks that textured finishes easily hide. That’s why Level 5 drywall exists. It’s the only way to get a perfectly smooth look without it looking like a DIY job when the sun hits it.
But Level 5 doesn’t come cheap. It requires extra mudding, skim coating, sanding, and touchups and that can be a major cost that doesn't actually add liveability to the home.
Texture Hides Flaws
When life happens, you’ll eventually need to patch a wall or two. Textured walls are way easier to repair. You can blend a patch with a little texture spray and touch-up paint. Smooth drywall? Not so much. Patches stand out like a sore thumb unless you resurface an entire area. Once your walls are painted, any ding or mark becomes instantly noticeable.
It's One of the Easiest Places to Save Money
Smooth drywall is significantly more expensive. Labor costs are higher, and the finish requires more attention at every phase. Textured drywall still looks clean and modern, and you’ll barely think about it once furniture is in and you’re living your life.
You may love the look of smooth walls now, but once you’re moved in, the finish of your drywall is barely noticeable. If your budget is tight, this is one of the smartest cuts you can make without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Plan It Out With the Checklist
If you’re building or remodeling, drywall finish is just one of the hundreds of tiny but important decisions you’ll need to make. The Ultimate Home Building Checklist is organized by every phase of construction so you don’t miss a single step, and each line item has helpful notes and image links to help you visualize the options.
Don't make expensive mistakes, build smarter with the checklist!
