Wall texture is one of those things you don't really notice until you need to match it. I learned this the hard way after patching a hole in my living room and leaving a perfectly smooth circle surrounded by orange peel texture. It looked ridiculous, and I had to redo the entire wall to make it blend. That was the start of my texture education.

Most homes built after the 1970s have some kind of texture on the walls and ceilings. Builders love it because texture hides imperfections in the underlying drywall work, meaning they can spend less time on finishing. For homeowners, this is both good and bad news. The good news is that textured walls are more forgiving of minor flaws. The bad news is that matching existing texture during repairs takes real skill and practice.

The texture you see most often depends on where you live and when your home was built. Orange peel is common in newer homes across most of the country. Knockdown shows up a lot in the Southwest. Popcorn ceilings were everywhere from the 1950s through the 1980s. Skip trowel gives a more Mediterranean look. Each has its own application technique, and they're all repairable once you know what you're dealing with.

What These Guides Cover

These texture guides explain the different types you'll encounter, how to identify what's on your walls, and how to either match it for repairs or apply it to new drywall. I cover both spray-applied textures and hand-applied techniques, including the DIY-friendly approaches that don't require professional equipment. Whether you're patching a hole or texturing an entire room, these guides will help you get a consistent result.

All Texture Articles (12) →