Highlights
Skip trowel texture costs $630–$1,000 on a 500-square-foot surface
Skip trowel drywall texture costs $1.25–$2.00 per square foot
Ceiling treatments cost slightly more than wall treatments
Existing textures may need to be removed before application
DIY skip trowel application requires experience and several days
If your smooth walls and ceilings lack character, a textured skip trowel drywall treatment is a subtle solution that packs a punch. This mottled, organic-looking knockdown texture is applied by hand-dragging drywall into long, raised patches that hide imperfections while adding visual dimension. You’ll pay $690 to $1,000 on average for this popular look on the walls or ceiling of a single room.
| National Average cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $850 | $630 | $1,000 |
How Much Does It Cost to Skip Trowel Drywall Texture by Room Type?
Skip trowel and other drywall textures can be applied to both walls and ceilings. Expect to pay $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot to apply skip trowel drywall texture to walls and $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot to apply it to ceilings.
While ceiling application tends to cost more per square foot than wall application, the total cost to apply drywall texture to a ceiling throughout a room is typically lower than the total cost for all four walls. This is because of the lower total square footage of the ceiling area. The table below breaks down average ranges for different-sized rooms throughout the typical home.
| Room Type and Size | Average Total Cost for All Walls | Average Total Cost for Ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (11 ft. by 12 ft.) | $520 – $750 | $170 – $270 |
| Living Room (12 ft. by 18 ft.) | $680 – $980 | $270 – $440 |
| Garage (20 ft. by 20 ft.) | $900 – $1,300 | $500 – $800 |
| Basement (30 ft. by 30 ft.) | $1,350 – $1,950 | $1,130 – $1,800 |
How Much Does Skip Trowel Texture Cost per Square Foot?
The cost to apply skip trowel drywall texture ranges from $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot. The typical cost range for a wall application is only $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot.
Cost to Retexture Walls and Ceiling per Square Foot
If you want to apply a skip trowel drywall texture to a wall or ceiling that already features a different texture—like popcorn ceiling—you’ll need to factor in the removal cost. Retexturing already textured walls—including removing the existing texture and the addition of a new one—costs $1.80 to $3.80 per square foot on average.
Skip Trowel Finish Application Cost Breakdown
Below is a breakdown of skip trowel drywall texturing project cost factors.
Materials
Drywall joint compound powder is a material mixed with water to create drywall mud. It can be purchased by the gallon and costs $0.20 to $0.26 per square foot of wall or ceiling you plan to cover.
Labor
When you hire a professional drywall contractor to install a skip trowel drywall texture, the cost of labor alone ranges from $0.99 to $1.80 per square foot. Most drywall contractors charge a $100 minimum for this type of project.
Retexturing Costs
If you’re having your walls or ceilings retextured, you may be responsible for a variety of additional costs, including the following:
Removal of the old texture: $1–$3 per sq. ft.
Cost to repair minor holes, cracks, or water damage: $100–$400
Cost to install new drywall for major damage: $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft.
Minor ceiling repairs: $200–$500
Major ceiling repairs: $400–$1,200
Asbestos testing: $250–$750
Cost to Apply Skip Trowel Drywall Texture Yourself
If you have one to three full days and basic drywall experience, adding texture to walls or ceilings can be an affordable DIY project. However, because skip trowel is a hand-applied texture that uses a knife or trowel rather than a sprayer, you’ll need practice for organic-looking curves. Find an area to test your application method before moving to walls or ceilings in your home.
You can save $0.99 to $1.80 per square foot by doing the job yourself. Here is a list of tools and materials you’ll need and the costs to expect for each:
Two 18-inch or wider curved-blade drywall trowels: $25–$30 each
Drywall joint compound powder: $0.20 to $0.26 per sq. ft.
Five-gallon bucket: $5
Drop cloth: $15
For the best aesthetic results, rely on the skill, experience, and patience of a professional drywall contractor.
Cost to Install Skip Trowel Drywall Texture Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
If you plan to install skip trowel drywall texture as a DIY project, you’ll spend about $50 on tools and an additional $0.20 to $0.26 per square foot of wall or ceiling space on materials.
The average cost to hire a local drywall contractor to do the project for you is $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot or $1.80 to $3.80 per square foot if you require retexturing. Most contractors charge a minimum of $100 for this type of project.
Skip Trowel Drywall Texture Questions and Answers
Can you skip trowel over an existing wall texture?
You can skip trowel over walls with an existing texture as long as the texture was not heavily applied. A heavily applied texture will be visible through any new drywall texture if it is not sanded down before the new texture is applied.
How do you clean skip trowel drywall texture?
To properly clean and maintain your skip trowel drywall texture, dust the surface weekly with an electrostatic duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Never scrub the surface. Stains can be removed by gently applying a mild detergent solution with a paint roller, removing it with a damp roller, and drying with a dry roller. Avoid indoor smoking and limit the use of fireplaces.
What are the pros and cons of skip trowel drywall texture?
Pros of Skip Trowel Drywall Texture
Adds unique character and interest to a room
Covers damage, imperfections, and repair work
Costs less than drywall replacement
Increased surface area dampens sound between rooms
Doesn’t require repairs or repainting as often as smooth drywall
Cons of Skip Trowel Drywall Texture
Easily damaged by furniture rubbing against the wall
Tedious to remove if you decide to change the style
