*Orange* you curious to learn the differences?
Orange peel texture is finer and more subtle than knockdown.
Knockdown texture creates a flatter, more dramatic pattern.
Orange peel is easier to apply and repair than knockdown.
Knockdown tends to cost slightly more due to additional labor.
Both textures help conceal drywall imperfections.
Texture plays a key role in your walls’ appearance and durability. Two of the most popular drywall textures, orange peel and knockdown, add character and hide imperfections, but their looks, application methods, and costs vary. Whether you’re remodeling or finishing new drywall, understanding the differences between orange peel and knockdown will help you choose the best finish for your home.
Orange peel and knockdown textures are both spray-on wall finishes, but they differ in appearance and application. Orange peel is smoother and looks like—spoiler alert—the skin of an orange, while knockdown has a more rugged, flattened texture. Knockdown also takes more time and labor to apply, which often makes it more expensive.
| Feature | Orange Peel | Knockdown |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Fine and bumpy | Large, flattened splatter |
| Visual style | Spray only | Spray and flatten |
| Repairability | Easier to patch | Harder to blend |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Skill level | Easier to DIY | Often needs a pro |
When it comes to visual texture, orange peel offers a smoother, more uniform finish. It adds a subtle dimension without taking center stage. In contrast, knockdown texture is more dramatic, featuring flattened splatters that create a varied, spread-out look. It has more visual interest and a rougher feel, making it a bolder design choice.
In terms of style, orange peel works well in modern and transitional homes that lean toward clean lines and understated finishes. Knockdown, on the other hand, complements bolder styles such as rustic or Mediterranean.
Both finishes are relatively budget-friendly, but knockdown costs a bit more because there’s an extra step in the application process. Orange peel texture installation ranges from $1.25 to $1.95 per square foot, while knockdown can creep up over $2 per square foot. The added labor for knockdown, which includes spraying the mud and then flattening it with a drywall knife, accounts for the higher price tag. If you’re working on a large area or trying to match existing textured walls, it may be worth hiring an interior painter near you for a seamless finish.
Orange peel texture is applied using a spray gun and left to dry. You can fairly easily apply orange peel texture as a DIY, especially if you want to cover large areas quickly. Knockdown starts the same way—with drywall mud sprayed onto the surface—but then requires you to wait a few minutes before dragging a drywall knife across to “knock down” the peaks. The timing and technique can feel tricky, making it more difficult to apply knockdown texture as a DIY project.
Orange peel is considered easier to apply to existing walls in need of repair, because you can feather the edges and spray over repaired spots to blend them easily. Knockdown repairs are trickier because the pattern is more irregular, making it harder to match the surrounding areas.
When it comes to cleaning, both textures resist minor scuffs and scratches well. However, knockdown’s deeper grooves can trap more dust, so it may require more frequent wiping or vacuuming.
You can DIY either texture with the right tools, but knockdown often benefits from a professional touch due to its trickier application. Consider hiring a local drywall pro if:
You’re texturing multiple rooms or high walls
You want to match the existing knockdown texture
You’re concerned about consistency or finish quality
Antonio is an extremely talented interior designer with an expansive vocabulary, and eye for design. He was attentive, easy, and fun to work with. He works with your vision, the location, and bones of the space to produce a comfortable, livable, artistic, and elegant home. We love how our...
ANTONIO MATRES DESIGNI found him easy to work with in all aspects of the job who took all of my input onboard - yet made it better. I knew we were a match from the moment we discussed my project- from the proposal/quote stage, to actually settling on a budget and a scope, to the overall project itself. I...
MJ Hampton DesignTwo men came to do miscellaneous repairs, inside and outside of our large, 5 bedroom house, to prepare it for sale. Minor drywall repairs from water damage, was repaired and repainted, but the repairs were obvious and noticeable. If I had been staying in the house, I would not have been...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to paint the interior of a house in Chicago, IL depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
The cost to paint the interior of a house in St. Louis, MO depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
The cost to paint the interior of a house in Minneapolis, MN depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
Are you ready to enliven your bathroom and protect it from moisture? Learn how to paint a bathroom with the right tools and techniques to give you peace of mind.
Knowing what paint to use for your bathroom ceiling can prevent mold and mildew. Learn how to choose the best paint for your bathroom ceiling.
When selecting the best paint for garage walls and ceilings, consider aesthetics, durability, ease of cleaning, and conditions in the space.
