Get matched with top drywall pros in Gardendale, AL

Textured walls are a great way to hide imperfections left over by drywall installation, but many homeowners feel like it’s an outdated look, despite there being so many types of drywall texture. And while the textured walls of today are a far cry from the popcorn ceilings and faux stucco of our grandmother’s homes, if you want a more modern look or you want to install wallpaper, it’s time to smooth out your walls.

While every home has its own unique needs, ceiling drywall installation typically follows a staggered or stepped pattern to enhance structural integrity and reduce the visibility of seams. Starting from one corner, sheets are placed perpendicular to the ceiling joists, with the ends of adjacent sheets meeting along the center of the joist. The next row begins with a half sheet, ensuring joints don't align vertically. This alternating pattern, combined with proper taping and mudding, creates a seamless appearance and strengthens the ceiling structure, minimizing the risk of cracks over time.

There are a few ways to figure out if your walls are plaster or drywall, but the pushpin method is probably the easiest option. To try it, choose a part of your wall where you can insert a pushpin or thumbtack without leaving an obvious mark. If it goes in easily, you have drywall. But if the wall is tough to penetrate, that’s plaster.

This depends on how much plaster is applied and in how many layers, but a decent estimate is around 150 square feet. If you are applying only two coats on a small wall, there is a chance you may only need one or two gallons for the entire project. If you are plastering a large living room wall with high ceilings, using one of the more involved techniques–like Scagliola–that requires several coats, expect the project materials costs to add up quickly.