Get matched with top drywall pros in Sallisaw, OK

While certain types of textured walls can seem dated (looking at you, popcorn), textured walls are a common sight in both older and more modern homes. The main reason textured walls may be here to stay is that they are an excellent way to hide minor imperfections on a wall and give it a finished appearance. Some homeowners think a coat of paint on drywall is a bit industrial-looking. However, that look works perfectly in modern home design. 

Popular wall textures include orange peel, knockdown, spray sand, and smooth finishes. Orange peel and knockdown are particularly common choices for drywall as they are simple and cost-effective. Orange peel texture has a lightly bumpy surface resembling the skin of an orange, while knockdown (sometimes called knockout) looks like a stucco finish with flattened high spots. In contrast, popcorn texture has fallen out of fashion, partly due to its past association with asbestos and a shift toward more restrained interior design styles.

You should always hang drywall from the top down. Starting at the top makes it easier to create a straight, tight line between the ceiling and the wall. Any gaps that occur will be at the bottom, where they are easier to manage. You can either cut the bottom piece of drywall to fit the remaining space or cover the gap with baseboard trim. Additionally, starting at the top is physically easier, as you won't have to fit the top sheet into a tight space between the lower sheet and the ceiling, or try to balance the upper sheets on the lower ones while securing them.

Yes, if there is mold in your drywall mud and you then use it to build walls in your house—or if mold develops in your set drywall, like it can in hot and humid areas—it can lead to illness. Mold in your drywall (or other parts of your home) can make existing respiratory conditions or allergies worse, and the effect can be more intense for those who have existing health issues or compromised immune systems.