INTERIOR
Wall Texturing Cost: Per Square Foot in 2026
Estimate wall texturing and skim coat cost per square foot — with the free drywall calculator.
Texture hides drywall imperfections and gives walls character — or removes an outdated popcorn look. Here's the real 2026 cost per square foot.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Wall texturing runs $1–$2 per sq ft for a basic skim coat in 2026 (Homewyse: $0.95–$1.35). Adding or removing texture runs $1–$2.50 extra per sq ft. Plaster skim runs $2.64–$4.74 per sq ft. A 500 sq ft room runs $500–$1,200.
What it costs
A basic skim coat runs $1–$2 per sq ft (materials $0.10–$0.30, labor $0.90–$2). Adding orange-peel, knockdown or spray texture runs $1–$2.50 extra. Plaster skim runs $2.64–$4.74. A typical 500 sq ft room runs $500–$1,200.
- Basic skim: $1–$2 per sq ft
- Texture add/remove: $1–$2.50 extra
- Plaster skim: $2.64–$4.74
- 500 sq ft room: $500–$1,200
Skim coat vs texture
A skim coat is a smooth, flat finish — the modern look, and the prep for wallpaper or paint. Texture (orange peel, knockdown, spray) hides imperfections and is cheaper to apply. Removing old popcorn texture runs $1–$2.50 per sq ft extra.
Try the drywall calculator
Enter the wall area and per-sq-ft rates to estimate the job.