A Guide to Six Levels of Drywall Finishing

Wall of a building

Many homeowners and builders need a little help in understanding the 6 levels of drywall service we offer. Here are the details!

Drywall Level 0

No taping, finishing, or accessories. This level of finish may be useful in temporary construction or whenever the final decoration has not been determined.

Drywall Level 1

Single coat with taping set in the joint compound on all joints and interior angles. Frequently specified in plenum areas above ceilings, in attics, in areas where the assembly would generally be concealed or in building service corridors, and other areas not normally open to public view. Some degree of sound and smoke control is provided.

Drywall Level 2

A double coating of joint compound over all joints, interior angles, fastener heads, and accessories. For non-finished areas behind tile and built-ins, in garages, warehouse storage, or other similar areas where surface appearance is not of primary concern.

Drywall Level 3

Tape embedded in the joint compound with one additional coat of joint compound applied over all joints and interior angles, plus two coats of joint compound on fastener heads and accessories. Typically found in residential interiors and in appearance areas which are to receive heavy- or medium-texture (spray or hand applied) finishes before final painting, or where heavy-grade wall coverings are to be applied as the final decoration. This level of finish is not recommended where smooth painted surfaces or light to medium wall coverings are specified.

Drywall Level 4

Tape embedded in the joint compound with two separate coats of joint compound on all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories covered with three separate coats of joint compound. This level is typically used where flat paints, light textures, or wall coverings are to be applied. In critical lighting areas, flat paints applied over light textures tend to reduce joint photographing. Gloss, semi-gloss, and enamel paints are not recommended over this level of finish.

Drywall Level 5

A thin skim coat of joint compound applied to the entire surface. Tape embedded in the joint compound on all joints and interior angles and two separate coats of joint compound over all flat joints and one separate coat of joint compound applied over interior angles. Fastener heads and accessories covered with three separate coats of joint compound. This level of finish is highly recommended where gloss, semi-gloss, enamel, or non-textured flat paints are specified or where severe lighting conditions occur. This highest quality finish is the most effective method to provide a uniform surface and minimize the possibility of joint photographing and of fasteners showing through the final decoration.

Westside Drywall & Insulation is an expert in creating textures from standard to custom, so if your project requires something special we will be happy to do a mockup for your approval. Call us today!