Smooth vs. Textured Drywall: Which Finish Will Transform Your Northwest Arkansas Home?

Alejandro Cortes • November 24, 2025

You're standing in a showroom comparing two wall samples, and one catches your eye immediately. But is it the right choice for your home? The decision between smooth and textured drywall finishes affects how your walls look, perform, and how much you'll invest in your remodel.


At Superior Drywall & Finishing, I've helped hundreds of homeowners in Northwest Arkansas navigate this exact decision. The truth is that there's no universally "best" answer. 



In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about smooth versus textured drywall so you can decide with confidence.

Understanding the Difference

Smooth drywall, often called Level 5 finish, is completely flat with no variations. When light hits the surface, it reflects evenly, creating a clean, modern aesthetic.



Textured drywall has a bumpy or patterned surface created by adding additives to joint compound. Common options include knockdown texture, orange peel texture, and spray-on varieties.

Smooth Drywall Advantages and Disadvantages

Smooth drywall offers a sleek, contemporary appearance that works with any design style. It's easier to paint and repaint, and significantly easier to clean and maintain. However, imperfections and tiny irregularities show under certain lighting. 



Smooth finishes also require exceptional skill and multiple coats, making them more expensive. Some homeowners find smooth walls feel cold or institutional in traditional home designs.

Textured Drywall Advantages and Disadvantages

Textured drywall hides imperfections beautifully, meaning waves and seams disappear into the texture. It adds character and visual interest, costs less upfront, and works well in traditional or rustic homes. The main drawback is that textured surfaces trap dust and allergens, making them harder to clean. Textured finishes can also be difficult to repair and match, and some textures feel dated.

Comparing Cost

Textured drywall finishes typically cost 20 to 40 percent less than smooth Level 5 finishes because they require fewer coats and less precision. However, when you factor in long-term maintenance and cleaning, the cost difference narrows considerably.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose smooth drywall if you want a high-end contemporary look, easy maintenance, or if you have allergies. 

Choose textured drywall if you prefer traditional design styles, want maximum durability, or are working with a tighter budget.

Professional Drywall Finishing in Northwest Arkansas

I work with homeowners throughout Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, and surrounding areas. Whether you're considering smooth or textured finishes, I can help you evaluate which choice works best for your project.

With over 400 successful projects completed a cross the region, I understand how different drywall finishes perform in Northwest Arkansas homes. I know the climate considerations, the design trends that work best here, and how to ensure your walls look flawless for years to come. My goal is to make sure you get the exact finish you envision without compromise on quality or timeline.

Want to see real craftsmanship for yourself?

Let us show you what flawless drywall actually looks like. Schedule a free consultation today! Call us at (479)-227-2660.

The 1-Year Guarantee: What It Actually Covers and Why Most Contractors Don't Offer One

By Alejandro Cortes • November 3, 2025
When we finish a drywall job and walk through it with you, there's one thing I always make sure to mention: our 1-year workmanship guarantee. And almost every time, I get the same response. "Oh, that's great. So what does that actually mean?" It's a fair question. A lot of contractors throw around words like "guarantee" or "warranty" without really explaining what they're promising. And honestly, most drywall contractors don't offer any kind of guarantee at all. So let me break down exactly what ours covers, why we offer it, and why it matters for your project.
Logo for Superior Drywall & Finishing, with a geometric cube icon and text in orange and grey.

How to Choose the Right Drywall Contractor in Northwest Arkansas

By Alejandro Cortes • October 13, 2025
When it comes to drywall, a smooth finish can make or break the look of your home. Crooked seams, visible joints, or uneven texture stand out no matter how nice the paint is. That’s why finding the right drywall contractor in Northwest Arkansas is worth the effort. Whether you’re remodeling in Bentonville, patching a ceiling in Rogers, or finishing out a basement in Fayetteville, good drywall work sets the foundation for everything else. 1. Start Local and Ask Around The best drywall contractors in Northwest Arkansas are usually the ones who stay busy through word of mouth. Ask neighbors or friends who they’ve used, or check local Facebook groups and community boards. Hiring local isn’t just about convenience. Contractors who work in NWA every week understand our humidity, foundation movement, and the materials that hold up best in this climate. And if you ever need a repair down the road, they’re close enough to come back. 2. Look for Proven Workmanship Drywall finishing is an art. Before you sign a contract, ask to see photos or examples of recent work. A solid drywall pro should have clean corners, even seams, and consistent texture throughout the space. If possible, visit a job site or talk to past customers. Smooth walls and minimal sanding dust are usually signs of a crew that takes pride in their craft. 3. Don’t Pick Based on Price Alone In 2025, materials and labor costs have gone up across the board, but that doesn’t mean the lowest bid will save you money. Poor taping or fast work can lead to cracks, bubbles, or uneven surfaces that cost more to fix later. Instead, look for value. The right contractor will explain what’s included — materials, finishing coats, cleanup, and even small texture matches — so you know exactly what you’re paying for. 4. Check Reviews, Licenses, and Insurance A quick online search for “drywall contractor near me” will show plenty of names, but not all are equal. Stick with licensed and insured pros who have consistent 4.5+ star ratings on Google or Nextdoor. Read the detailed reviews instead of just looking at the score. You’ll quickly spot the ones who are reliable, clean, and show up when they say they will. Insurance matters too. If a worker gets hurt or something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you verified it up front. 5. Pay Attention to How They Communicate The way a contractor talks to you before the job usually tells you how they’ll act during it. A good drywall contractor listens, gives clear timelines, and explains what to expect each step of the way. If they’re hard to reach or vague about details, that’s a red flag. Good communication means fewer surprises and smoother results — literally and figuratively. 6. Watch for Professionalism in the Little Things You can tell a lot about a contractor by the small stuff. Do they cover your floors before sanding? Do they clean up each day? Do they tape off vents to keep dust out of your house? Those details are what separate a handyman from a true drywall professional. Final Thoughts A drywall project might not be glamorous, but it’s the backbone of your home’s interior. A clean, even finish makes every room feel new again. Take your time, trust local recommendations, and choose someone who treats your project like their own home. If you’re a homeowner anywhere in Northwest Arkansas — Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, or Bella Vista — and need help finding a drywall contractor you can count on, reach out anytime. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction or share who we’d hire for our own homes.