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.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Rogers: What Homeowners Need to Know

By Alejandro Cortes • January 15, 2026
Popcorn ceilings were everywhere in homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s, and Rogers has plenty of them. If you have been staring up at that dated texture and wondering what it would take to get rid of it, you are not alone. Homeowners across Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale are removing popcorn ceilings to update their homes and create a cleaner, more modern look. Why Homeowners Are Making the Switch Popcorn texture was originally popular because it hid imperfections and was quick to apply. But styles have changed, and now that bumpy surface makes homes feel stuck in another decade. Beyond aesthetics, popcorn ceilings collect dust, are nearly impossible to clean, and make painting a nightmare. Removing the texture opens up your options. You can go with a smooth, modern finish or choose a subtle texture like knockdown that looks current without showing every flaw. Either way, updated ceilings make a noticeable difference in how your entire home feels. The Removal Process Popcorn ceiling removal is messy work, which is why most homeowners hire professionals rather than attempting it themselves. The basic process involves wetting the texture to soften it, scraping it off carefully, and then repairing and finishing the ceiling underneath. What many people do not realize is that the ceiling under the popcorn often needs significant work. Seams, fastener marks, and imperfections that were hidden by texture become visible once it is gone. A proper job includes skim coating or finishing the ceiling to a smooth, paint-ready surface. The timeline depends on the size of your home and the condition of the ceilings underneath. Most rooms can be completed in one to two days, while a whole-house project in Rogers or nearby Lowell might take a week or more. Considerations for Older Homes Here is something important for homeowners in older Northwest Arkansas neighborhoods. Popcorn texture applied before 1980 sometimes contains asbestos, which was used as a binding agent before its health risks were understood. Homes in established Rogers neighborhoods and parts of Springdale and Fayetteville may fall into this category. If your home was built before 1980, get the texture tested before any removal work begins. Testing is inexpensive and gives you peace of mind. If asbestos is present, the removal requires specialized abatement procedures and should only be handled by certified professionals. What to Expect for Cost Popcorn ceiling removal costs vary based on square footage, ceiling height, and the condition of the surface underneath. Homes with asbestos-containing textures will cost more due to abatement requirements. Getting an in-person estimate is the only way to know what your specific project will cost. The investment is worth it for most homeowners. Updated ceilings improve your daily experience in the home and add value if you decide to sell down the road. Ready to Update Your Ceilings If you have been putting off popcorn ceiling removal because you were not sure what was involved, hopefully this clears things up. Superior Drywall & Finishing handles popcorn removal for homeowners throughout Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, and all of Northwest Arkansas. Reach out for a free consultation and find out what it would take to finally get rid of those dated ceilings. .

New Construction Drywall in Centerton: What Builders and Homeowners Should Expect

By Alejandro Cortes • January 1, 2026
Centerton has become one of the fastest-growing communities in Northwest Arkansas, with new homes going up in neighborhoods throughout the city and into Little Flock and Pea Ridge. If you are building a custom home or working as a builder in the area, understanding the drywall phase helps keep your project on schedule and sets you up for a quality finished product. When Drywall Happens in the Construction Timeline Drywall installation cannot begin until several other phases are complete and inspected. Electrical wiring, plumbing rough-ins, HVAC ductwork, and insulation all need to be finished and approved before the first sheet of drywall goes up. Rushing this sequence leads to problems that are expensive to fix once walls are closed up. In most Centerton new builds, drywall work begins somewhere between weeks 8 and 12 of construction, depending on the size of the home and how smoothly earlier phases went. The drywall phase itself typically takes one to three weeks from hanging through final finishing. Coordinating With Other Trades Good communication between the drywall crew and other contractors makes a noticeable difference in the final result. Electricians need to know where sconces and outlets will land so boxes sit flush with the finished wall surface. HVAC crews need to secure ductwork properly so vibration does not cause cracks down the road. Builders in Centerton, Little Flock, and surrounding areas who work with experienced drywall contractors avoid the finger-pointing that happens when trades do not coordinate. The best projects have everyone on the same page before drywall begins. Common Issues in New Construction New homes settle during the first year or two, which can cause minor cracks around door frames and where walls meet ceilings. This is normal in Northwest Arkansas construction due to our soil conditions and seasonal humidity swings. Quality installation with proper fastening patterns and joint techniques minimizes these issues. Another common problem is nail pops, where fasteners push through the surface as lumber dries and shrinks. A reputable drywall contractor addresses these during a warranty callback rather than leaving homeowners to deal with them. Why Quality Matters for Inspections and Beyond Home inspectors look closely at drywall work during final inspections and pre-closing walkthroughs. Visible seams, uneven surfaces, and poor finishing reflect badly on the entire build and can delay closings. More importantly, the drywall work is something homeowners look at every single day for years to come. Investing in quality drywall installation and finishing during new construction costs less than fixing problems after the fact. It also protects your reputation as a builder when buyers recommend you to friends and family. Building in Centerton or Nearby Communities Whether you are a homeowner building your dream house or a builder developing lots in Centerton, Little Flock, Pea Ridge, or Cave Springs, having a reliable drywall contractor matters. Superior Drywall & Finishing has worked on new construction projects throughout Northwest Arkansas and understands what local builders and homeowners expect. Reach out for a consultation on your upcoming project and see why builders across NWA trust us with their drywall work.