You’ve been living in your beautiful North Texas home for years, but you have a thorn in your side: the highly textured orange peel walls! Whenever you try to clean them, grime clings stubbornly to the bumps and ridges. It tears apart anything you try to use to wipe the surface down, too.
You long for a sleek, modern, easy-to-clean flat wall…it would TRANSFORM your living space AND your regular maintenance routine…
Where do you start, though?! Switching from textured to flat walls is a big investment…it’s labor-intensive, and you need to vet the right professionals who know how to do the job right the first time. PLUS, the mess and dust created during the removal process could be a health disaster floating all over your home.
Despite the challenges, you still dream of those sleek, flat walls…so, here’s how you can make the transformation, and what to expect along the way.
Where do textured walls come from, anyway?
The main reason why textured walls are popular is because they’re faster and easier to put up. (Faster means cheaper for the builder, who makes the decision, initially.) Textured walls also hide imperfections, and painting them is as easy (once again, for the builder) as a “blow and go” job.
(That doesn’t sound very high-end, does it?)
Overall Drawbacks of Textured Walls
Textured walls might hide imperfections and be quick to install, but they come with several downsides, like:
- An outdated look — Are textured walls outdated? Often, yes, but it depends. For example, popcorn ceilings make for a dated look in the home, but creative applications of sand texture paint can be easier to maintain and more expressive.
- They’re difficult to clean — Textured surfaces collect dust and grime more easily than smooth ones, making cleaning a real challenge.
- Harder to repair — Matching the texture during repairs can be difficult and costly.
Texas is building new homes faster than most other states, and builders LOVE installing textured walls to hide imperfections. That’s why THEY love textured walls.
Should you like textured walls, though? What if you don’t?! What if you secretly hate that orange peel texture anywhere you see it, and can’t help but fantasize about smooth walls in your home?
As you prepare for that transition, here’s what to know…
Types of Textured Walls
It’s important to first identify the kind of textured walls you have. The four most common kinds are:
- Popcorn texture — used in ceilings as much (or more) as it is in walls, this texture is easy to apply but VERY hard to remove.
- Orange peel texture — Resembling the skin of an orange, this texture is smoother than popcorn but still challenging to clean or remove.
- Slap brush texture — Created by slapping a brush against the wall when either drywall or paint is applied, this texture is unique but can be tricky to maintain. It’s one of the hardest textures to match when repair is needed, too.
- Knockdown texture — This one starts with an orange peel texture, then it’s flattened. It’s more modern but equally difficult to remove.
Smooth vs. textured walls: what are the benefits of flat walls?
If you dream of flat walls, you aren’t alone!! Flat walls have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years for several key reasons…
- Modern aesthetic — Smooth walls provide a sleek, contemporary look.
- Easier to clean — Flat surfaces don’t trap dust and are simpler to maintain.
- Better for wallpaper — Wallpaper and other wall treatments adhere better to flat surfaces. This is a BIG deal right now with the exquisite wallpaper trends you have to choose from!!
- Simpler repairs — Flat walls are easier to patch and paint without the need to match textures.
How to Transition to Flat Walls
If you’re ready to make the switch from textured to flat walls, here’s what to know:
- Professional help is required — Removing texture can be messy and labor-intensive. Hiring an experienced contractor is crucial.
- Dust management — The process creates a LOT of dust. Ensure your contractor uses airtight seals and a professional air movement system to manage it.
- Cost considerations — This is an investment, but think about the return on enjoyment in the time and elbow grease saved in cleaning…and imagine just how much you’ve been wanting that sleek, modern look. You’ll know if it’s worth it.
Flat walls offer a modern and clean look that’s easy to maintain and far more versatile for design aesthetics.
Other Options for Textured Walls vs. Smooth
Do you have other options, besides textured walls or flat walls?
YES!
Switching from textured walls to lacquered walls can bring a stunning transformation to any space. Lacquered walls have a high-gloss finish that reflects light beautifully, creating a sparkling, spacious feel. This is particularly attractive in modern and contemporary aesthetics.
The durability and cleanability of lacquer also make it a GREAT choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways!! It’s also a luxurious addition to bedrooms or dining rooms.
Another fantastic option for replacing textured walls is wallpaper, ESPECIALLY today. The latest trends in wallpaper include bold patterns, metallic finishes, and even textured designs that add depth without the maintenance hassle of traditional textured walls.
Wallpapers today are more versatile and more durable, making them perfect for nearly any room…even a powder room!!
If you’re tired of textured walls, consider making the switch for a stunning home evolution. Reach out to us to start planning your transformation today!!
You can also join our inspiration design group on Facebook to get insights and advice!!
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