The average ceiling in US households has a popcorn-like texture. And while many apartments have smooth ceilings, textured alternatives are still much more common. But what does this texturing add and does a ceiling benefit from it?
Not every ceiling needs to be textured. Flat, smooth ceilings can be just as durable and attractive as textured ones. The main reason many apartments have textured ceilings is cost. Popcorn ceilings are cheaper to install and can hide many construction flaws, resulting in lower overall costs.
This article will explore whether every ceiling needs to be textured and what benefits texturing could provide. I will also discuss the potential benefits of smooth ceilings and the process of transitioning from textured to smooth ceilings. Let’s get started!
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Common reasons for textured ceilings
To determine if all ceilings should be textured, let’s find out why ceilings are textured in the first place!
Fortunately, there are only a handful of reasons why a contractor or homeowner might choose to add textures to their ceilings. Below are some of the most common reasons why ceilings are textured:
Textured ceilings can camouflage flaws – As sneaky as it may sound, some contractors opt to install textured ceilings to hide construction flaws. Landlords may also choose textured ceilings to conceal signs of damage such as cracks, water stains, or evidence of termite infestation.
Textured ceilings can help reduce construction costs – Textured ceilings can not only hide flaws but also help lower construction costs. For example, the cost of installing a popcorn ceiling is often slightly lower than the cost of installing a smooth ceiling. However, some higher-end textured ceilings can be much more expensive than flat ceilings.
Textured ceilings can make them more soundproof – A completely flat ceiling doesn’t have as much material as a textured one. Those living in multi-story houses or apartments may choose to texture their ceilings to make them more soundproof.
Some people find textured ceilings attractive – Some homeowners choose to texture their ceilings to enhance the decor of their homes and achieve a certain aesthetic. For example, a swirl texture is much more eye-catching than a flat surface.
Crown moldings or other ceiling embellishments can transform an ordinary space into an opulent, sophisticated living area. Therefore, textured ceilings are not always used to conceal flaws or reduce costs. Sometimes they are installed for decorative purposes or to increase property value.
Reasons why some people prefer smooth ceilings
Textured ceilings can increase sound insulation, hide flaws, enhance the attractiveness of a room, and lower construction costs. So why do some people prefer smooth or non-textured ceilings?
Many homeowners or landlords may opt for a smooth or non-textured ceiling for the following reasons:
Non-textured ceilings are easy to clean – One of the most common complaints against textured ceilings is that they are difficult to keep clean. Ceilings with small indentations and grooves can quickly accumulate and hold onto dust. On the other hand, smooth ceilings don’t attract nearly as much dust and are easy to wipe clean.
Non-textured ceilings are easier to paint – Painting a textured ceiling often requires a lot of time and energy. Getting the new paint into all the nooks and crannies can easily take several hours or days. But applying a fresh coat of paint to a flat ceiling is simple, quick, and convenient.
It’s easier to repair non-textured ceilings – When a textured ceiling develops cracks, sealing them can be a time-consuming hassle. But if your ceiling is flat, repairing different types of damage is much easier to handle. Therefore, individuals with smooth ceilings may be able to carry out simple repairs without professional help.
Some people prefer smooth ceilings over textured ceilings – Not everyone appreciates the look of a textured ceiling. Although crown moldings can make a living space look grander and more luxurious, this aesthetic is not for everyone. Some prefer the sleeker, modern, and more minimalist look of smooth ceilings.
Different ceiling textures
Although popcorn-textured ceilings are the most widely used type of textured ceilings, several other types are worth mentioning. For example, many ceilings are textured using drywall mud or excess paint.
Some of the most common types of ceiling textures are:
- Skip trowel
- Orange peel
- Stippled
- Swirl
- Lace
The majority of these texture types serve aesthetic purposes. They were designed to enhance the look and ambiance of a room. However, some are used for their cost-saving features or ability to hide flaws.
Tips for removing textures from a ceiling
The best method for removing textures from a ceiling depends on the type of ceiling you currently have. For example, popcorn ceilings can be transformed into smooth ceilings with the help of a scraping tool, a sander, and some fresh paint.
However, if your textured ceiling has an orange peel or knockdown design, you may need drywall mud (also known as joint compound) in addition to a scraper and some fresh paint. If you’ve never done any ceiling refinishing before, it may be best to consult professionals for assistance.
Nevertheless, if you’re determined to complete a DIY ceiling-smoothing project, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Determine the type of texture your ceiling has.
- Create a plan for removing that specific type of texture.
- Gather your materials and supplies.
- Scrape off excess ceiling material.
- Fill in any small holes or gaps with drywall mud if needed.
- Use a sander to ensure the finished surface is smooth.
- Paint the ceiling with fresh paint to protect the new ceiling surface.
Popcorn ceilings are generally the easiest to convert to smooth ceilings. However, if you’re working with a thicker textured ceiling, be sure to check out this video by The Vancouver Carpenter, which focuses on how to smooth textured ceilings to a flat finish:
Conclusion
Not every ceiling needs to be textured. In fact, high-quality ceilings with few craftsmanship flaws are often smooth and texture-free. Popcorn ceilings or other types of textured ceilings often hide flaws such as cracks or water stains.
Furthermore, textured ceilings are generally much more cost-effective to install. Therefore, they are a first choice for contractors looking to lower overall construction costs.
Smooth ceilings are easier to clean and repair and can also increase the value of a property, which is why many people choose to get rid of the textured ceilings in their homes.