If you think that drywall is a just basic step in construction and renovation projects, think again. It is a complex building process that requires skill and knowledge to ensure you create a smooth, durable surface suited to the final wall finish. In this blog, we will look at how different levels of drywall taping add to the complexity and how to know which level is right for your project.
What are drywall taping levels?
Drywall taping levels determine the process required to achieve the final surface finish. The level used is based on the quality desired, application, and space usage. The level chosen impacts everything from wall preparation to sanding and makes a huge impact on the final results.
Why are there drywall taping levels?
As with all building methods and processes, the craft of drywall installation is held up to certain standards. In the case of drywall, those standards are set by the Gypsum Association. The association defines best practices in the gypsum trade and uses drywall taping levels to establish standards for drywall professionals.
What is gypsum board?
Gypsum board is the more technical term used for drywall and refers to wall panelling products consisting of a gypsum core and paper facing. Both the core and facing come in various combinations of materials, but fall into the category of gypsum board.
How many drywall taping levels are there?
There are technically six levels of drywall taping, ranging from 0 to 5. However, there are typically only three levels that impact the final surface finish. This is because the different levels also represent different stages in the drywall taping process. The first two levels don’t really count, as level 0 means taping has not yet begun, and level 1 means the tape has been applied to the compound, but not yet finished.
What are the 5 levels of drywall taping?
The five levels of drywalling include the following:
- Drywall level 1: At this stage, the compound is applied to the joints and the drywall tape is embedded.
- Drywall level 2: A thin coat of joint compound is applied over the tape and screw holes, providing the most basic and lowest quality of drywall surface finish.
- Drywall level 3: This is the standard finish in most homes, used in about 95% of interior spaces. It creates a clean, paint-ready surface that works well in nearly all rooms. The process includes embedding paper tape over Sheetrock or Durabond at the joints, applying two coats of mud with sanding between and after, and finishing with minor touch-ups and sponge blending where needed.
- Drywall level 4: This finish builds on level 3 with added precision. After applying and sanding the initial coats, a third coat of compound is used to widen and smooth the joints further. This is followed by a second sanding, final touch-ups, and sponge blending to achieve a seamless, paint-ready surface ideal for painted or wallpapered walls.
- Drywall level 5: This top-tier finish starts with taping and mudding as usual, but goes a step further. The entire wall surface is skimmed with multiple coats of mud (usually three to five) until perfectly smooth. It’s the go-to for high-gloss paints or rooms where lighting highlights every detail.
How to Know Which Drywall Taping Level Is Required
The level of drywall taping and wall preparation required is based on the surface finish needed to complete the project. Levels 0 and 1 are rarely acceptable, unless you have a miscellaneous space, such as a basement, where you are basically providing a cover for insulation.
However, even in these situations, you are putting the space and drywall at risk for poor energy efficiency and moisture issues. Typically, you can use the following guidelines to determine the level required:
- Level 2: This level is suitable for areas where appearance is not a consideration, such as garages, workshops, or storage areas. It is also acceptable when you plan to tile the surface, but keep in mind recommendations for proper gypsum board types in areas such as fireplace surrounds, bathrooms, or kitchens.
- Level 3: If you plan to finish the walls with a texture such as stucco, knockdown, Venetian plaster, etc., then level 3 is recommended.
- Level 4: When your design scheme needs painting or wallpapering, level 4 is required.
- Level 5: This is the premium finish, highly recommended for high-gloss/enamel paints or flat paints in rooms with low-angled lighting that are more likely to capture undesirable highlights like bumps, divots, or depressions.
How do drywall taping levels impact price?
The higher the drywall finishing level, the more your drywall finishing project costs. First, labour costs increase with every step required. As a result, you might want to consider discussing possible shortcuts with your drywall contractor to find potential savings whenever possible.
Additionally, the higher the level of drywall taping, the more “mud” you require. So, even if you plan to DIY your drywall project, you will still invest more in materials. You can also benefit from enjoying the finished space sooner.
Finally, you can’t overlook the value of a job well done. Although there are ways to save money by opting for a lower level of drywall finishing, you want to ensure it won’t negatively impact the finished space. Shortcuts are never recommended when you want a quality job done right the first time.
Important Considerations for Drywall Taping Levels
Although the above points work as a basic guideline, there are several considerations that impact your finished product, including the following:
- Space usage: While level 1 or 2 might be fine for spaces like a garage or workshop, you might use the space often and want a more aesthetically pleasing look. Avid DIYers, hobbyists, weekend mechanics, or even those who like to use these spaces as a hangout might consider level 3 in these areas.
- Wall panelling: If you plan to finish a room with wall panelling, you can skip the extra coat in those areas since they’ll be hidden.
- Cabinetry and built-ins: As with wall panelling, any walls that will be covered with cabinetry or built-ins, like a banquette, bench, or shelving, can also skip the extra coats to save time.
- Ceilings: The level rules that apply to walls don’t always work for ceilings. Because of the different angles of the lighting, ceilings often show imperfections more distinctly. As a result, you should opt for at least level 4 drywall finishing and level 5 if you want perfection.
- Drywall contractors: Never assume that your drywall contractor will apply the recommended drywall finish. Not all have the experience to understand best practices. In some cases, they might look for ways to cut corners. This guide can help you discuss your preferences with a drywall savvy to get the outcomes you deserve.
Contact Ontario Drywall And Taping for Professional Drywall Services
Hopefully, this guide has provided the drywall basics required to inform your drywall project decisions. It always helps to work with an experienced drywall contractor who understands the importance of proper drywall best practices to make the best decisions for your project and budget.
If these tips make drywall taping sound complicated, it is! Call Ontario Drywall And Taping (ODT) at 647-878-4466. You can contact us here to reach out to our expert drywall crew and set up a free quote today.
