Drywall finishing levels: the number behind smooth walls
Drywall finishing levels run from 0 to 5. The trade uses them as shorthand. The number tells you how much mud work a wall got. More is smoother. Here is what each means for your home.
The levels
Level 0. Boards hung. Nothing else. Temporary or hidden walls only.
Level 1. Tape set in the seams. Fire-taping for attics and garages. You see everything.
Level 2. One thin coat over tape. Fine under tile. Not fine under paint.
Level 3. Two coats. Ready for heavy texture. Shows under smooth paint.
Level 4. Three coats, sanded flat. The home standard. Smooth under normal light and paint.
Level 5. Level 4 plus a skim coat over everything. Glass-smooth. For showcase walls and critical light.
What Silver Spring homes need
Level 4 covers almost every room. Bedrooms, baths, basements. Level 5 earns its price on tall entry walls, big-window rooms, and dark glossy paint.
When a bid seems cheap, ask the level. Some crews bid Level 3 and hope you do not know. We put the level in writing.
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