Choosing the Right Type of Texture for Your Home

When it comes to adding character and depth to your walls, texture makes a big difference. Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or just updating a single room, wall texture not only adds visual interest but can also help hide imperfections. At Wehner Home Solutions, we offer a variety of texture options to suit your style and space, helping you find the right type of texture—and we specialize in hand-applied finishes for a custom, high-end look.

This graphic breaks down four common wall and ceiling textures: Orange Peel, Knockdown, Skip Trowel, and Santa Fe. Each section includes a close-up photo and brief description, helping you visualize the differences between spray-applied and hand-applied finishes. Whether you're planning a remodel or repairing damage, this guide offers a helpful look at your options.

Common Types of Wall Texture

Wall textures generally fall into two categories: spray-applied and hand-applied. Each has its own advantages, depending on the look you’re going for and the type of surface being finished.

Spray-Applied Textures

Spray textures are applied using a hopper and air compressor to quickly coat the wall with a consistent pattern. It’s a great option for covering large areas efficiently. For smaller projects or touch-ups, spray texture is also available in convenient aerosol cans—perfect for quick fixes or spot repairs without needing full equipment.

Popular Spray Textures:

• Orange Peel: Lightly bumpy with a subtle finish, similar to the skin of an orange. It's one of the most common choices for new homes.

• Knockdown: Starts like orange peel, but is flattened slightly with a knife for a more rustic, stucco-like appearance.

• Popcorn: More often seen on ceilings, this older style is thick and bumpy—often used to hide flaws or reduce sound.

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Important Note: If your home was built before the mid-1980s, and you have a popcorn ceiling, there’s a possibility it could contain asbestos. Wehner Home Solutions will not disturb or remove any popcorn texture from these homes until the material has been professionally tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free.

Why Asbestos Is Dangerous

Asbestos was once widely used in building materials due to its fire-resistant properties. However, we now know that breathing in asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The risk comes when the material is disturbed—like during renovation or repair work—releasing fibers into the air.

How to Have Your Ceiling Tested

Testing for asbestos is straightforward and typically inexpensive. Here’s how to get started:

1. Hire a certified asbestos inspector – Search locally for an environmental testing company or lab.

2. Do not scrape or disturb the ceiling yourself – Professionals will safely collect a sample and send it for lab analysis.

3. Get your results in writing – If the sample is negative, you’re clear to move forward. If it’s positive, you’ll need a licensed abatement contractor to remove the material.

   
   

If you’re unsure where to start, let us know—we can refer you to a local testing professional before any work begins.

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Hand-Applied Textures (Our Specialty)

If you’re looking for a more custom, refined finish, hand-applied wall textures are where craftsmanship truly shines. Also known as troweled or knife-applied textures, these are created manually with drywall compound and a variety of hand tools. No two walls are exactly the same—making this a great option for homeowners who want something unique.

Popular Hand-Applied Styles:

• Skip Trowel: A lightly raised texture with a graceful, broken pattern that gives a Mediterranean feel.

• Santa Fe: A smoother finish with occasional subtle swirls or patches—great for a soft, natural look.

• Slap Brush / Crows Foot: Made by “slapping” a brush against the wall to create unique, fan-like patterns.

• Comb Texture: Created with a toothed trowel or combing tool for symmetrical lines and waves.

At Wehner Home Solutions, we take pride in our skill with hand-applied textures. It’s an art form that takes experience and attention to detail, and it allows us to offer custom finishes that reflect your personal style.

Not Sure What Texture Is Right for You?

Choosing the right wall texture depends on your space, your goals, and your taste. Whether you want something clean and modern or rich and rustic, we’re here to help guide you through the options—and apply it with expert care.

Want to see samples or talk about your project? Contact Wehner Home Solutions today to schedule a consultation!