Reference

Levels of Drywall Finish

The six levels of drywall finish in one table, so a quote, a specification and a room can all name the same thing.

Last updated

The six levels

Level What it includes Where it is used
0 No taping, finishing or accessories Temporary construction, or where the final decoration is not decided
1 Tape embedded in compound at joints and interior angles; surface free of excess compound; tool marks and ridges acceptable Plenums, above ceilings, attics, areas concealed from view; often called fire taping
2 Tape embedded and immediately wiped with a thin coat; fastener heads and accessories covered with one coat Garages, storage and utility areas where appearance does not matter; under tile on water-resistant board
3 As Level 2, plus one more coat on joints and angles; fasteners and accessories with two coats Under medium or heavy textures, spray or hand applied, and heavy wallcoverings
4 As Level 2, plus two more coats on flat joints and one on angles; fasteners and accessories with three coats Flat and eggshell paint, light textures and wallcoverings; the usual level for living spaces
5 As Level 4, plus a thin skim coat over the whole surface Gloss, semi-gloss and enamel paint, non-textured flat paint where a flawless look is wanted, and walls under severe or raking light

All surfaces are smooth and free of tool marks and ridges at Levels 4 and 5, ready for primer. At Level 4, GA-214 does not recommend gloss, semi-gloss or enamel paint: it shows the joints.

Passes, compound and cost on this site

Level Passes in our calculators Compound, gal per 1,000 sq ft Finishing labour as a share of Level 4
0 0 0 0
1 1 2.4 about 0.3
2 2 4.2 about 0.5
3 3 7.0 about 0.75
4 4 9.4 1 ($0.80 to $1.50 per sq ft)
5 5 14.0 1, plus $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft for the skim

The calculators count a pass as one trip round the room with the knife, with a drying day after each: tape coat, coat over the tape and fasteners, second coat, finish coat, skim. Level 4 compound is USG’s published complete-finishing coverage; the other levels are pro-rated. The labour shares are the site’s estimate from the passes each level adds; the Level 4 range is from published cost guides (2024–2025) and the Level 5 skim from ThePricer.

How to choose

  • Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens with flat or eggshell paint: Level 4.
  • Gloss or semi-gloss paint, big windows along a wall, skylights, wall-washer lights: Level 5, or at least on the walls in that light.
  • Knockdown or heavy orange peel: Level 3.
  • Garage, storage, utility: Level 2; Level 1 for fire taping out of sight.
  • Under tile outside wet areas: Level 2.

Write the level into every quote. “Finished” can mean Level 3 to one contractor and Level 4 to another.

Sources

Gypsum Association GA-214, Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish, as summarised by the Association and in manufacturers’ finishing guides (USG, National Gypsum). Compound coverage: USG product data. Costs: published cost guides 2024–2025 and ThePricer.

Calculators that use this table

The guide to the levels of drywall finish explains each level and what to look for on the wall, and how to read a drywall quote shows where the level belongs in a price.