How to Estimate Drywall Texturing and Painting Combined?

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Estimating drywall texturing and painting combined optimizes workflows by bundling preparation, application, and finishing into a single process, saving 10-20% on labor through seamless transitions between trades. This integrated approach is ideal for new construction, remodels, or repaints where smooth, durable walls enhance aesthetics and hide imperfections.​

Understanding Drywall Texturing Basics

Drywall texturing applies a thin layer of compound to create visual interest and mask joints, seams, and minor flaws before priming and painting. Common types include orange peel (subtle splatter), knockdown (rolled then flattened), and slap brush (coarse striae), each affecting material use and labor rates.​

Texturing requires bare or lightly sanded drywall; combined estimating assumes taping/mudding is complete, flowing directly into texture spray, prime, and topcoats. Florida’s humidity demands quick‑dry compounds to prevent mold during curing.​

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Benefits of Combined Estimating

Bundling reduces mobilization (one crew setup), minimizes surface handling (no drying/delays between steps), and boosts productivity (texturers paint immediately). Savings compound on large jobs: 1,000 sf room textures at $1.50/sf + paints at $2/sf separately = $3.50/sf; combined = $2.80–$3.20/sf.​

Step 1: Accurate Square Footage Measurement

Measure ceiling height × perimeter walls, subtract doors/windows (15–20%), add ceilings (80% of floor sf). Rule: 1 drywall sheet (32 sf) per 32–48 sf wall; texture/paint follows.​

Example 12×12 room (144 sf floor):

  • Walls: 480 sf gross – 80 sf openings = 400 sf.
  • Ceiling: 144 sf.
  • Total texture/paint: 544 sf (+10% waste = 600 sf).​

Step 2: Surface Preparation (Pre-Texture)

Light sand taped joints ($0.20–$0.40/sf labor), clean dust ($0.10/sf). No heavy skim unless specified.​

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Step 3: Texturing Quantities and Methods

Texture coverage: 100–150 sf/gal ready‑mix; spray fastest (500–800 sf/hr/team).

Texture Type

Cost/sf (Material+Labor)

Coverage/gal

Application Speed ​

Orange Peel

$1.25–$1.95

120 sf

Spray: 600 sf/hr

Knockdown

$1.30–$2.00

100 sf

Spray+Roll: 400 sf/hr

Smooth Skim

$1.00–$1.80

150 sf

Trowel: 300 sf/hr

600 sf room: 4–6 gal texture @ $25/gal = $100–$150 materials.​

Step 4: Priming After Texture

Prime immediately (same day) to seal: 400 sf/gal PVA primer ($20/gal). 1 coat standard; $0.30–$0.50/sf total.​

Step 5: Painting Over Texture

2 topcoats flat/matte (350 sf/gal @ $30/gal): $0.80–$1.20/sf materials. Texture absorbs more paint (+10–15%).​

Labor Breakdown for Combined Process

Florida rates: $30–$60/hr painter; 2‑man crew.

Phase

sf/hr (2‑man)

Labor/sf ($50/hr avg)

600 sf Room Time/Cost

Texture

400–600

$0.80–$1.20

1–1.5 days / $400–$600

Prime

800–1,000

$0.40–$0.60

0.5 day / $150–$225

Paint (2 coats)

600–800

$1.00–$1.50

1 day / $300–$450

Total

$2.20–$3.30

2.5–3 days / $850–$1,275 ​

Full Cost Model Per Square Foot

Component

Materials/sf

Labor/sf

Total/sf

Prep

$0.05

$0.30

$0.35

Texture

$0.20–$0.40

$0.80–$1.20

$1.00–$1.60

Prime

$0.10

$0.40

$0.50

Paint

$0.30–$0.50

$1.00–$1.50

$1.30–$2.00

Grand Total

$0.65–$1.05

$2.50–$3.40

$3.15–$4.45 ​

600 sf: $1,890–$2,670 total.

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Overhead, Profit, Contingency

  • Overhead: 15–25% (tools, travel).
  • Profit: 10–20%.
  • Contingency: 5–10% (texture rework, color match).​

Florida Market Adjustments

Labor $40–$65/hr; mildew primer +$0.20/sf exteriors/interiors near baths.​

Tools and Equipment

Texture hopper gun ($50/day rent), spray rig ($100/day), masks/PPE.​

Sample Room Bid: 12x12 Bedroom (600 sf)

  • Materials: $450
  • Labor: $1,000
  • Overhead/Profit: $250
  • Total: $1,700 ($2.83/sf).​

Phasing for Larger Jobs

New construction: Texture day 1, prime/paint days 2–3. Remodel: Mask furniture, phase rooms.​

Common Pitfalls

  • Underestimating waste on knockdown (15%).
  • Poor hopper cleaning doubles material use.
  • Texture‑too‑heavy: Extra sanding labor.​

Winning Combined Bids

Specify texture type/samples; warranty 2–5 years.​

Estimate Florida Consulting estimates drywall texturing and painting combined accurately for Florida contractors. Years of experience, 1-2 day turnarounds—upload to 

info@estimatorflorida.com

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Question Answer

Frequently Asked Question

It means bundling surface prep, texture application, priming, and painting into one coordinated estimate instead of pricing them separately. This approach reduces mobilization, shortens schedules, and typically saves 10–20% in labor costs.

Combined estimating:

  • Eliminates multiple crew mobilizations

  • Reduces downtime between trades

  • Improves surface continuity

  • Increases daily production rates

On larger projects, this efficiency can reduce overall costs by $0.30–$0.70 per square foot.

The most common textures are:

  • Orange peel – subtle, fastest application

  • Knockdown – medium texture, higher material use

  • Smooth skim coat – hides imperfections but requires more labor

Each texture type affects coverage rates, labor hours, and material quantities.

Measure:

  • Wall area (perimeter × ceiling height)

  • Ceiling area (floor square footage)

  • Subtract 15–20% for doors and windows

Always add 10–15% waste for texture overspray and paint absorption.

Average coverage rates:

  • Ready-mix texture: 100–150 sq ft per gallon

  • Knockdown uses more material than orange peel
    Heavier textures require additional waste allowances of up to 15%.

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