Drywall finishing is an important aspect of almost all construction projects. With so many contractors and different levels of drywall finish available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the different levels of drywall finish available to our Fort Lauderdale clientele.
Level 0: This is considered temporary construction and no drywall taping or finishing is needed. It’s also used when you haven’t decided on the final finish yet or you just need to enclose a space quickly.
Level 1: Drywall contractors use level 1 in attics, garages, and areas not accessible by the public. Joints and angles have tape in the joint compound, but the compound doesn’t cover fasteners.
Level 2: Interior angles and joints have tape in the joint compound and excess compound is removed to leave a thin coating over the joints and angles. The joint compound also covers the fasteners and accessories, but you can still see tool marks and ridges. Level 2 drywall finish are often used when a water-resistant board is used as a tile substrate.
Level 3: Just like level 2, level 3 includes having the tape embedded in joint compound and wiped to leave a thin coat over the interior angles and joints. But there is also an extra coating of joint compound applied over the joints and interior angles, and the fasteners and accessories are covered with two layers of joint compound coatings. There are no tool marks and ridges. This level is used when heavy wall decorations or drywall textures will be applied as a last step.
Level 4: Joints and interior angles have tape in the joint compound and then the area must be wiped to leave nothing but a slim coating over them. The contractor will apply two hands of coats of joint compound over the flat joints and one coat over the interior angles. The contractors apply three coats of joint compound over accessories and fasteners while all joint compounds will be smoothened and there will be no ridges or tool marks. Before the surface is decorated to your wishes, the contractor finishes it with a primer. This level is recommended for light residential wallcoverings, light textures, and flat paints.
Level 5: The highest drywall finish grade that ensures uniformity and all imperfections perfectly concealed. The interior angles and joints still have tape embedded in the joint compound which is quickly wiped to leave a thin coat before two separate coatings of compound are applied over the flat joints and one coat over the interior angles. The fasteners and accessories are concealed with three coatings for better results. Finally, the entire surface is finished with a skim coat of joint compound. This ensures the smoothness of the surface and successful concealment of any imperfections. Naturally, there are no tool marks or ridges.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced drywall contractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL, look no further. Rose Architecture and Construction the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your project is completed to the highest standard, no matter what level of drywall finish you choose. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.