What is level 5 finish on drywall?

Author: Elvie Dibbert  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Level 5 drywall has a high-quality skim coat over it. This thin coat covers the nails, tape, compound, and wall materials from the naked eye, creating a pleasing, complete look.

What is the difference between a level 4 and level 5 drywall finish?

Level 4 drywall is perfect for walls specified for most flat or enamel paints, or some light texturing. If your job calls for a final paint with a high level of sheen or dark/deep tones, you'd be better off bumping up your finish to Level 5, as these will highlight any surface defects in severe lighting.

Is level 5 drywall expensive?

Such a premium level 5 drywall finish can cost around $2.25 – $3.00 per square foot. The cost can rise more depending on the walls and requirements.

What's the difference between level 4 and level 5?

Level 4 A standard 3 coat tape job for painted surfaces that are not to be coated with gloss, semi-loss or enamel or where shinny wall covering will not be used. Level 5 is a level 4 tape job with one thin coat of compound spread over the surface to minimize texture and even out the surface for shinier finishes.

Is level 5 finish worth it?

While a Level 5 finish is not an absolute requirement, it serves as an excellent choice for those aiming to achieve a professional and refined look in their residential or commercial space. This finish is particularly well-suited for areas where drywall will remain exposed, such as in luxury homes or upscale offices.

What does Level 5 Drywall mean?

How hard is level 5 drywall?

The finishing level of drywall is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, indicating the degree of readiness for paint or other aesthetic treatments. Level 5 is one of the highest and most intricate levels of completion.

What is level 5 equivalent to?

Level 5. Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

What does a level 5 mean?

In education, level 5 typically represents the highest grade achievable, indicating exceptional performance and mastery of the subject matter. Qualifications. Level 5 qualifications are often considered advanced or professional certifications, demonstrating a high level of expertise in a particular field.

How much does Level 4 drywall finish cost?

Level 4. Level 4 finish consists of two coats of joint compound on the tape and typically three coats of mud on screw holes. This usually costs between $1.70 and $3.20 per square foot.

How many coats of drywall for Level 5?

Level 5 All appropriately prepared gypsum board surfaces shall have one coat of drywall primer applied to yield a properly painted surface. Two sep- arate coats of topcoat material shall be applied over the drywall primer to yield a properly painted surface.

What is the most expensive drywall finish?

Level 5 Wall Texture

This wall texture feels more refined and luxurious, and it is also the most expensive option because creating a smooth wall texture requires additional labor and skill. Extra skim coats are applied, and more attention must be placed on floating drywall to ensure every wall is even.

Does Level 5 drywall need primer?

Typically a Level 5 finish is achieved by applying a series of five coats, or levels, of joint compound, including a skim coat over the entire wall and a coat of primer, to achieve a smooth finish.

What is the best finish for drywall?

A Level 5 drywall finish involves an additional skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface, providing the highest-quality finish. This level is essential for areas with critical lighting conditions, where the appearance of the wall is paramount. It can deliver a smooth, uniform surface.

How many coats of mud do you put on drywall?

You can use all-purpose compound for all three coats, but if you're doing a bigger job; using taping compound for the first 2 coats, and finishing compound for the last, will make everything go smoother.

How do you get a level 5 drywall finish?

The pinnacle of drywall finishes, Level 5 requires all aspects of a Level 4 finish, plus an additional skim coat of joint compound to cover the entire surface. It provides a uniformly smooth surface suitable for high-gloss paint and areas with severe lighting conditions.

Is a level 5 good?

Level 5 certificate

They're widely accepted by employers or admissions officers for further education courses as they display a broad knowledge of a particular area.

How much does a Level 5 drywall finish cost?

A level 5 drywall finish costs $1.75 to $3.50 per square foot. A level 5 finish includes two coats of joint compound on the tape, three coats on the screw holes, and a skim coat over the entire surface. Get free estimates from drywall finishers near you.

What is the most common drywall finish?

The Most Common Styles of Drywall Texture With Examples
  1. Smooth Finish. While still considered a drywall texture, a smooth finish is created by applying one or more smoothed and sanded layers of drywall compound. ...
  2. Orange Peel Texture. ...
  3. Knockdown Texture. ...
  4. Skip Trowel. ...
  5. Trowel Swirl. ...
  6. Swirl. ...
  7. Lace Drywall Texture. ...
  8. Slap Brush.

What is the thinnest layer of drywall?

How to Choose a Drywall Thickness
  • 1/4-Inch Drywall: The thinnest of all the options, 1/4-inch drywall is most commonly used as a skimming material. ...
  • 3/8-Inch Drywall: Just slightly thicker than 1/4-inch drywall, 3/8-inch drywall is also a good choice for curved walls. ...
  • 1/2-Inch Drywall: ...
  • 5/8-Inch Drywall:

What does level 3 drywall look like?

By the time you get into level 3, you're dealing with a relatively standard interior drywall finish. This level is meant to be textured and painted. Typically, level 3 drywall is covered in a medium to heavily textured finish to hide any imperfections.

What is the difference between Level 4 and Level 5?

Level 4 apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC). Level 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND).

What grade is level 5?

Grade 5 is the equivalent of in between grades B and C. Grade 4 is the equivalent of a grade C. Grade 3 is the equivalent of in between grades D and E.

What can I do after level 5?

After achieving your Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, you can:
  • Apply for QTLS status.
  • Specialise in a particular area of further education.
  • Pursue a top-up degree or postgraduate study.
  • Seek leadership roles in education (with experience)
  • Engage in continuous professional development.

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