Have you ever looked at some of the homes in Texas and wondered why the walls were textured instead of the smooth finish found in other homes? Well, we have the answers that you’re looking for.
Texas homes have textured walls because they are commonly used as a finish to add style to your home. They can also help to hide cracks left from shifting foundations and cracking due to drought in the Texas heat.
Textured walls are a unique way to add some style to an otherwise smooth unfinished wall. These walls not only add flare but also add character to any surface. Keep reading to find out more about why Texas homes have textured walls.
Why Are Textured Walls Popular in Texas?
While previously thought to be outdated, these walls can add character to any modern decor. Many builders commonly use them to finish the interior walls. This is done to hide drywall seams and also add character to an otherwise dull finish. In addition, they are considered more durable and less affected by everyday wear and tear around the house.
With Texas’ vast array of climates, these walls work better at hiding cracks that appear from drought and land shifts that commonly occur. The temperature can vary quite a bit, and this causes shifts to a home’s foundation leading to cracks. These walls can help to hide those cracks due to weather.
These walls are also an inexpensive and easy way to not only hide flaws but to bring out a room’s light and depth. Textured walls have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the cost as it is less expensive than traditional tape and plaster smooth finished walls. It is also partly for the look that these walls give to any room.
Types of Textured Walls
These walls are known to have an aesthetically pleasing look to them, hiding any imperfections or cracks. These walls are perfect for adding dimension and style to your home at a fraction of the cost. There are many different types of textured walls. Here are a few that are popular in many Texas homes.
- Popcorn – Popular for ceilings
- Orange Peel – Simple but stylish
- Smooth Finish – Simplest to apply
- Knockdown – Classic drywall texture
- Skip-Trowel – Brushlike pattern design
- Swirl – Complex but aesthetically pleasing
- Rosebud – Uniform patterns
- Stompbrush/slapbrush – Long brush strokes are applied
- Crow’s Feet – Dust can settle in this texture
- Comb – High amount of style
Orange peel is by far the most popular type of textured wall found in Texas homes today. This look is one of the basic ones but can add a lot or a little bit of texture to any room. It is easy to apply and can either be done by hand, or more commonly, it can be sprayed on.
Pros and Cons of Textured Walls?
There are many pros and cons to anything that we do, and texturing your walls is another one. It is important to know exactly what you are dealing with when looking at your options. Here are a few pros and cons to textured walls.
Pros:
- Trend setting
- Gives plain walls a unique look
- Shows decorating style
- Can dramatically spruce up a room
- Hide any imperfections
- Can be cheaper to install then regular flat drywall
Cons:
- Can become outdated over time
- Can make a small room look smaller
- Can look bad if not done correctly
- Can be harder to clean if not installed correctly
- Can be harder to change if you change your decorating style
Does the Climate of Texas Affect Homes There?
Like anything else, weather and climate can and will affect your home and Texas is no different. When in comes to climate, Texas has three main climate types:
- Continental steppe – has extreme temperature ranges, with low humidity and little rainfall
- Mountain – has cooler temperature and irregular precipitation patterns
- Modified marine – subtropical, with humid, sub-humid, semi-arid and arid
Almost every type of weather condition is experienced in Texas. Some of the major weather seen here include droughts, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes and even hurricanes. With this, the land in Texas is ever moving and ever changing. This can lead to many homes’ foundations settling, causing cracks in drywall.
From bitterly cold winters to sweltering hot summers, Texas is known for its major different weather patterns. For this reason, a lot of homes will find ways to make repairing their walls easier. Textured walls are much easier to repair and cost less than repairing flat, smooth drywall.
Conclusion
With the ever changing weather and land conditions in Texas, it is no wonder that something as simple as textured walls are a popular addition to any home. In the long run, these walls are easier to repair and add a look and dimension that will add style to your next home. Whether it is classic or trendy, textured walls are a staple in most homes in Texas.
