TapeAndFloat.comDrywall finish levels (Level 0–5)
By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · Updated 2026-10-28
Drywall finish levels are an industry scale, from Level 0 to Level 5, that describes how much taping, coating and sanding a wall or ceiling gets. Level 0 is bare board. Level 5 adds a thin skim coat over the whole surface.
Why it matters on a drywall job
- Each level adds labor and material, so the level you price has a big effect on your number.
- When the level isn't written in the bid, the GC, painter and owner can each expect something different, and that's where callbacks and disputes start.
- Writing the level per area (for example, Level 4 in rooms and Level 2 in the garage) makes extras easier to price as a change order.
Related guides and tools
TapeAndFloat helps drywall and tape-and-float contractors keep up with the office side: bids, change orders, pay apps and follow-ups. Free 60-day pilot. If you stay on, we agree on the price with you up front.
¿Prefiere español? Niveles de acabado de tablaroca (0–5).