Is it expensive to remove textured ceiling?

Author: Lyla Quitzon  |  Last update: Monday, November 3, 2025

Removing popcorn ceiling costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $2,000 to $9,000 on average with refinishing. Scraping the popcorn texture costs $1 to $2 per square foot, while retexturing and painting the ceiling cost $1 to $2 per square foot each. Most contractor quotes include texture, paint, or both.

How much does it cost to remove a textured ceiling?

According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right.

Is it worth removing a textured ceiling?

We've all seen popcorn ceilings before, and while they were popular through the '80s, they've since fallen out of favor. Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value.

Can textured ceilings be smoothed?

Another top tip is to use a damp cloth of sponge on any imperfections, wait until the plaster is almost dry and gently smooth out any lumps or bumps with the sponge or cloth and you can blend them in to create a perfectly smooth surface.

Does removing textured ceiling increase home value?

While the immediate return on removing a popcorn ceiling may not be significant, the perceived value increases depending on buyer expectations for the home's size and price range.

ASBESTOS Popcorn Ceiling Removal - 5 SAFE Methods

What to do after removing textured ceiling?

No matter what you plan for your new ceiling decor, there are a few steps to take to prepare the surface:
  1. Sand it down. After you've removed the popcorn texture, it's time to sand down the ceiling, making it as smooth as possible. ...
  2. Get rid of remaining residue. ...
  3. Apply new texture. ...
  4. Prime the ceiling. ...
  5. Paint the ceiling.

Are textured ceilings outdated?

Popcorn ceilings, once a popular design element, are now seen as outdated and unattractive. Removing them can have a significant impact on your home's aesthetics and air quality.

What is the cheapest way to get rid of popcorn ceiling?

Scraping is the most common and cost-effective method for removing popcorn ceilings. This approach involves manually removing the texture using specialized tools.

Do textured ceilings contain asbestos?

Use of asbestos in textured ceiling materials was at its peak from around 1945 through 1980. Popcorn ceilings contained asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosion. Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk.

Should I keep my textured ceiling?

If it's still functional, there's no need to get rid of it, thus saving them time, money, and unwarranted stress in the years to come.

How much does it cost to remove a ceiling?

Removing a ceiling costs $2.38 per sq. ft., depending on the type of ceiling. This cost comes to about $375 - $896 for a 500-square-foot ceiling. Drywall ceilings may cost $2.38 per sq.

Why do old houses have textured ceilings?

Ceiling textures can add a unique character to a room and provide sound insulation and noise reduction. Popcorn ceiling texture was a popular choice in homes built before 1980 due to its ability to conceal imperfections and provide these benefits at a low cost.

What year did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings?

The use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings was banned in the United States in 1978. Even after the 1978 ban, however, manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing stocks of asbestos-containing products. Homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s could still have asbestos in their popcorn ceilings.

Can you drywall over textured ceiling?

First, remember that removing a popcorn ceiling is a really dirty job. Second, patching a hole is just, well, patching a hole. You should consider simply covering the whole ugly mess with a new layer of drywall instead. It's probably the easiest way to get the best results.

What is the cheapest way to cover a textured ceiling?

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling? Beadboard is one of the cheapest ways to cover a popcorn ceiling since you can buy beadboard sheet panels already primed and ready to hang.

How do you modernize a popcorn ceiling?

There are four popular options for covering over the ceiling: covering them with ordinary drywall, using a prefinished grid-plank system such as Armstrong's Easy-Up grid system, attaching furring strips, and then installing traditional tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard paneling on the ceiling, or skim coating.

Why is it so expensive to remove popcorn ceiling?

For one, the removal process can be messy and time-consuming. It often requires hiring a professional, which can be expensive, particularly if asbestos is present. Additionally, once the popcorn texture is removed, you may discover imperfections in the ceiling that need to be repaired or covered with drywall.

Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?

If these ceilings were not replaced, homes and other buildings may still contain asbestos. People who live in pre-1990s homes should assume popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. Materials installed after 1995 likely did not contain asbestos.

Why do people not like popcorn ceilings anymore?

However, it is only some years later that it was discovered that popcorn ceilings containing ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) could be harmful to human health. This naturally occurring silicate mineral was used in early formulations of the ceiling treatment until it was banned by the Clean Air Act in 1978.

How to get rid of textured ceilings?

If you prefer to moisten the area, wet a small section of the ceiling with a bottle of warm water. Apply enough water to loosen the material without causing damage to the drywall underneath. Make several passes if necessary. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the material to absorb the water, then begin scraping.

What is the difference between a textured ceiling and a popcorn ceiling?

Textured ceilings are made from joint compound or plaster and applied by hand or with specialized tools to create various patterns. Unlike popcorn ceilings, they're less likely to contain asbestos.

How much does it cost to remove textured ceiling?

Most homeowners spend between $927 and $3,043 to have popcorn ceilings removed, but your total cost could reach $5,706 or more if you have a larger home with higher ceilings.

Can I just paint over a textured ceiling?

It's possible to paint over a popcorn ceiling covered with a wall and ceiling texture product. You'll need to use a roller with a thicker knap (the fibers covering the roller) that's made for textured surfaces.

Can you cover up a textured ceiling?

Conceals Imperfections: Covering the textured surface with a new material, such as drywall, beadboard, or ceiling tiles, can effectively hide any imperfections or damage present in the popcorn texture.

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