What to do with textured ceilings?

Author: Clementina Bartell  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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.

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.

How can I cover a textured ceiling without removing it?

8 Genius Ways to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling Without Removing It
  1. Pressed Tin Ceiling.
  2. Track System Ceiling.
  3. Beadboard Ceiling.
  4. Wood Paneled Ceiling.
  5. Wallpaper Ceiling.
  6. Plywood Ceiling.
  7. Painted Textured Ceiling.
  8. Skim Coat or Drywall Over a Textured Ceiling.

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.

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.

Ceiling Texture Removal with the Festool Planex 2.0

What can I do about textured ceilings?

You can either take a power sander and sand the texture off of your ceiling, or you can wet it and scrape it. Ultimately, we chose to wet it and scrape it, because although you still end up with a mess there is less dust in the air and you aren't maneuvering a somewhat-weighty power tool over your head.

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.

Are textured ceilings outdated?

Popcorn ceilings, once a popular design element, are now seen as outdated and unattractive.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.

How much does it cost to remove textured ceilings?

If you are able to scrape it off, it is not painted. If it doesn't come off then it is painted. The cost to remove your popcorn ceiling if it has been painted can range from $4.50 – $8.50 (per square foot). In 2022, the average cost to remove your popcorn ceiling that has been painted ranges from $4,950 to $9,350.

Should I buy a house with popcorn ceilings?

Homes that have popcorn ceilings can most definitely raise concerns for potential buyers, both from a safety and aesthetic perspective. While intact popcorn ceilings may not pose an immediate danger, their dated appearance and association with asbestos can complicate home repairs and resale value.

What is the cheapest way to cover a textured ceiling?

Skim-coating a popcorn ceiling is the cheapest method for covering it. It doesn't require the removal of the popcorn texture, which is messy and potentially hazardous if the popcorn contains asbestos. This method requires three coats.

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.

Is popcorn ceilings coming back in style?

Do people still use popcorn ceilings? Popcorn ceilings are never used in modern or new-build homes, and interior designers, decorators, and builders don't choose this design unless requested by a client. Whatever its original appeal, popcorn ceiling today simply isn't a good look.

What ceiling texture is popular now?

An orange peel ceiling texture is a slightly bumpy, soft-looking design popular in modern homes. The subtle appearance is smoother than a knockdown texture and typically easier to clean than most other ceiling textures. Most DIYers with the proper tools can install an orange peel ceiling texture throughout the home.

How to flatten a textured ceiling?

The Flattening Process
  1. Step 1: Clean the Ceiling. Before applying any compound, clean the ceiling thoroughly. ...
  2. Step 2: Mix the Joint Compound. Pour the fast-setting joint compound into a bucket. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply the First Coat. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Subsequent Coats. ...
  5. Step 5: Sand the Surface. ...
  6. Step 6: Paint the Ceiling.

Is there a reason for 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 is the best way to get rid of a textured ceiling?

Remove the Popcorn Ceiling

Use a paint scraper to help extend your reach. Pair it with a handle or painter's pole. You can scrape each section while it's dry, but applying a bit of water will help moisten and remove the material if the process becomes difficult.

Do all popcorn ceilings have asbestos?

Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk. The chances of your ceiling containing asbestos are low for any installations in the late 1980s or after. Newly constructed ceilings don't use asbestos.

How much does it cost to skim coat a textured ceiling?

Average skim coat cost

The cost to skim coat walls is $1.00 to $1.30 per square foot, depending on the room size and height. Skim coating drywall ceilings costs $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot. Skimming a 12'x12' room costs $580 to $800 on average for the walls and ceiling and adds a smooth finish.

What is the new trend for ceilings?

Gone are the days of the standard white ceiling. Now, deep earthy tones, vibrant primaries, and even multi-color gradients are making their way overhead. These colorful ceilings can dramatically alter the mood of a space, making rooms feel more intimate, energetic, or serene.

Why did people have textured ceilings?

In many parts of the world, it was the standard for bedroom and residential hallway ceilings for its bright, white appearance, ability to hide imperfections, and acoustic characteristics.

Is it better to have a smooth or textured ceiling?

Smooth ceilings add visual height and spaciousness to rooms and hallways. In contrast, stippled or textured ceilings draw your focus to the texture, making the room seem smaller.

What renovations increase home value most?

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basement. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency. ...
  • Swimming Pools. ...
  • Luxury Upgrades. ...
  • Garage Conversions. Converting garages can add square footage to your home's living area, but most buyers want garages.

Should you paint textured ceilings?

Textured ceilings like popcorn ceilings help cover up any imperfections while also providing a functional purpose, namely noise reduction. However, while textured ceilings can hide seams and cracks, they will still require a fresh coat of paint at some point.

What is the least expensive 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.

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