Cost of Removing a Popcorn Ceiling 

What is the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling? Follow along as we discuss what popcorn ceilings are, how to remove them, and the overall cost. 

Removing popcorn ceilings are known to be time-consuming and tedious. However, most homeowners go through the hassle of removing them rather than living with them. The main reason popcorn ceilings are removed is because they're outdated. Today's ceilings are smooth, some with beautiful architecture that you can't get with popcorn ceilings. 

The name comes from their thick bumpy appearance, resembling popcorn. Another name is cottage cheese ceilings because the style came from spraying on a mixture that looked like cottage cheese. This style of ceiling was most popular from the 1950s to the 1980s but is very uncommon today. 

Popcorn ceilings hide damage, leaks, cracks, and poor artistry, making it difficult to spot areas of concern. They also help dampen sounds and keep ambient noises from upstairs or outside to a minimum. 

Although there are pros to having popcorn ceilings, many homeowners hire a professional to remove it or do it by themselves. So, how much does it cost?

Removal Cost 

Removing popcorn ceilings can either be an easy & straightforward task or a complicated one. The size of your home widely affects the cost. Professionals often charge $1 to $2 per square foot or $15 to $40 per hour for labor. The normal range for homes in the United States is $925 to $2,962. On the low end, you could spend around $300; on the high end, you could spend up to $5,000, but the average is $1,920. A typical single-story home is usually anywhere from $900 to $2,840. 

Removing popcorn ceilings yourself may be more difficult, but it usually saves you money in the long run. The typical cost is anywhere between $100 to $500. To do this yourself, you will need the following: 

• Ladder
• Tarp
• Tape
• Paint scraper
• Putty knife
• Plastic sheeting
• Safety gear (safety goggles, dust mask) 
• Primer
• Paint 

How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings Yourself 

If you decide that you'd like to upgrade your home's ceilings and get rid of the bumpy popcorn look, you may want to tackle the project on your own. Luckily, it's possible and doable. Depending on the size of your home, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete your project. If you follow the steps below, you will have smooth ceilings in no time. 

1. Remove all of the furniture

Removing popcorn ceilings can be messy. Removing your furniture is a good idea because it keeps them clean and allows you more space to get into every nook and cranny of your ceiling without anything in your way. After you've removed your furniture, you should use a tarp or any plastic sheeting to cover your floors. The last thing you want is to give yourself another project by ruining your floors. 

You should remove ceiling fixtures, such as lights or fans, along with the furniture. 

2. Test for Asbestos 

Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral of flexible fibers resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Asbestos was popular before the 1980s because it was affordable, strong, and fireproof. Although it has benefits, it is shown that asbestos exposure comes with significant health issues. You can contact your local health department to determine who would like to get a sample of your ceiling tested. 

3. Spray your ceiling 

After you've removed your furniture and tested the ceiling for asbestos, you can get started. The first step in the removal process is spraying your ceiling; you can use a garden sprayer if need be. Be careful not to soak or over-saturate your ceiling as too much water could cause damage to the sheetrock. After you've sprayed, let it soak for 20 minutes, making it easier to scrape off the mixture creating the popcorn ceiling style. 

4. Scrape

It's time to remove the popcorn ceiling. Use your putty knife to scrape the texture off, careful not to gouge or puncture the ceiling. Do this until all of the surface is removed. 

5. Patch 

As mentioned, popcorn ceilings can hide cracks, poor craftsmanship, screws, etc. After you've removed all of the texture, you may notice a few areas that need repairing or patching. Take the time to do this now to have a smooth ceiling. 

6. Paint

Now we make the ceiling pretty. After you've removed the texture and patched up any problem areas and the ceiling, give it a fresh coat of paint. 

Covering your ceilings with drywall or wood 

Another way to remove the appearance of a popcorn ceiling in your home is to cover it with either drywall or wood—the average cost of hiring a professional range from $10 to $20 per square foot. For larger rooms, hiring a professional drywall contractor is recommended. For smaller jobs, you can opt to do it yourself, but you must know how to use a drywall knife and have experience with hammers and painting. 

Factors That Can Affect Removal Cost 

Size 

The size of your home and the size of the project can significantly affect the removal cost. To refresh, professionals charge approximately $1 to $2 per square foot and roughly $15 to $40 per hour for labor. 

Labor 

According to Bob Villa, homeowners will pay $1 to $2 on average per square foot for the removal of popcorn ceilings, along with another $0.30 to $0.35 per square foot for debris removal and $0.80 to $2.15 per square foot for a new coat of ceiling paint.

Complexity 

The more complex the removal will be, the more professionals will charge. For example, if your ceiling contains lead or asbestos, they will charge more for the additional care and precautions. They may also charge more for high ceilings because they need more tools. A project can also become more complex if the ceiling has been painted, as it is harder to remove. Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause significant health issues, especially in young children. 

Disposal 

If you hire a professional, they are responsible for disposing and removing debris. You can often put debris into your regular trash, but if it contains hazardous substances, it must be disposed of differently and can cost you anywhere from $150 to $170. 

Asbestos Removal 

Because asbestos can cause health issues, it needs to be removed. Removal can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot but ultimately depends on the size of your room, the amount present, and the location. You will most likely be charged $75 to $200 per hour on top of the removal cost. 

Location

Think of supply and demand. The cost will be higher in areas where popcorn ceiling removals are in high demand yet have few companies. In areas where companies are abundant, the price will be lower. 

Benefits of Removing Popcorn Ceiling 

Increased Home Value 

Since popcorn ceilings are seen as outdated, many homeowners don't want to purchase a home with a popcorn ceiling because they want to avoid the hassle of removing it. Removing the popcorn texture can also increase your resale value. 

Dust 

It is typical for your home's little nooks and crannies to harbor dust. The same is said for popcorn ceilings. After a few years, homeowners reported that the dips and bumps of popcorn ceilings helped dust that was difficult to clean. 

Lighting 

Popcorn ceilings can cast shadows and create uneven lighting in your home. If you can afford the removal, some homeowners have installed drywall over the texture to solve the problem. 

Visually appealing 

Yes, removing popcorn ceilings can save you from the hazards of asbestos, increase your resale value, and make your home appear brighter, but it can also improve the aesthetics of your home. Popcorn ceilings are seen as dated now, so most appreciate a clean and smooth-looking ceiling over the texture. It opens up the house and makes it brighter. 

Discoloration 

Areas above the stove or fireplace where soot and grease can accumulate will cause your popcorn ceiling to become discolored over time. Therefore, removing the textured ceiling will solve this issue.

Should You Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional? 

Often, the removal of popcorn ceilings is achievable by most DIYers. However, you will have to consider the time it will take, the amount of labor, the size of the home, etc. If no asbestos is found, you may opt to do it yourself. It will be messy and time-consuming, but it is a project that can be done independently. Please also ensure you have a high enough ladder or purchase one beforehand. 

Hiring a professional will be your best option if you need more preparation for the mess or labor. They will be able to complete the project faster and remove debris for you, making cleaning up and moving furniture back easier. You may also want to hire a professional if you cannot reach the ceiling or don't already own the tools to do it yourself. 

FAQ 

Is it cheaper to remove the popcorn ceiling or cover it with drywall? 

Covering your popcorn ceiling is the best option if you are on a tight budget. The cost to cover is significantly cheaper than removing it, including hiring a professional. 

What is the cheapest method of covering popcorn ceilings? 

Skim coating. Skim coats act like a primer that gives the ceiling a fresh and smooth surface. This method is also cheaper because it does not require a professional. 

How long does it take to remove popcorn ceilings? 

If you're experienced or a professional, it takes an average of 20 hours to remove 500 square feet of popcorn ceiling. It could take longer if you choose to do it yourself and need to gain experience. 

Why should I remove my popcorn ceiling?

One of the main reasons for removing popcorn ceilings is because it hides flaws and potential issues. You may not notice cracks, leaks, etc., which could lead to significant damage. Another reason you should consider removing the popcorn ceiling is to increase the value of your home when selling and make it more appealing to buyers. 

Why was the popcorn ceiling style used? 

In the past, popcorn ceilings were popular because it was easy and cheap. It also absorbed sound/reduced noise, and covered up flaws that people needed to be more willing to fix. 

How Much Does it Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling - Final Thoughts 

Removing popcorn ceilings in your home has many benefits, such as fixing lighting and discoloration, adding value to your home, decreasing dust, and making your home more visually appealing. If you choose to do the project on your home, it could cost you roughly $100 to $500. Hiring a professional will cost you up to $5,000, depending on location, size, and complexity. 

If you've considered removing popcorn ceilings in your home, we hope this article has helped you determine if you should do it yourself or hire a professional. Feel free to contact us for professional recommendations if that is the route you choose to take. 

If you are interested in real estate in the area, we are happy to help. Please contact us to connect to one of our many experienced agents who can help you find your dream home.