Almost half a century ago, popcorn ceilings 1 were a popular choice for homeowners. You saw them with psychedelic patterns with bright walls and shiny furniture. The inexpensive hand-troweled plaster 2 with its spray-on technique was convenient. It looked like cottage cheese, which provided fire-resistant and noise-canceling effects. However, over time, it was found that popcorn ceilings are less than charming. They can be difficult and costly to repair, hard to clean, and do not age well. Moreover, the speckled ceilings are now considered to be outdated and out of style. And since it can also contain asbestos, it is wise to remove it.
Fortunately, removing a popcorn ceiling is much easier to do. Whether you want to DIY or hire a professional, there are many options. The national average for removing a popcorn ceiling is from $900 to $2,500. Most homeowners spend about $1,700 on removing the popcorn ceiling from a 10’ x 30’ room, replacing it with a smooth ceiling texture. However, the cost varies from as low as $300 for removing a thin layer of popcorn ceiling from a 10’ x 30’ room with no finishing to about $4,800 for removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling and completely refinishing and painting it.
Popcorn ceiling removal prices | |
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National average cost | $1,700 |
Average range | $900-$2,500 |
Minimum cost | $300 |
Maximum cost | $4,800 |
The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling is usually calculated per square foot. The average cost for removing a popcorn ceiling is $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on how thick the texture is and the ceiling height. These costs do not include any testing for asbestos, supplies, or disposal fees. This is just the cost of removal by a contractor or painting professional.
The table below summarizes the average costs per square foot of a popcorn ceiling removal project. It also lists the average square footage of each room, which helps provide a better estimate for your popcorn ceiling removal project.
Ceiling Square Footage | Average Costs |
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Dining Room (200 sq.ft.) | $200 - $800 |
Bedroom (200 sq.ft.) | $200 - $800 |
Master Bedroom (300 sq.ft.) | $300 - $1,200 |
Living Room (330 sq.ft.) | $330 - $1,320 |
You may need to consider other factors that affect the cost when removing a popcorn ceiling in your home. Some of these factors are listed below:
The biggest concern with popcorn ceilings is the risk of asbestos. If you are exposed to asbestos, its fibers can enter your body and cause serious health problems. These fibers cannot be naturally broken down by the body and can get lodged in your lungs or body tissues. It usually affects the respiratory system. Some primary diseases that are directly linked to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
In 1978, the Clean Air Act was passed, which placed a ban on the spray-on asbestos due to its harmful effect on workers. It was creating serious respiratory problems for those workers. However, buildings still used asbestos popcorn ceilings until the 1980s, overlooking the health concerns. After 1980, a new formula was introduced where popcorn ceilings were free from asbestos. They used paper fiber or Styrofoam for creating its texture. Thus, there are no serious health concerns for popcorn ceilings that were made post-1980s. However, if your house was built before 1986, there is the risk of asbestos in your ceilings.
The problem with asbestos is that it is airborne, so even a slight disturbance can cause the particles to be released into the air and contaminate it. This can affect anyone who breathes the contaminated air, which can be harmful. Thus, taking care of the risk of asbestos should be a priority. The first step that a homeowner should take is to get their popcorn ceiling tested. Asbestos testing should only be carried out by certified professionals. It is done in several formats, which cost from $250 to $800. The national average cost of asbestos testing is $500, which includes a physical sample test conducted by a professional.
If the test comes back positive for asbestos for more than 1%, you need to remove it. To safely remove an asbestos ceiling, expect a cost of $3 to $7 per square feet. Removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling from a 15’ x 20’ room ranges between $900 and $2,100. For a 2,500 sq.ft. house, the total cost is between $7,500 and $17,500.
Never start the popcorn ceiling removal process yourself until you get it tested for asbestos. Otherwise, you risk your health and the health of your family if they come in contact with airborne asbestos, which can cause lung disease. Also, note that homeowners’ insurance does not cover asbestos removal costs.
After removing the popcorn ceiling, it is recommended to retexture it to match the walls. The national average cost to remove a popcorn ceiling and retexture a 10’ x 30’ room ranges from $900 to $2,500.
The best part about retexturing is the variety of options. If you want to add a detailed texture to your new ceiling, it costs about $200 to $250. For simply repainting the new ceiling, prices range from $75 to $125. Most ceiling textures cost between $0.60 to $2 per square foot. However, the cost of each texture varies if they require additional materials and tools. Some of the most common texture types are mentioned below:
After removing a popcorn ceiling, many people prefer to keep a smooth ceiling. This texture is the most popular because it is the cheapest option, requiring minimal skill. You can also DIY at a minimal cost. It provides a consistent look and is much easier to remove with future renovations. The smooth ceiling is easy to apply and provides a simple and modern look that is appealing to everyone.
The knockdown texture uses a soupy or watered-down compound to cover the drywall. The compound drips, which creates stalactites when it dries. These stalactites are then knocked down with a trowel that creates the texture. The texture hides any holes and other flaws, which may be apparent on smooth surfaces. The national average cost of replacing a 10’ x 30’ popcorn ceiling with a knockdown texture ranges from $900 to $1,800.
The Santa Fe ceiling texture is very subtle. It consists of two smooth layers. One layer of thinly skimmed drywall mud is placed on top of a much thicker layer that is visible from below. This texture is popular in the southwestern states of the U.S.
To cover up the drywall, another popular option is to use decorative ceiling tiles. These tiles come in different designs and colors and can give your room added pizzazz. The best part about these tiles is that they cover up any imperfections in the ceiling and prevent water leaks. They are also conveniently installed and can be cleaned easily.
This ceiling texture resembles the skin of an orange. It is also sometimes referred to as the eggshell texture. This texture is created by applying thin mud to the wall or ceiling with a spray gun set at very high pressure. The orange peel ceiling texture is very subtle and adds an artistic ambience to any room.
The skip trowel drywall texture is very popular and can also be used to plaster ceilings. Usually, a plasterer’s tool is used to create this texture on ceilings. It can also be applied by using a trowel. All you need to do is dip the trowel in a joint compound and slowly drag it across the entire ceiling. The compound should not cover the entire area. This will create small circles in the texture.
The crow’s foot ceiling texture is made with a stipple brush. This texture usually requires two people with one person applying the stipple brush pattern while the other applies mud in the rest of the area. The project can be very messy, so the floor should be covered with a plastic sheet before starting.
This ceiling texture has been around since 1917. It is a rough texture that you can create using just your hands. No special brushes or spray paint is required. It gives a room a modern style with a touch of elegance.
The stipple brush ceiling texture is very challenging to achieve and requires a lot of time and skill. It requires a slap brush and roller. It is commonly used to cover up imperfections in the drywall, such as holes, because the texture is rough in appearance. A thick layer of mud is applied to achieve this texture, and the process can get very messy.
The swirl ceiling texture can be applied using a sprayer or roller. A trowel can also be used to do the basic swirl technique, providing the same results. This texture can be challenging to create because the pattern must be created before the mud dries out. Depending on the tool used, this can take a lot of time. If the ceiling is large, it is better to involve another person in the process.
The stomp ceiling texture requires a stomp brush and roller. This texture is created by using a drywall joint compound that is thinned down with water to a paintable consistency. This compound is painted onto the drywall, and then the stomp brush is used to create the texture.
This is a popular choice for nature enthusiasts. The tree bark ceiling texture resembles tree bark. It is created with a heavy roller, which gives a simplistic yet artistic texture that provides more personality to your ceilings. They are commonly used in farmhouse-style homes and provide a rustic aesthetic to the room.
The slap brush ceiling texture is a popular choice, but its application process is a bit challenging. It is created by using brushes with very stiff bristles and mud that is thinned down with water. The ceiling is initially covered with the mud using a roller. Then, the brushes are used to slap the ceiling from the edges. If this is not done correctly, the results can be very messy. Therefore, you leave it to the professionals.
Skim coating your walls and ceilings is a great way to make them new again. It is a thin coat of a light joint compound applied with a spray rig, paint roller, or by hand to smoothen out ceilings and walls. A drywall knife or trowel is then used to flatten it out. It is a simple technique that helps create a smooth ceiling so that it can be retextured or painted.
The rosebud ceiling texture is a trendy choice and is simple to apply. It is created by first applying a very thin layer of the mud onto the ceiling and then using an airless paint sprayer or stomp brush to create a texture that resembles rosebuds. It can be applied to a smooth-walled room to give an elegant aesthetic.
The national average cost to refinish a ceiling is around $2 to $2.50 per square foot. This is in addition to the cost of removing the ceiling at $1 to $4 a square foot. To remove your ceiling and give it a new finish, expect to pay $3 to $6.50 per square foot in total. This does not include the cost to paint the ceiling when you are done. This adds an additional $1.25 to $2 a square foot for a total of $4.25 to $8.50 for a complete popcorn ceiling removal and refinish. For a 10’ x 30’ room, costs around $1,275 to $2,550, including all material costs.
You also have the option of adding drywall over the popcorn ceiling. Drywall is composed of paper and gypsum and is an ideal choice if you want your ceiling to be resistant to mold and moisture. Special coatings can be applied to the drywall to make it more resistant. Drywalls are easy to install compared to plaster and other materials. The national average cost of adding drywall over a popcorn ceiling is between $450 and $600 for a 300 sq.ft. project.
Over time, popcorn ceilings can get damaged. Cracks and unsightly stains might start appearing, which can look ugly. Popcorn ceilings are also susceptible to water damage, meaning the affected parts can sag, flake, or shed. Consider repairing the damage. The average cost to repair a damaged popcorn ceiling is about $70 per patch. The average range is from $63 to $76. The typical one-patch project costs an average of $340 after factoring in the material and labor costs.
A popcorn ceiling that tests positive for asbestos can be encapsulated or removed entirely. If a popcorn ceiling tests positive for asbestos, expect to pay between $3 and $7 per square foot.
In the late 1970s, the use of asbestos in ceilings was banned by the U.S. government due to its potential health concerns. Most ceilings made after this date do not contain asbestos. However, it is still possible that materials that were manufactured before that date are installed in homes even after the ban was imposed.
The national average for removing a popcorn ceiling is from $900 to $2,500. Most homeowners spend about $1,700 on a single project. However, the cost varies from as low as $300 for the ceiling of a smaller room to $4,800 or more for a larger ceiling.
If you use traditional methods to remove a popcorn ceiling, such as scraping, removing, and resurfacing your ceilings, the process can take an average of 20 hours of work to complete a project of 500 square feet.
Having popcorn ceilings in your home can give it an outdated look and make it seem less appealing. Thus, removing the popcorn ceiling helps raise your home’s value and removes the outdated look that usually puts off buyers.
Popcorn ceilings are usually present in older homes and give a more dated look to any room. In modern homes, textures or smooth ceilings have now become a popular choice for ceilings and walls.
Cost to remove popcorn ceiling texture varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.