How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in 2025?
Popcorn ceiling removal costs an average of $1,996
Popcorn ceiling removal costs an average of $1,996, with most homeowners spending within an average range of $934 and $3,073.
Key factors that influence popcorn ceiling removal costs include ceiling size, new ceiling installation, and labor.
As popcorn ceiling removal is a one-time project, create a realistic budget and hire a qualified ceiling professional to ensure the job is completed safely and successfully.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, popcorn ceiling removal costs $1,996. Most homeowners spend an average range of $934 to $3,073 on this project. The final cost depends on factors like disposal, asbestos testing, repainting, new ceiling installation, and labor. Proper budgeting and hiring a professional ceiling contractor ensure that your project runs smoothly and avoids costly surprises or mistakes.
Popcorn ceilings were common decades ago, but most homeowners now prefer a smoother finish. Removing the texture involves scraping off the hard layer—a straightforward, though messy, job for an experienced crew. However, additional factors, such as asbestos and structural issues, complicate the project and increase costs.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors
Labor, size, and finishing texture are the biggest popcorn ceiling removal cost factors. Removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling will carry much higher labor expenses. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to make up your budget for this project.
Ceiling Size
Removing popcorn ceilings costs $1 to $6 per square foot for removal alone. This translates to an average cost of $500 to $3,000 to remove the popcorn ceiling in a 500-square-foot living room.
| Ceiling Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $500–$2,500 |
| 750 | $750–$3,750 |
| 1,000 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 1,250 | $1,250–$6,250 |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$7,500 |
| 1,750 | $1,750–$8,750 |
| 2,000 | $2,000–$10,000 |
Asbestos Testing and Removal
While the popcorn ceiling removal process can be relatively straightforward, it can be more challenging if asbestos is present in the ceiling material. When budgeting for this project, it’s a good idea to leave extra room for asbestos testing costs, which cost an average of $480. Asbestos removal costs an extra $5 to $20 per square foot .
Research has shown that tiny asbestos fibers, if inhaled, can create serious health risks, so safe disposal of this building material requires special procedures and protocols. Consult with local popcorn ceiling removal pros for safe and successful removal.
New Ceiling Installation
Along with popcorn ceiling removal costs, you may also consider budgeting for a new ceiling at the same time. Ceiling replacement costs vary depending on the material and style.
Labor
Basic labor, including planning, area preparation, scraping and disposing of debris, and cleanup, costs between $15 and $40 per hour. General laborers may charge at the lower end of this scale, while experienced general contractor rates are $50 to $150 per hour. The amount of labor required depends on the scope of your project, like the size of the ceiling and how you’d like to repaint or refinish it.
Repairs
If the ceiling has problem spots, like nail holes or cracks, you’ll want to hire a local ceiling professional to fix them at the same time you remove your popcorn ceiling and prepare it for repainting or refinishing. Depending on the severity of the issue or damage, ceiling repair costs can vary:
Simple ceiling repairs: $45–$90 per sq. ft.
Ceiling holes: $180–$370
Ceiling cracks: $400–$1,350
Water damage: $45–$55 per sq. ft.
Sagging ceiling: $75 per hour
Ceiling joists repair/replacement: $150–$750
Accessibility
The easier it is for your local contractor to reach your popcorn ceiling, the cheaper it will be to remove it. The nine-foot ceiling of a standard bedroom or home office is relatively accessible, while a vaulted ceiling in an entryway or grand room is harder to access. Similarly, cramped spaces that make movement difficult may increase your cost per square foot.
Area Prep
Prep work often gets overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on your final bill. Before anyone grabs a scraper, make sure the work area and your furnishings are fully protected. This may involve:
Moving or covering furniture
Removing light fixtures and ceiling fans
Laying down plastic sheeting to contain debris
Creating a sealed work zone to protect dust and asbestos from spreading through your home
Disposal
Disposal costs drop sharply when asbestos isn’t part of the equation. Depending on volume, you can haul the debris yourself or ask your pro to include disposal in the bid. On average, professional junk removal services can cost anywhere from $60 to $600.
However, if the removed popcorn ceiling contains asbestos or other hazardous materials, it is necessary to hire a licensed professional to remove it.
Repainting
A popular option for popcorn ceiling removal is to have a contractor scrape it off, lightly sand the surface, and then paint over it for a smooth look. Ceiling painting costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, including labor and materials, depending on the type of paint selected.
Retexturing
Removing a popcorn ceiling and replacing it with a different texture costs between $1 and $2 per square foot, including labor and materials. The smoothest finishing option is to cover it with drywall, but you can choose between several different textures.
| Texture Option | Labor Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Knockdown | $1–$2 |
| Smoothing over with drywall | $1.50–$2 |
Knockdown is a popular finish with a lighter texture that helps cover imperfections in the ceiling.
Smoothing over with drywall is equally smooth in appearance and inexpensive to do.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal vs. Repair
Popcorn ceiling repair may be more cost-effective if the ceiling has only minor damage, such as a small crack or an isolated water stain. Removal is preferred when there is more extensive damage, persistent staining, or potential asbestos concerns. Removal has the added advantage of allowing you to refresh the look of your space completely. While repair seems less expensive upfront, complete removal can save you money on future maintenance and avoid the gradual deterioration of the textured surface over time.
Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?
The exact return on investment (ROI) on removing a popcorn ceiling varies depending on local market conditions and other considerations. The project boosts a home’s perceived market value and appeals to potential buyers. Modern home buyers often view popcorn ceilings as outdated and unappealing, associating them with older homes and potential remodeling costs.
A smooth, freshly painted ceiling creates a contemporary look that can make your entire space feel updated and well-maintained. The refreshed aesthetic and perceived quality improvements can help your home sell faster and fetch a higher price, justifying the cost of popcorn ceiling removal for homeowners looking to modernize their interior and attract buyers.
Budgeting for Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs
Keep your popcorn ceiling removal costs on budget without sacrificing quality or safety by following these helpful money-saving strategies:
Perform basic area preparation yourself, like removing furniture and other items from the room.
Collect detailed quotes from at least three professional contractors to compare local pricing and services.
Budget for asbestos testing and removal, especially if your home was built before 1980.
Set aside an additional 10% to 20% for possible ceiling repairs, hidden damage, and other requirements.
Calculate disposal fees based on your expected volume of material and local disposal regulations, particularly if asbestos is involved.
Compare ceiling painting and texturing options, and weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popcorn ceiling removal can become expensive once asbestos testing or abatement is involved, so weigh both the short- and long-term benefits before you proceed. In the short term, you’ll enjoy a brighter, cleaner ceiling. In the long term, buyers and real estate agents view a smooth ceiling as one less update to tackle. The time, energy, and cost you invest now can pay off at closing.
Aesthetic concerns drive most popcorn ceiling projects, but timing also plays a crucial role. If the texture is cracking, stained, or likely to contain asbestos, schedule removal sooner rather than later. Tackling the job before you move in—or before major furniture arrives—saves hours of prep and cleanup. If asbestos is present, hire certified abatement professionals first; disturbing the material without proper containment increases both risk and cost.
Once the texture is scraped off, imperfections become obvious—think nail pops, seams, and old stains. Plan on patching, sanding, priming, and either painting or applying a new texture to get a polished finish. A smooth coat of drywall compound followed by paint delivers the clean, modern look most homeowners want, but knockdown or orange-peel textures can hide minor flaws if you prefer a little forgiveness.
If testing confirms asbestos, bring in a licensed abatement contractor right away. These specialists follow EPA guidelines for sealing off the space, removing the material, and disposing of it at an approved facility. Don’t scrape, sand, or even drill a hole—the fibers released can cause serious health problems. A certified crew protects your family, ensures the project is conducted legally, and leaves you with a clean canvas for refinishing once clearance tests confirm the area is safe.
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