True Cost Guide Walls & Ceilings Remove Popcorn Ceiling

How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in 2025?

Typical Range:

$927 - $3,042

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,976 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated December 16, 2024

Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

The average popcorn ceiling removal costs $1,985, ranging between $927 and $3,042 for most homeowners.
Asbestos testing and removal can add up to $3,000 or more to your project cost.
Popcorn ceiling removal is a relatively simple but messy and potentially time-consuming task.
Repainting or retexturing your ceiling costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Installing a new ceiling costs $2.50 to $28 per square foot, including labor and materials.

For the average homeowner, popcorn ceiling removal costs $1,985. After considering the cost of labor and the room's size, most homeowners spend between $927 and $3,042 on this renovation project. Texture, painting, or other refinishing options like decorative tiles add extra costs.

While popcorn ceilings were once popular in many homes, they aren’t typically favored by modern standards. Luckily, removing a popcorn ceiling is just a matter of scraping off the hard, textured layer, which is a straightforward (albeit tough and messy) process. However, additional factors like asbestos and structural issues may complicate the project. Use our popcorn ceiling removal cost calculator below to estimate what your budget could look like.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Calculator

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National Average	$1,985
Typical Range	$927 - $3,042
Low End - High End	$300 - $5,700

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 3,976 HomeAdvisor members.

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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

Cost Factor	Average Cost Range
Ceiling size	$1–$2 per sq. ft.
Asbestos testing	$230–$780
Asbestos removal	$5–$20 per sq. ft.
New ceiling installation	$2.50–$28 per sq. ft.
Labor	$15–$40 per hr.
Repairs	$150–$3,000
Area preparation	$200–$1,000
Disposal	$60–$600
Repainting	$1–$3 per sq. ft.
Retexturing	$1–$2 per sq. ft.

Ceiling Size

Removing popcorn ceilings typically costs $1 to $2 per square foot for removal alone. This translates to an average cost of $500 to $1,000 to remove the popcorn ceiling in a 500-square-foot living room. This is slightly less than drywall installation costs at $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.

Size in Sq. Ft.	Average Cost Range
500	$500–$1,000
1,000	$1,000–$2,000
1,500	$1,500–$3,000
2,000	$2,000–$4,000
3,000	$3,000–$6,000

While the process can be relatively straightforward in some cases, it can be more challenging if asbestos is present in the popcorn ceiling material. Consult with local popcorn ceiling removal pros for safe and successful removal.

Asbestos Testing and Removal

When budgeting for this project, it’s a good idea to leave extra room for asbestos testing costs, which typically run around $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. Depending on the extent of the problem and the size of the space, this could cost up to $2,750.

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. Drop ceiling installation costs $5 to $28 per square foot for labor and materials. Tongue-and-groove ceilings cost $4 to $10 per square foot, whereas shiplap ceiling installation costs range from $2.50 to $7 per square foot.

Labor

Basic labor, including planning, area preparation, scraping and disposing of the debris, and cleanup, generally runs between $15 and $40 per hour. General laborers may charge at the lower end of this scale, while experienced general contractor rates may run $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 need 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 anywhere from $150 to $3,000.

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 typical bedroom or home office is relatively accessible, while a vaulted ceiling in an entryway or grand room may be harder to access. Similarly, cramped spaces that make movement difficult may increase your cost per square foot.

Area Prep

Proper area preparation is an often overlooked popcorn ceiling removal cost factor. Before the first scraper can touch the ceiling, you or your contractor must protect your home’s interior. 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

Area preparation can add anywhere from $200 to $1,000 to your total project cost. Larger rooms with more furniture and intricate built-ins require more preparation time and materials.

Disposal

The cost of disposal is significantly less if asbestos is not involved. Depending on the volume, homeowners can save money by disposing of the popcorn ceiling material themselves or by asking their contractors to do it. On average, professional junk removal can cost anywhere from $60 to $600.

However, if the removed popcorn ceiling contains asbestos or other hazardous materials, it may be necessary to hire a licensed professional to remove it. Asbestos waste removal may cost $10 to $50 per cubic yard, plus $50 to $100 for the permit.

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 for labor and materials, depending on the type of paint you choose.

Retexturing

Removing a popcorn ceiling and replacing it with a different texture usually 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. Ready-to-hang decorative tiles cost the most, at $5 to $7 per square foot.

Ceiling Texture Option	Labor Cost Per Sq. Foot
Knockdown	$1–$2
Skim coat over popcorn	$1–$1.50
Smoothing over with drywall	$1.50
Santa Fe textured drywall	$1–$1.50
Decorative tiles	$5–$7

Knockdown is a popular finish with a lighter texture that will still help cover imperfections in the ceiling.
A skim coat over the popcorn can give your ceiling a much smoother look.
Smoothing over with drywall is equally smooth in appearance and inexpensive to do.
Sante Fe texture has a low-profile appearance resembling two smooth layers, with the lower layer showing through.
Ready-to-hang decorative tiles can help you achieve a new look for your ceiling.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal or Repair?

Twentieth-century homebuyers may have loved the practicality of popcorn ceilings, but people today are far more focused on its cons. Popcorn ceiling repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, the rough texture traps dust and cobwebs, and the look is decidedly dated, potentially bringing down the home’s appeal to potential buyers. Asbestos is likely, too, so crumbling or damaged ceilings could pose a health risk.

Popcorn ceiling repair may be more cost-effective if the ceiling only has minor damage, like a small crack or an isolated water stain. Removal is generally preferred when there is more extensive damage, persistent staining, or potential asbestos concerns. Removal has the added advantage of allowing you to completely refresh the look of your space. While repair might seem less expensive upfront, complete removal can potentially 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 generally boosts a home’s perceived market value and appeals to potential buyers. Modern home buyers typically 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

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.
Price out disposal fees based on your expected volume of material and local disposal regulations, especially if asbestos is involved.
Compare different ceiling painting and texturing options, weighing their pros and cons.

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.

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FAQs

Is it worth it to remove my popcorn ceiling?

Popcorn ceiling removal can quickly climb in cost if there’s asbestos testing or removal, so it’s important to evaluate the project's short- and long-term payoffs. The short-term benefits are a fresh-looking space and a brighter ceiling, while the long-term benefits kick in when you put your home on the market. Many realtors and new buyers consider popcorn ceilings an outdated look and a necessary home renovation and update. Weighing the time, energy, and cost of removal are all factors that may discourage potential buyers.

Is it cheaper to remove or cover up a popcorn ceiling?

from a popcorn ceiling costs about $3 to $7 per square foot. In that case, it may be cheaper to cover it up than to remove it. By comparison, if there is no asbestos, scraping popcorn ceilings costs an average of $1 to $2 per square foot.

When should I remove the popcorn ceiling texture?

Barring any dangerous asbestos, the ceiling’s overall aesthetic is the most common motivator for removal. Popcorn ceiling removal may be advantageous or necessary if the texture is cracking or in serious need of repair, there is a health concern related to asbestos, or the home appears outdated. When possible, tackle this project before moving into your new home. That way, you won’t need to cover or remove your possessions to protect them from dust and falling debris.

What will my ceiling look like after the popcorn texture is removed?

Unfortunately, simple popcorn ceiling removal won't be enough to update the look of the home. Once the texture gets scraped off, visible marks, stains, nails, and other flaws may age the ceiling. The best course of action is to retexture it, sand it down, prime it, and paint it in a color that suits the room's style and decor.