How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?

The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the room, the condition of the ceiling, your location, and the specific contractor you hire. However, I can give you a rough estimate of the average cost.

On average, the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. Therefore, for a typical 200 square foot room, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for popcorn ceiling removal. Keep in mind that this estimate may not include other costs that may be associated with the project, such as repairs, painting, or additional services such as asbestos testing if your home was built before the 1980, when asbestos was commonly used in popcorn ceilings. For an accurate and detailed cost estimate for your particular situation, you should contact local contractors and get some quotes. They will take into account the specifics of your project and give you a more accurate estimate.

Is It Cheaper to Remove Popcorn Ceilings or Cover Them?

On average, it's cheaper to wrap popcorn hats from $876 to $1,730 than it is to take them off. For those whose homes were built before 1990 and have removable asbestos ceilings, you can save thousands of dollars by covering them. When covering ceilings with popcorn asbestos, avoid disturbing the ceiling as this may release harmful dust. Additionally, we recommend wearing a respirator and eye protection when handling popcorn textures indoors.

Alternatives to get rid of popcorn

If your existing substrate is old and cannot withstand scratches, Armstrong Tran recommends doing one of the following:

Beaded Boards - Close the beaded boards to the ceiling. This will give your ceiling a slightly cottage look. $2.50 to $4.20 per square foot (for Armstrong products)
Metal – Metallic tiles have a nail or screw pattern, with brass, brass, chrome, white steel or lacquered steel options. $4 to $9+ per square foot
Plaster or Tin Decorative Tiles - 12" x 12" Mineral Fiber Tiles. "Glue directly to the ceiling with Armstrong's Easy Up Mounting System or Glue." $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot
Wood-look ceiling boards – Gives the feel of a country house. $2.50 to $4.20 per square foot
Drywall – Cover with new drywall. This will lower your ceiling by about 1", which may reduce your resale value, but can have the added benefit of better insulation for your attic. Some contractors advise using gypsum board instead of standard gypsum board because it is lighter. Screw it to the frame and mud and tape before painting.

What Is the Process for Removing a Popcorn Ceiling?

Removing the popcorn ceiling is not too complicated, but it takes time and effort. If you're considering a DIY project, brace yourself for the hassles involved. Since all the materials will fall from the ceiling, you will need to move all furniture and other items out of the room or cover them with plastic sheeting. If you hire a contractor to do the work, moving the furniture yourself can reduce the cost of removing the popcorn ceiling.

Spray a small area (about 10 square feet) of the popcorn ceiling with warm water. After about 20 minutes, the ceiling loosens and can be scraped off. Once you're done, move on to the next area. Continue spraying and scraping until you're done. It's important to remember that whether you remove the popcorn ceiling yourself or hire a professional, the ceiling material should be tested for asbestos. You can either hire an asbestos expert to conduct the test or scrape a small portion yourself and send it to one of the many asbestos labs for them to test for you.

Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling Myself

Assuming the project is 500 square feet, you can expect the cost of removing the popcorn ceiling to be between $215 and $245. This range includes the cost of the necessary tools, such as scrapers, ladders and protective equipment, as well as debris removal. If you want to paint the ceiling, hang decorative tiles or apply texture, you will need additional material costs. Technically, removing the popcorn ceiling is a simple task. In fact, it can be messy, arduous, and potentially dangerous. You are sitting on a ladder while doing most of the work overhead. On top of that, shards keep falling on you and everywhere else for that matter.