Cost to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
Removing a popcorn ceiling involves protecting the room with plastic, lightly misting small sections with water, and scraping away the softened texture with a wide blade. The job is moderately difficult because fixtures must be removed to keep wiring dry, the texture must be tested before removal in older homes, and painted texture can be difficult to scrape.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- A worn popcorn ceiling texture
- Damage to the existing textured ceiling finish
- An update to the room's ceiling appearance
- A renovation that changes the look of an older room
DIY or call a pro?
Have a professional handle the work if an asbestos test is positive or if the texture has been painted and is difficult to remove. Asbestos exposure is a severe health risk, so every ceiling in a home built before 1977 needs testing before removal. A professional is also worth considering if there is uncertainty about removing fixtures or keeping wiring dry.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I remove a popcorn ceiling myself, or is hiring help the better choice?
- This can be a DIY project when the asbestos test is negative and a small scrape test shows that the texture releases easily. Use a respirator and safety goggles for dust and falling debris, protect floors and walls with plastic, and remove ceiling fans and light fixtures before misting so water stays clear of wiring. Seek professional help for a positive asbestos result or painted texture that is difficult to remove.
- What makes popcorn ceiling removal cost more?
- The price scales with the size of the ceiling, labor time, materials, and hauling away old material. Small rooms can also be affected by a minimum or trip charge.
- Why should I do a scrape test before removing the whole ceiling?
- A small scrape test shows whether the texture comes off easily or has been painted over. Painted texture can be difficult to remove, making it a key point to check before committing to the full job.
- Why do the light fixtures and ceiling fans need to come down first?
- The ceiling is lightly sprayed with water before scraping, so fixtures should be removed to prevent damage and keep wiring dry. Cover the room completely with plastic drop cloths and painter's tape before starting the wet scraping work.
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