How Much Does It Cost to Remove Texture From Walls? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to remove texture from walls is $1,600. It often ranges from $1,200 to $2,100, with projects reaching up to $7,000 on the high end. What you pay depends primarily on whether the texture has been painted over and the total square footage involved, with rates running from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. 

Wall Texture Removal Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Many homeowners opt to ditch textured walls in favor of a cleaner and more modern aesthetic. However, you should understand all the costs involved before taking any action. While you can DIY this work, we’d recommend hiring a pro for the best results.

Types 

Whether your texture has been painted over is the single biggest factor in removal cost, since painted texture requires sanding rather than the simpler spray-and-soak method, which doubles both time and material costs. The type of texture itself—whether lace, popcorn, or another style—has little impact on the final price. Removal costs vary significantly depending on whether the texture is painted, as the breakdown below shows:

Size

Removing texture from walls costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average, and the total cost scales quickly with the area's size. Pros often charge a premium for smaller jobs, so you may have more room to negotiate on larger projects. Be aware that larger projects can span multiple days, even for experienced professionals, so factor that timeline into your planning. Here’s how the cost to remove textured walls varies based on wall size:

Materials 

The materials you need depend on whether your texture has been painted over. Unpainted texture calls for the spray-and-soak method, where you wet the surface and scrape it off, which is straightforward and inexpensive. Painted texture requires sanding the paint off the drywall first, and you may still need to follow up with the spray-and-soak method afterward, adding to both material and labor costs. The table below shows the average costs of the individual materials involved in wall texture removal:

Labor

Labor is the dominant cost when hiring a local interior painting pro for texture removal, averaging $40 to $90 per hour. Because material costs are relatively low for this type of project, the bulk of your total bill will come from the hours worked. Rates vary by location, so getting a local quote is the best way to set an accurate budget.

Prep

Texture removal is a messy job, so thorough preparation before starting will protect your space and make cleanup significantly easier. Preparation might include the following:

• Remove furniture

• Cover the floor and remaining furniture with plastic sheeting

• Tape outlets, switches, and windows

• Remove everything from the walls

• Ventilate the space by opening windows and doors

An overlooked but extremely important part of this job is making sure your paint doesn’t contain asbestos. Testing for asbestos is something you should always leave to a pro. If you have any doubts, consider your home's age. Those built before the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos.

Post-Removal Cleanup

Texture removal leaves behind significant dust and debris, so a careful cleanup process is essential. If sanding was involved, wait overnight before cleaning so airborne particles can settle onto the plastic sheeting, then roll it up carefully and dispose of it properly. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth, vacuum the room thoroughly, and run an air filter if you have one, leaving the space open for ventilation as long as possible.

Why You Should Hire an Interior Painting Pro

Removing wall texture sounds simple, but it can quickly become a time-intensive, messy project once you factor in prep, cleanup, and whether the texture is covered in paint. Hire a local interior painting pro that has the tools, safety gear, and sanding equipment to get it done cleanly and quickly.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an interior painting pro

This job can turn into a multi-day process, which is why you should hire a painting pro:

• Pros can keep the pace moving on larger rooms or whole-home projects.

• They already have the tools needed for scraping, smoothing, and surface prep.

• They know how to even out the wall so the final finish looks consistent.

• They take care of setup and teardown, which cuts down on how long the space is disrupted.

• They can coordinate safety steps in older homes where testing may be required.

If you want to DIY wall texture removal

You can DIY this project if your walls aren’t painted, you don’t mind dedicating a few days to the project, and you’re comfortable with dust management. Follow these guidelines:

• Remove unpainted texture by spraying it down, letting it soften, and scraping it off in sections.

• Prep the area by taping outlets, covering floors, and moving furniture so the room is fully cleared.

• After scraping, lightly sand to help smooth the surface and get it ready for primer.

• Once the dust settles, lift the plastic sheeting, wipe down the walls, and air out the room.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing Texture From Walls

You can dramatically lower the project cost if you DIY the work and pass on a pro. However, for many people, this isn’t realistic due to time constraints and the expertise required. You’ll be able to save the most money by doing the work correctly and carefully to avoid redoing anything. Here are some tips:

• Reuse plastic sheeting and drop cloths 

• Borrow tools like sanders and sprayers 

• Buy supplies in bulk, using coupons or discount codes when available 

• Use generic brands 

• Consider renting equipment like HEPA filters instead of buying them

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.