How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for popcorn ceiling removal is $2,012, based on 4,083 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $932 and $3,092, with the range driven by ceiling size, height, and whether asbestos testing or water damage repair is needed. If you have a larger home with higher ceilings, your total could reach $5,900 or more.

What Is a Popcorn Ceiling?

A popcorn ceiling, also referred to as a textured, stucco, or acoustic ceiling, is a common surface treatment found in older, budget-friendly homes. This type of ceiling features a rough, bumpy texture reminiscent of popcorn or cottage cheese, achieved by spraying a mixture of water, paint, and polystyrene foam or other materials onto a ceiling.

Over time, the appeal of popcorn ceilings diminished due to evolving design preferences and growing concerns about asbestos. Many popcorn ceilings applied before the 1990s were discovered to contain this hazardous material.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence the total cost of popcorn ceiling removal, including ceiling size, local labor rates, and whether the ceiling contains asbestos. Ceiling size and condition are the most common drivers of price, with labor and disposal adding to the overall total. Asbestos presence is the highest-impact variable, requiring licensed professionals and specialized handling that significantly increases project costs.

Asbestos Removal

If testing your popcorn ceiling for asbestos comes back positive, asbestos removal costs average $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on room size, asbestos volume, and ceiling height. Hiring a local asbestos removal professional is required for safe disposal, and you should expect additional labor costs of $75 to $200 per hour on top of the remediation charge. High ceilings make the work more labor-intensive, which can push both time and cost higher.

Size

Ceiling size is one of the biggest drivers of popcorn ceiling removal cost, with local popcorn ceiling removal professionals charging $1 to $6 per square foot or $15 to $40 per hour. A 500-square-foot ceiling typically runs between $500 and $2,500, and costs scale up from there as square footage increases. 

The table below shows how estimated costs change across common ceiling sizes:

Ceiling Condition

Minor cosmetic repairs for small cracks or holes typically cost $150 or less, while major water or structural damage can reach up to $4,500. Ceiling condition directly affects how much prep and repair work is needed before and after popcorn removal. The surface revealed after removal may also require additional smoothing and prep work, which adds to the overall project cost.

Ceiling Location

Ceilings located in two-story foyers or rooms with high, vaulted ceilings will generally be more expensive to de-popcorn. If contractors need to work around intrusive staircases or bring in scaffolds and extension ladders to access a ceiling, this is often reflected in the project cost.

Materials

If you're doing the job yourself, you'll need protective gear, scrapers, spray bottles, a ladder, and sandpaper. If you're hiring a professional drywall installer, they'll bring everything necessary to complete the job.

If you have your contractor resurface your ceiling, you'll need to budget for the additional costs. These might include paint, texturing, ceiling tiles, and labor.

Labor

Depending on the condition of your popcorn ceiling, the removal process can be labor-intensive. Labor includes the following tasks:

• Prepping your space (removing furniture, covering walls and floors with plastic drop cloths, and removing ceiling fans and light fixtures)

• Scraping your ceiling

• Possible asbestos removal

• Disposing of the debris

• Cleaning up your space

Disposal

Debris disposal is the final step in popcorn ceiling removal, and dumpster rental costs average $380 per week, though pricing varies by location. The method you use depends on whether the material contains hazardous substances. 

For non-hazardous debris, contractor bags and regular trash pickup may be sufficient, but larger projects often require a carting service. If asbestos was present, you must notify the rental company and confirm they follow EPA-compliant disposal requirements. 

The table below outlines average costs by disposal method:

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Once the popcorn texture is removed, you'll need to choose a resurfacing option to finish the ceiling, and each approach carries its own cost. The right choice depends on your aesthetic goals, the condition of the exposed ceiling, and whether any repairs are needed first. Budgeting for both resurfacing and potential repairs up front helps you avoid surprises once the project is underway.

Resurfacing

Hiring a ceiling painting pro typically runs $1 to $2 per square foot for this portion of the work. After popcorn removal, choosing the right resurfacing finish is the next step toward a polished ceiling. 

The table below compares common resurfacing options and their average per-square-foot costs:

Ceiling Repairs

A ceiling repair professional near you charges $45 to $90 per square foot for simple repairs. Major repairs—such as addressing mold, mildew, or replacing ceiling joists—can cost significantly more, so getting quotes from multiple contractors is a smart move. 

Popcorn texture is effective at hiding ceiling imperfections, so once it's removed, previously concealed damage often becomes visible. Be sure to budget for potential repairs when starting a popcorn removal project. 

The table below breaks down average costs for common ceiling repair types:

Benefits of Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling

Getting rid of a popcorn ceiling can boost health, aesthetics, and home value.

Health Risks

Removing your popcorn ceiling can eliminate potential health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos was often used before the health risks were widely recognized, and if your home was built before 1980, your popcorn ceilings may contain asbestos .

Air Quality

Popcorn ceilings tend to trap dust and allergens. Removing them boosts indoor air quality, potentially benefiting those with respiratory issues or allergies. Plus, smooth ceilings are easier to clean—another win for breathing easier.

Home Value

Upgrading your ceilings by eliminating the popcorn texture can increase the resale value of your property. Potential buyers often prefer homes with smooth, updated ceilings, which are currently seen as desirable.

Lighting

Textured ceilings can absorb and disperse light unevenly, making a room feel darker and less inviting. On the other hand, smooth ceilings reflect light more uniformly, creating a brighter and more open atmosphere.

Damage

Because of the texture, popcorn ceilings are more susceptible to chipping and peeling. High-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens can also become a haven for mold and mildew—not to mention staining easily from grease and smoke.

Why You Should Hire a Popcorn Ceiling Removal Pro

Hiring a local popcorn ceiling removal pro may cost more upfront, but it ensures the job is done safely, efficiently, and with a smooth, professional finish. Popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos in older homes, and improper removal can create health risks and a lot of mess. Professionals have the tools, training, and experience to remove popcorn texture safely and prepare your ceilings for painting or refinishing.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a popcorn ceiling removal pro

Removing a popcorn ceiling is a specialized project that requires technical knowledge, safety precautions, and attention to detail. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:

• Technicians can test for asbestos and safely handle hazardous materials if present.

• Pros use professional tools and techniques to remove texture cleanly without damaging the ceiling.

• Working with a pro ensures proper preparation, containment, and cleanup to protect your home.

• Professionals can repair minor ceiling imperfections during removal for a smooth finish.

• Hiring a pro saves time, reduces mess, and ensures the ceiling is ready for painting or refinishing.

If you want to DIY prep for popcorn ceiling removal

While removal should be handled by professionals, some prep work can help streamline the process:

• Clear the room of furniture, décor, and floor coverings or cover them with protective sheets.

• Note any areas with water damage, cracks, or stains to share with the technician.

• Ensure easy access to the ceiling and provide adequate ventilation.

• Take safety precautions such as wearing a mask and eye protection when in the room prior to removal.

Tips to Save on Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs

Whether you're tackling popcorn ceiling removal yourself or calling in a pro, there are ways you can save on this project.

• Test for asbestos early: Test your ceiling for asbestos with an at-home testing kit (available for *$10–$35*). If tests are inconclusive (or you suspect the test is wrong), hire a local asbestos testing pro.

• DIY the prep work: Remove all furniture, ceiling lights, and fixtures, and line the room with plastic tarps.

• Handle post-removal cleanup: Clean the space, dispose of all debris, and tackle the ceiling painting yourself.

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’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi 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. 

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.