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

Popcorn ceiling removal in Denver costs about $2,712, with a range of $1,521 to $3,993. As a higher-cost-of-living area, homeowners in Denver, CO, will need to understand the costs of removing a popcorn ceiling compared to other parts of the nation. 

The largest factors affecting the total costs are the size of the ceiling being removed and the total number of labor hours required. While you can technically DIY this project, it isn’t recommended for safety reasons and because professional expertise is required for a properly completed job.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors 

The total cost of popcorn ceiling removal in Denver, CO, comes down to the size of the area, what method is used, and the hourly rate of the pro you hire. While there can be DIY costs like trash removal or dumpster rental, it’s best to leave this entire project to an experienced pro. 

Size

The overall size of your project plays a huge role in how much you’ll pay for popcorn ceiling removal. Local popcorn ceiling removal professionals charge $2 to $8 per square foot or $25 to $70 per hour. Removing a popcorn ceiling from a 500-square-foot area may cost between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the complexity of your specific project.

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 ceiling removal professional, 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 can include paint, texturing, ceiling tiles, and labor.

Disposal

The final step in removing a popcorn ceiling is disposing of the debris. If your debris doesn’t contain hazardous substances and can be placed inside contractor bags, you can put it out with your regular trash. For large projects requiring a carting service, look into local dumpster rental costs. The average price is $500 per week in Denver. 

However, if your popcorn ceiling did contain asbestos, you’ll want to inform the dumpster rental company and ensure they comply with the local requirements. The specific permitting and licensing requirements vary, but they must adhere to the minimum regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Popcorn Ceiling Pro Costs

Hiring a popcorn ceiling removal pro in Denver, CO, will cost homeowners an average of $2,712 in total, most of that (over 80%) being labor costs. Hourly rates typically range from $25 to $70. Hourly rates for pros in the Denver area are higher than in smaller cities or in less expensive areas, as Denver's cost of living has increased more than in other parts of the nation, and this is reflected in the cost of hiring pros. 

Asbestos Pro Costs

If you have asbestos under the popcorn ceiling, it’ll need to be removed by a pro. This is a federal requirement, so no DIYing here. Asbestos removal costs $460 to $6,000, with an average of $2,238. 

This cost stays fairly consistent across all cities, as the licensing and insurance costs for this type of work are the same no matter where you live. It’s an unfortunate cost that often comes with owning an older home, and should be budgeted for appropriately. Denver asbestos removal pros can help you understand the project (and cost) better.

Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?

Removing popcorn ceilings typically offers over 80% ROI, with Denver homeowners potentially adding about $2,500 to their home value. The update gives sellers a competitive edge in Denver's market since modern buyers view the texture as outdated. ROI improves when removal covers the entire home and is paired with other renovations, such as plaster walls or new flooring.

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 survey 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. 

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