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

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Cost Insights
  • The average cost to remove a popcorn ceiling in Raleigh ranges from $1.60 to $2.20 per square foot.

  • Dumpster removal costs in Raleigh average $325 to $650 per week.

  • Popcorn removal pros in Raleigh, NC, charge $15 to $30 per hour. 

  • Asbestos removal costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.

In Raleigh, NC, popcorn ceiling removal costs range between $859 to $2,858, with most homeowners paying around $1,804. While popcorn ceilings or textured ceilings were a coveted design feature, they have fallen out of popularity. Many homeowners choose to remove popcorn ceilings, which improves the look and safety of the home. Here are the most common cost considerations for homeowners to make during this removal project.  

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors 

Size is the primary cost factor when removing popcorn ceilings. If the popcorn ceiling has asbestos, its removal will increase costs. Other factors to consider include labor and the removal of construction debris. 

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 $1.60 to $2.20 per square foot or $15 to $30 per hour. Removing a popcorn ceiling from a 500-square-foot area may cost between $800 and $1,100, depending on the complexity of your specific project.

Size of Ceiling (Square Feet)Average Cost
500$800–$1,100
750$1,200–$1,650
1,000$1,600–$2,200
1,250$2,000–$2,750
1,500$2,400–$3,300
1,750$2,800–$3,850
2,000$3,200–$4,400

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

Popcorn Ceiling Disposal MethodAverage Cost
Dumpster rental$325–$650 per week
Junk removal service$200–$250

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 in Raleigh is $490 per week

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

Popcorn ceiling professionals in Raleigh charge between $15 and $30 per hour. Hiring a local popcorn ceiling pro in Raleigh, NC, is your best option for removing popcorn ceilings. There are risks involved with popcorn ceiling removal, and the process requires strict safety practices and special equipment. An expert can also recommend whether removal is your best bet or whether there are better ways to cover the popcorn ceiling

Asbestos Pro Costs

Popcorn ceilings were popular before the 1980s, when asbestos was commonly used in building materials. Therefore, popcorn ceilings are at risk of containing asbestos and should be inspected before removal. In Raleigh, asbestos pros charge $200 to $600 for asbestos inspections. If the material is found, the cost to remove asbestos in Raleigh, NC, ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot

Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?

Potential buyers in Raleigh may view popcorn ceilings as outdated and a deterrent to making an offer. When removed, popcorn ceilings can increase a Raleigh home's value by 2% to 5%, translating to an extra $5,000 to $15,000 in the city.

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. 

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.

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