Popcorn ceiling removal costs depend on the size of your ceiling and any additional services like asbestos removal and resurfacing. Learn all the costs here.
7 Popcorn Ceiling Questions You Need to Ask About Application, Removal, or Cleaning
Don’t be afraid to popcorn questions with your pro
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Popcorn ceiling removal costs around $2,000 on average, so understanding your project scope helps you plan the budget and timeline with your contractor.
Your ceiling height and square footage directly affect labor costs and material needs, so accurate room measurements help your pro provide a realistic quote.
Older popcorn ceilings from around 1980 or earlier need asbestos testing before any work begins to protect your home and family from serious health risks.
Hiring a local popcorn ceiling professional provides expert guidance on removal versus encapsulation options and handles asbestos testing if your ceiling dates to the late 1970s.
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Known for its bumpy surface, popcorn (also known as stipple) ceilings are sprayed-on applications of paint combined with other materials such as Styrofoam and vermiculite. They were a popular design choice in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but today, popcorn ceilings require professional work, most often in the form of removal in favor of a smoother, more customized surface. Sometimes they contain asbestos, which requires dedicated processes to remove. If you’re contacting a pro, here are popcorn ceiling questions you can expect.
When Do You Need This Work Done?
Your popcorn ceiling pro will want to know your timeline and whether you can accommodate their current schedule. Remember that installers and remodelers are often booked weeks or months in advance, so flexibility helps.
What Kind of Work Do You Need Done?
Popcorn ceiling work typically falls into four categories:
Application: Pros can spray a new layer of “popcorn” material onto ceilings without it.
Re-application: Popcorn ceilings can age and stain with time, so some homeowners want to re-apply it for a new look.
Removal: Many homeowners may want to strip away popcorn ceilings entirely, and may ask the same contractor to replace it with something else. Popcorn ceiling removal costs about $2,000 on average.
Cleaning: Homeowners may opt for a professional cleaning of older popcorn ceilings rather than applying a new surface.
What Size and Height are Your Ceilings?
The materials and labor involved in this project depend on the square feet of your ceiling. Your pro will want an estimate of the space or a description of the rooms. They’ll also want to know how high your ceilings are and if they have any unusual designs, which are significant factors in the labor involved.
Do Your Ceilings Contain Asbestos?
Older popcorn ceilings are one of the most infamous sources of asbestos. Removing asbestos improperly can scatter it into the air, where it can cause lung cancer. Therefore, meticulous procedures and mandatory certification are required.
Asbestos was officially banned in 1978, but some builders kept using it for a while longer. If your popcorn ceiling dates back to around 1980, contractors will want to test for asbestos before proceeding.
Would You Prefer to Remove or Cover the Popcorn Ceiling?
If contractors believe that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, this question will follow. The first option is to remove the popcorn layer entirely so you never have to worry about it again. This requires asbestos removal credentials and a special procedure to seal the room, carefully grind away the ceiling layer, and vacuum the dust.
The second option is covering the ceiling, known as encapsulation. Here, contractors apply a new layer of certified encapsulating material to the ceiling, giving it a new look. While it’s not a permanent solution, encapsulation can last many years before needing attention again.
Do You Want a Hand-Textured Ceiling?
Hand-textured ceilings are similar to popcorn ceilings, but contractors apply the layer manually instead of spraying it. This allows them to make swirls and other designs to enhance the look of the ceiling, although it is more expensive.
Do You Want Your Ceiling Painted?
Painting is a common add-on when installing a new ceiling. The cost to paint a ceiling averages around $250.
Plaster repairs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.9★ avg. • 21 total reviews
- Julio V.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The Waterworks - Brent C.
Carpet repair done well. Scheduling was easy. Showed up on time.
BR Flooring Installation - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Micki B.
Everything from initial contact to completion was absolutely top notch. We contacted the business during off hours to leave a message, and the owner still reached out to feel out the issue within minutes. We were scheduled and repaired within 48 hours. I cannot say enough about the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Donald L.
Ace Fireplace Services came to the rescue for my chimney repair. They were quick to pinpoint the issue and worked their magic to fix it. My chimney is now in excellent shape, and I'm a satisfied customer.
Ace Fireplace Services - Nicholas B.
Great experience all together. Dog friendly, courteous, great results and honest with recommendations. Will certainly be using Cardinal in the future for any carpet repairs
Cardinal Carpet Care & Repair - Michael H.
Description says they handle window repair including rotten hardwood - they called me back right away but didnâ t leave a voicemail. I followed up 3 days later and they said they donâ t do that kind of work.
Window-Gurus - Diane C.
Very good experience. He even moved things around in my bedroom to get to the wall. I would highly recommend him for plaster. I plan to have him come back.
Peter J Grady - Paul C.
Great guys. Spend a lot of time repairing and prepping our walls before doing the new paint. Home looks great now.
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They did an excellent job with the repair, took care of all communication with the insurance company and had car rental service also with a very reliable, quality care
Three C Body Shop
The homeowners guide to plaster repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Looking to breathe new life into your space with a ceiling refresh? Learn about the cost to paint a ceiling and what factors can affect your total.
A ceiling repair averages about $1,000, but multiple factors affect this number. Learn more about creating an accurate ceiling repair cost estimate with our tips.
A textured, or “popcorn”, ceiling was once a popular home feature. Read on to learn about what a popcorn ceiling is and why it has mostly gone out of fashion.
Wondering who you should hire to remove an ugly popcorn ceiling? We’ve got you covered with the best pros for the job, and whether to DIY this project.
Ready to add a bit more visual appeal to your home? Compare popcorn ceilings versus textured ceilings to suit your home's unique style.