Get matched with top popcorn ceiling pros in Moss Point, MS

The average popcorn ceiling removal costs around $2,000, but prices can range from $950 to $3,100, depending on the size, accessibility, and whether or not there’s asbestos or lead paint. 

We don’t recommend DIYing this project to save money, but you can DIY the prep work to speed things up. Consider removing furniture, ceiling lights, and other fixtures before the workers arrive on site. To be extra helpful, cover any remaining belongings with plastic tarps and secure them with tape.

The timeline varies from a few hours to two days, depending on room size, texture complexity, and removal difficulty.

If your popcorn ceiling is asbestos-free and you are ready for a new look, painting is an option. As long as there is no flaking or other wear, a new coat of paint might be just the thing to refresh the old ceiling. The best way to paint a popcorn ceiling is to use either a paint sprayer or a thick roller to cover the popcorn texture fully. (Do not forget to dust it off beforehand!)

“Note that if you eventually want to remove the popcorn ceiling, a painted ceiling is a labor-intensive job to remove and will cost more,” says Bob Tschudi. “Once painted, the process of removing the popcorn ceiling requires physical scraping as opposed to a spray-and-scrape approach. It’s very labor-intensive, and thus more costly.”

Popcorn ceilings have fallen out of popularity for several reasons, though opinions on them can vary. The primary drawbacks include an outdated appearance, difficulty with cleaning and maintenance, and potential health risks, as ceilings installed before the 1990s may contain asbestos. As design trends have shifted toward sleeker, more modern finishes, many homeowners now prefer smooth ceilings for their clean look and easier upkeep. However, popcorn ceilings do offer some benefits, such as excellent acoustic properties for noise reduction and the ability to hide imperfections. Some also appreciate their retro charm or find them to be a cost-effective solution. Ultimately, whether they are "bad" depends on personal preference, safety concerns, and aesthetic goals.