How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?
Last updated November 11, 2026
Quick answer: Nationally, popcorn ceiling removal costs about $1 to $6 per square foot, and most projects land between $949 and $3,206 (Angi, updated Sep 29, 2026). Scraping alone runs $1 to $2 per square foot; removal plus new texture and paint runs $2 to $6 (HomeGuide). Asbestos testing and abatement cost extra.
What do the major cost guides say?
The big cost guides measure slightly different things, which is why their numbers do not match. Angi's per-square-foot figure is mostly for removal. HomeGuide's higher range includes new texture and paint.
| Source (date) | Per square foot | Typical project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angi (updated Sep 29, 2026) | $1 to $6 | $949 to $3,206; average $2,068 | Based on 4,083 projects reported by Angi pros. Large homes with high ceilings can reach $5,900 or more. |
| HomeGuide (popcorn removal guide) | $1 to $2 removal only; $2 to $6 with texture and paint | $2,000 to $9,000 with refinishing; national average $5,500 | Range is for roughly 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft of ceiling. |
| Fixr (updated Jan 31, 2025) | $1 to $4 removal only | $900 to $2,500; average $1,700 | Average is for a 10 by 30 ft room with a smooth finish. Removal price excludes testing, supplies and disposal. |
How much does it cost by room size?
Fixr prices removal alone (labor included, no new finish) by typical room size:
| Room (typical ceiling size) | Removal only (Fixr, Jan 2025) |
|---|---|
| Bedroom (200 sq ft) | $200 to $800 |
| Dining room (200 sq ft) | $200 to $800 |
| Kitchen (225 sq ft) | $225 to $900 |
| Primary bedroom (300 sq ft) | $300 to $1,200 |
| Living room (330 sq ft) | $330 to $1,320 |
And by total ceiling area:
| Ceiling area | Angi, removal (2026) | HomeGuide, with texture and paint |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $500 to $2,500 | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,000 to $5,000 | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $1,500 to $7,500 | $3,000 to $9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $2,000 to $10,000 | $4,000 to $12,000 |
To estimate your own ceiling area, multiply each room's length by its width and add the rooms together. Closets and hallways count too.
What is usually included in the price?
A complete popcorn ceiling job has more steps than scraping. When you compare quotes, check which of these each one includes:
- Protection: covering floors, walls and anything left in the room with plastic.
- Removal: wetting and scraping the texture (painted texture takes longer).
- Disposal: bagging and hauling debris. Angi lists dumpster rental at $300 to $475 per week if one is needed.
- Repairs: popcorn hides flaws. Once it is gone, tape seams, nail pops and cracks often show and need fixing.
- New finish: a smooth skim coat or a light texture such as knockdown or orange peel.
- Primer and paint.
- Cleanup.
A quote that covers only step 2 will look cheap next to one that covers all seven.
What makes popcorn ceiling removal cost more?
- Asbestos. This is the biggest swing factor. See the next section.
- Painted texture. HomeGuide notes painted popcorn takes more time and effort because paint keeps water from soaking in.
- High or vaulted ceilings and stairwells. Angi notes scaffolding and extension ladders add cost.
- Hidden damage. Angi lists minor cosmetic repairs at $150 or less and major water or structural damage at up to $4,500.
- Finish choice. A smooth, skim-coated ceiling usually takes more labor than a light texture.
- A full room. Ask whether moving large items out of the way is included or extra.
How much does asbestos testing and removal add?
Popcorn texture in older homes can contain asbestos, and you cannot tell by looking. If your ceiling will be scraped, plan on testing first. Read our guide: Should you test a popcorn ceiling for asbestos before removal?
| Item | Cost guide figure |
|---|---|
| Asbestos testing | $250 to $850 (HomeGuide) |
| Asbestos removal (abatement) | $5 to $20 per sq ft, plus $75 to $200 per hour labor (Angi, 2026) |
| Asbestos removal (abatement) | $3 to $7 per sq ft, or $900 to $2,100 for a 10 by 30 ft room, not including testing (Fixr, Jan 2025) |
Fixr says abatement nearly doubles the price of the project and that homeowners insurance does not cover asbestos removal. If a test is positive, the removal should be done by a trained, accredited asbestos professional, as the EPA recommends.
How much does a new finish cost after removal?
Angi's 2026 resurfacing figures, per square foot. For how the finishes look and which suits your home, see ceiling texture options after popcorn removal.
| Finish after removal | Angi (2026) |
|---|---|
| Prime and paint | $1 to $3 |
| Orange peel texture | $0.80 to $1.50 |
| Knockdown texture | $1 to $2 |
| Smooth drywall finish | $1.50 to $2 |
Fixr puts removal plus a smooth finish for a 10 by 30 ft room at $600 to $1,300.
Is it cheaper to cover a popcorn ceiling instead?
Sometimes. Fixr lists these costs for covering a 10 by 30 ft ceiling (asbestos-free texture only):
| Option | Fixr (Jan 2025) |
|---|---|
| Skim coat over the texture | $300 to $450 ($1 to $1.50 per sq ft) |
| New drywall over the ceiling | $450 to $1,050 ($1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft) |
Covering avoids most of the mess but adds weight or thickness. If the texture might contain asbestos, test before fastening anything through it.
Can I save money by doing it myself?
HomeGuide puts DIY materials at $100 to $500 for scrapers, a ladder, protective gear and tarps, before texture and paint. The trade-off is time, mess and safety. The EPA advises against disturbing material that may contain asbestos yourself, so a DIY job should start with a lab result, not a scraper.
Ways to lower a hired job's cost without DIY removal:
- Clear the rooms of small items and decor before the crew arrives.
- Do several rooms at once instead of one at a time.
- Get any needed asbestos testing done early so the quote is based on facts.
How to compare popcorn ceiling removal quotes
Ask each contractor the same questions so the numbers line up:
- Is asbestos testing required before you start, and who arranges it?
- Does the price include repairs, the new finish, primer, paint and cleanup?
- How will floors, walls and the rest of the house be protected from dust?
- How is the debris hauled away?
- How many days will each room be out of use? (See how long popcorn ceiling removal takes.)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling per square foot?
National cost guides put it at about $1 to $6 per square foot. Angi (2026) lists $1 to $6. HomeGuide lists $1 to $2 for scraping only and $2 to $6 with new texture and paint.
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling in one room?
Fixr lists removal alone at $200 to $800 for a 200 square foot bedroom and $330 to $1,320 for a 330 square foot living room. A new finish and paint add to that.
Does asbestos testing cost extra?
Yes. HomeGuide lists asbestos testing at $250 to $850. If the ceiling tests positive, Angi lists abatement at $5 to $20 per square foot plus labor.
Is it cheaper to cover a popcorn ceiling than remove it?
Often. Fixr lists a skim coat over the texture at $300 to $450 and new drywall over it at $450 to $1,050 for a 10 by 30 foot ceiling. Test for asbestos first if the home is older.
Sources
Want a price for your project?
Call (903) 778-7777 or request an estimate. See our popcorn ceiling removal page.
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