Free popcorn ceiling removal calculator
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Calculator
Find out what it costs to scrape, smooth and paint your ceilings — room by room or the whole house.
- About 60 seconds
- Priced for your ZIP
- No site visit needed
How much ceiling needs to go?
How much does a popcorn ceiling removal cost?
Most popcorn ceiling removal projects in the US fall between $900 – $8,000. Where yours lands depends on a handful of things — that's exactly what the calculator above asks about, then it adjusts for labor and material costs in your ZIP code.
What drives the price
- Square footage and ceiling height — vaulted ceilings need scaffolding.
- Painted popcorn can't be soaked, so it takes roughly twice as long to scrape.
- A true smooth (level 4–5) finish is the most labor-intensive step.
- Asbestos in pre-1986 homes changes the job completely if the test is positive.
- Furnished rooms take extra time to protect.
Frequently asked questions
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot?
Scraping alone runs about $1–$2 per square foot. With a smooth skim-coat finish and paint, most homeowners pay $3–$6 per square foot.
Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Only a lab test can tell. Asbestos was common in ceiling texture until the mid-1980s. A test costs a few hundred dollars and takes a few days.
Can I stay home during the work?
Yes, for most jobs. Crews seal off one area at a time. Expect dust in the rooms being worked on.