The cost to remove a popcorn ceiling in 2025 typically ranges from $1.25 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on factors like whether asbestos is present, ceiling height, finish level, and your location.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
💰 Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in 2025
| Service | Cost per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Removal (No Asbestos) | $1.25 – $2.00 | For clean, unpainted ceilings under 9 ft high |
| Removal with Asbestos (by abatement pro) | $3.00 – $8.00+ | Must be done by licensed contractor |
| Sanding/Smoothing After Removal | $1.00 – $2.00 | For retexturing or prepping for paint |
| Painting New Ceiling Surface | $1.00 – $2.00 | Optional final step |
| DIY Removal (tools + materials) | ~$100 – $300 (per room) | Excludes labor; not recommended if asbestos |
➡️ Average Total Cost (professional):
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8’ ceiling, no asbestos: ~$1,500 – $2,500 for 1,000 sq ft
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With asbestos: $3,000 – $8,000+ for 1,000 sq ft
🧾 Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost by Room Size
| Room Size | No Asbestos (Est.) | With Asbestos (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10’ x 10’ (100 sq ft) | $125 – $200 | $300 – $800+ |
| 15’ x 20’ (300 sq ft) | $375 – $600 | $900 – $2,400 |
| Whole House (1,000 sq ft) | $1,250 – $2,000 | $3,000 – $8,000+ |
⚠️ Asbestos Warning
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Homes built before 1981 may have asbestos in the texture.
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You must test before disturbing the ceiling.
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Professional removal is legally required in most states if asbestos is confirmed.
🧪 Asbestos testing cost: $250 – $850
📜 Abatement certificate often needed for resale or inspection
🧰 What’s Included in the Cost?
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Floor and furniture protection
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Wetting and scraping ceiling texture
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Bagging and disposal of debris
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Sanding or resurfacing the ceiling
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Optional: retexturing (knockdown, smooth, etc.)
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Optional: repainting ceiling
📍 Arizona Note
In Arizona, especially in older cities like Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson:
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Many homes built in the 60s–80s have popcorn ceilings.
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Removal services may require a permit if asbestos is involved.
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Licensed asbestos abatement contractors are mandatory if positive.
if your popcorn ceiling tests negative for asbestos, DIY removal is possible, but it still requires caution, the right tools, and safety prep to avoid mess, injury, or damage to your ceiling drywall. Here’s a complete DIY popcorn ceiling removal safety guide:
🧰 DIY Popcorn Ceiling Removal Safety Guide (Asbestos-Free)
✅ 1. Safety Gear You Must Use
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🥽 Safety goggles | Protects eyes from falling debris |
| 😷 N95 mask or respirator | Protects lungs from dust and particles |
| 🧤 Rubber or work gloves | Protects hands during scraping |
| 👕 Long sleeves/pants | Keeps skin free from dust irritation |
| 👢 Closed-toe shoes | Safety against falling material |
🏗️ 2. Prep the Area Thoroughly
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☐ Remove all furniture or cover it with heavy-duty plastic sheeting
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☐ Cover walls and floors with painter’s plastic or canvas drop cloths
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☐ Tape plastic over vents, electrical outlets, and light fixtures
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☐ Shut off HVAC system to prevent dust from spreading
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☐ Ensure good ventilation, but avoid fans that spread dust
💦 3. Wet the Ceiling (Critical Step!)
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Mix water with a small amount of dish soap in a pump sprayer.
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Lightly mist a 4×4 ft section of ceiling — do not oversaturate.
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Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scraping.
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Never remove dry popcorn — it releases heavy dust and may damage drywall.
🪚 4. Scraping the Texture
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Use a 6–12 inch drywall taping knife or floor scraper with a smooth edge.
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Hold the blade at a 25–45° angle and gently scrape off the texture.
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Don’t gouge into the drywall underneath — this will cause costly repairs.
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Move section-by-section across the ceiling.
🧼 5. Clean-Up & Ceiling Finishing
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Let ceiling dry 24+ hours after scraping.
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Patch any gouges or dings with joint compound, sand smooth.
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Decide on your finish:
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Smooth finish (most modern)
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Knockdown texture (common in AZ)
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Orange peel or other light textures
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Prime and paint with ceiling-specific paint.
⚠️ 6. Important Cautions
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Do not start removal until you have written asbestos test results.
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Avoid removing popcorn texture from plaster ceilings — it’s more complex.
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Don’t attempt this if your ceiling has been painted over— it’s much harder to remove.
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Consider a professional finish if going for a smooth modern look (it’s difficult to DIY evenly).
Asbestos, OSHA & AHERA Training Via Classroom & Online
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