Scraping popcorn texture is messy, labor-priced work — per square foot, plus skim-coating and repainting after. Pre-1980 ceilings must be tested for asbestos first; if positive, abatement changes the math entirely.
Typical range
$900 – $3,800
Most common
$1,900
Priced
average home
DIY-friendly?
Sometimes — a capable DIYer can save on labor
What changes the price of popcorn ceiling removal
Square footage and ceiling height
Asbestos testing (pre-1980 homes) and abatement if positive
Painted-over texture is harder to scrape
Skim coat and repaint after removal
Estimate your cost
Adjust the quality and scope, or compare with other projects.
Quality & scope
Estimated cost · average home
$900 – $3,800
Typical
$1,900
Low $900Typical $1,900High $3,800
Full typical range for this project. Adjust the quality/scope for a tighter estimate. The only way to know your real price is to get quotes from local contractors.
What changes the price
›Square footage and ceiling height
›Asbestos testing (pre-1980 homes) and abatement if positive
Popcorn ceiling removal runs about $900–$3,800 for a whole home, around $1,900 typical — roughly $1–$3 per square foot including finishing. Asbestos abatement, if needed, adds substantially.
Do I need to test a popcorn ceiling for asbestos?
Yes if it was installed before the mid-1980s. Test before disturbing it — if it contains asbestos, use licensed abatement rather than scraping it yourself.
This is general US cost information, not a quote. Actual prices depend on your region, home, materials and contractor — always get quotes from licensed local pros before you commit.