Question 1

How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Popcorn ceiling removal costs typically range from $1.50-6.00 per square foot depending on the removal method and ceiling height. Basic scraping costs $1.50/sq ft, wet removal costs $2.25/sq ft, while encapsulation or replacement can cost $3.50-4.75/sq ft. A standard 300 sq ft room (20×15 feet) costs $450-1,800 total including asbestos testing and refinishing.

Question 2

How much to remove popcorn ceiling?

Accepted Answer

To remove popcorn ceiling, expect to pay $1.50-6.00 per square foot depending on the method. A typical 300 sq ft room costs $450-1,800 total. Factors include removal method (scraping vs encapsulation), ceiling height, asbestos testing ($150-300), refinishing ($0.75-1.50/sq ft), and regional labor costs. Higher ceilings and difficult access can increase costs significantly.

Question 3

What is the price to remove popcorn ceiling?

Accepted Answer

The price to remove popcorn ceiling ranges from $1.50-6.00 per square foot. Scraping costs $1.50/sq ft, wet removal $2.25/sq ft, encapsulation $3.50/sq ft, and replacement $4.75/sq ft. Additional costs include asbestos testing ($150-300), disposal ($0.50/sq ft), and refinishing ($0.75-1.50/sq ft). Total project costs depend on room size and complexity.

Question 4

How much does it cost to remove asbestos popcorn ceiling?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos popcorn ceiling removal costs $2.50-8.00 per square foot due to specialized safety requirements. Additional costs include asbestos testing ($150-300), abatement procedures, containment setup, and certified disposal. Professional asbestos removal is required by law and costs significantly more than regular popcorn ceiling removal due to safety protocols and specialized equipment.

Question 5

What is the cost of popcorn ceiling removal per square foot?

Accepted Answer

Popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot ranges from $1.50-6.00 depending on the method. Scraping costs $1.50/sq ft, wet removal $2.25/sq ft, encapsulation $3.50/sq ft, and replacement $4.75/sq ft. Additional per-square-foot costs include disposal ($0.50/sq ft) and refinishing ($0.75-1.50/sq ft). Height and accessibility multipliers can increase these rates.

Question 6

What factors affect popcorn ceiling removal costs?

Accepted Answer

Key cost factors include: removal method (scraping vs encapsulation), ceiling height (standard to cathedral), asbestos testing requirements, refinishing type (none to painted), accessibility challenges, regional labor costs, and disposal requirements. Higher ceilings and complex removal methods can increase costs by 2-3x compared to basic scraping.

Question 7

Is asbestos testing required for popcorn ceiling removal?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos testing is highly recommended for homes built before 1980, as popcorn ceilings from that era often contained asbestos fibers. Basic testing costs $150-300 and is required by law in many areas. Professional removal companies will not proceed without proper testing and certification for safety compliance.

Question 8

How much does it cost to scrape popcorn ceiling?

Accepted Answer

Cost to scrape popcorn ceiling ranges from $1.50-3.00 per square foot depending on ceiling height and accessibility. Basic scraping costs $1.50/sq ft for standard ceilings, while high or difficult-to-access ceilings can cost $2.25-3.00/sq ft. Additional costs include disposal ($0.50/sq ft), refinishing ($0.75-1.50/sq ft), and asbestos testing if required.

Question 9

How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?

Accepted Answer

Most popcorn ceiling removal projects take 1-3 days depending on the room size and removal method. A standard 300 sq ft room with scraping may take 1 day, while larger areas with encapsulation can take 2-3 days. The process includes preparation, removal, cleanup, and refinishing if requested.

Question 10

Can I remove popcorn ceiling myself?

Accepted Answer

DIY popcorn ceiling removal is possible for small areas but not recommended due to safety risks. Professional removal ensures proper containment, asbestos handling, debris disposal, and refinishing quality. Improper removal can spread asbestos fibers, create health risks, and result in incomplete removal requiring additional work.

Question 11

What's the difference between removal methods?

Accepted Answer

Scraping is the most common method, removing the texture layer. Wet removal uses water to soften the material for easier removal. Encapsulation covers the popcorn texture with a new ceiling layer. Replacement removes the entire ceiling and installs new drywall. Each method has different costs, time requirements, and final appearance results.

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