How much does it cost to knock down a textured ceiling?
Robert Bradley
Published Apr 06, 2026
How much does it cost to knock down a textured ceiling?
On a prepared surface, applying a knockdown texture usually costs $1.00 – $2.50 per square foot, and most spend around $600 to $800 for a space. This price depends on the price of materials, wall or ceiling height, size of the space, complexity, and to a more considerable extent, the cost of labor.
Can you turn popcorn ceiling to knockdown?
For a knockdown texture, you need to get unaggregated spray texture! By the way, this whole process of changing popcorn ceilings to knockdown ones is messy… So to sheet everything in plastic is highly recommended and just makes clean up go much easier.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it up?
Choosing to simply cover your popcorn ceiling (otherwise known as textured ceiling) as opposed to removing it entirely could help you save a lot of time and money in the long run. This is why it is so important to make sure you test for asbestos when even thinking about removing a textured ceiling.
How do you smooth out a ceiling after removing popcorn?
When scraping popcorn ceilings, you’ll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You’ll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.
How much does it cost to remove popcorn from the ceiling?
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost; National Average Cost $1,710 Minimum Cost $300 Maximum Cost $4,800 Average Range $1,010 to $2,260
Can a knockdown finish be used on a popcorn ceiling?
Depending on heat and humidity, you just have to keep checking it until you feel it’s right. Then with a wide scraper, scrape off the bumpy texture. For this condo reno, we were going to be installing a knockdown finish, so it was totally fine for some of the texture to remain on the ceiling from the old texture… just the pokey bumps needed to go.
What should I use to paint a popcorn ceiling?
While popcorn ceilings are not “in” anymore, different textures and designs can help to give your home a bit more of a modern look. All you need to do is use a joint compound (which is water + gypsum powder that’s mixed into a paste-like mixture) as the base and go from there. Another consideration is painting the ceiling.
How much does it cost to test popcorn ceiling for asbestos?
The cost to test for Asbestos should range in the 50-150.00 range. Patching or repairing popcorn ceiling isn’t really that difficult and many home centers such as: Home depot, Lowes, and Menards, will carry this type of patch kit that contain the textured mix with Styrofoam to closely match the existing texture.
How do you replace popcorn ceiling?
Another option to replace a popcorn ceiling is to hang new drywall. This is extremely labor intensive because you have to remove as much of the popcorn finish as you can before hanging the drywall. Then you have to hang, tape, mud and sand the drywall.
What is the texture of popcorn?
Popcorn texture creates high peaks and low valleys—this is the deepest and highest texture of all and also the most delicate. Popcorn texture can look like cottage cheese when heavily applied. Application Notes Popcorn, also known as cottage cheese or acoustic texture, is the best ceiling texture for sound dampening.
What is a popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceiling. A popcorn ceiling (slang), also known as a textured ceiling, cottage cheese ceiling, stipple ceiling, a stucco ceiling or formally an acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling with a certain spray-on or paint-on treatment.