What Is a Popcorn Ceiling? Pros, Cons, and Removal Cost

What is a “popcorn” ceiling? They were once a ubiquitous trend, but many people today want them removed. Not only are popcorn ceilings a bit outdated, but they also can be harboring asbestos. So, if you are planning to scrape that texture off, it is important to test for possible dangers before moving forward with any projects.

Where Did the Name ‘Popcorn’ Ceiling Come From?

Popcorn ceilings got their name because they look like smashed-up popcorn kernels tacked onto the ceiling. Other more or less appealing names for them include textured ceilings or “cottage cheese” ceilings. While it is not clear who thought of the name, the style seems to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 1930s.

Popcorn Ceilings vs. Drywall Ceilings

When popcorn ceilings were popular (roughly from 1945 to the 1990s), they acted as a quick spray-on solution that covered flaws in one swoop. If you have ever finished a drywall ceiling, or if you are familiar with how it is done, you will know that it is not an easy process. There are many layers of taping and mudding that can be difficult to master without flaws. Adding the extra texture was an easy way of covering these up.

Nowadays, professional local ceiling contractors take care to ensure a smooth, flawless finish that needs no cover-up. The dated popcorn ceiling is now a feature that most homeowners wish to get rid of, especially before putting a home up for sale.

Pros of Popcorn Ceilings

The texture of a popcorn ceiling does a lot to conceal imperfections in the ceiling, without the need for extensive drywall finishing. 

Also on the plus side, the textured surface helps to block sound. You may appreciate having a popcorn ceiling if you live in a house with neighbors above you or if you want some sound insulation between the floors of your own home. While the textured surface can make a ceiling feel lower, it does reduce echoing.

These ceilings were even known for their fire-retardant capabilities, since a primary ingredient in a popcorn ceiling is often vermiculite, which is fire resistant.

Cons of Popcorn Ceilings

If you are in a home built before the 1980s, there is a chance that your popcorn ceiling might contain asbestos. This once-popular building material was often used for popcorn ceilings before it became banned as a hazardous substance in 1978. Unfortunately, many older homes still have it, especially wherever there is a popcorn ceiling.

This does not mean you need to rush and scrape off your ceiling as quickly as possible. In fact, until you have had it tested by a local asbestos testing contractor, it is extremely important to leave it as is. Even if there is asbestos, you should be safe if there is no crumbling or structural damage that could release the particles into the air.

Even without the asbestos risks, there may be other reasons to ditch the popcorn ceiling. Aesthetically, popcorn ceilings may not be everyone's cup of tea. Since the look is considered dated these days, having textured ceilings may reduce your home's value. The texture of a popcorn ceiling can also make it challenging to clean. All those nooks and crannies can be a magnet for dust. 

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceiling removal costs anywhere between $900 and $3,000. Prices depend on variables such as ceiling height and the overall complexity of the project. Dealing with asbestos calls for an asbestos abatement contractor near you, as removal could release dangerous debris into your home.

You can also remove a popcorn ceiling yourself if you do not mind a messy project. Once you have determined that the ceiling does not contain asbestos, removal is pretty simple. For unpainted popcorn ceilings, spray it down with water and scrape it away with a putty knife. Painted ceilings will require a stripping product. A local ceiling repair contractor can help you with any hidden flaws you uncover.

If you want to hire a pro, a local popcorn ceiling removal contractor is your best bet. Or, if you are not able to get rid of it just yet, there is nothing wrong with embracing the retro vibe. At the very least, adding some dim, ambient lighting can make the texture a lot less noticeable.