Popcorn ceilings may have been trendy once, but today, they date a home instantly. If you’re looking to modernize your space, removing that textured finish is a smart place to start. Whether you’re prepping your home for resale or just want cleaner lines and better lighting, a smooth ceiling goes a long way. But how much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in 2026? And is it worth the mess?
Let’s break down the real numbers, the hidden variables, and what Toronto homeowners should expect before taking on this renovation project.
About Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy, time-consuming job that many homeowners prefer to leaven to professional contractors. Along with the amount of work involved before, during, and after getting rid of your popcorn ceiling, there is also the potential of a serious health risk in removing your acoustic ceiling. Asbestos was a common ingredient in stucco compound between the 1930’s to the 1970s. If you have an older popcorn ceiling application, you must get it tested for asbestos prior to planning any removal project.
Popcorn ceiling removal is a labour-intensive job that often takes anywhere from three days or longer to complete. Before even starting the scraping of your ceiling, your room must be prepared to minimize the spread of dirt and dust throughout the rest of your home. Plastic, tarps, or drop sheets are used to cover walls, floors, and entranceways to stop the dust and debris from damaging the surfaces and spreading to the other rooms.
It is usually recommended that your remove all furniture from your room first to protect it, however, if that is not possible, your furnishings can be moved to the middle of the room and covered with plastic.
Once the room is prepped, the popcorn coating is scraped and sanded off and any underlying damage to the drywall is patched. Applying water to the stipple compound will make it easier to remove.
If the damage is extensive, ceiling drywall panels may need to be replaced altogether. Once the stucco is completely removed and any damaged areas are repaired, your ceiling is ready to be sanded, primed, and painted.
What Affects Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Several variables influence how much you will ultimately spend on popcorn ceiling removal. Here are the main factors contractors consider when pricing a job:
- Asbestos content: If your home was built before the early 1990s, there is a real chance your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Testing costs around $300 to $800. If the test comes back positive, certified asbestos abatement is required before any scraping or sanding begins. This can add thousands of dollars to your overall project cost.
- Ceiling height and room size: Taller ceilings require additional equipment and safety precautions, which increases labor time. Similarly, the larger the surface area, the higher the cost due to extended prep and removal work.
- Drywall condition underneath: If your existing ceiling is cracked, water-damaged, or uneven, it will need repairs after the popcorn texture is removed. This may include skim coating, patching, or in severe cases, replacing drywall panels altogether.
- Finishing and painting: After removal, ceilings are typically sanded, primed, and painted. This finishing step adds another $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the number of coats required and the type of paint you choose.
- Access and layout: If the ceiling has recessed lighting, ceiling fans, crown molding, or complex architectural features, expect labor costs to increase due to the added difficulty.
- Room usage: High-visibility areas like living rooms or hallways are often prioritized, while closets or utility spaces may be skipped to save on cost. Focusing on key rooms can help lower your overall project expense.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs
Popcorn ceiling removal in Toronto generally ranges from $6 to $10 per square foot, depending on the scope of the project. That price usually includes removal, cleanup, surface prep, and finishing.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay based on project complexity:
| Basic removal only | $6 to $8 | No major repairs or paint included |
| Removal plus drywall repair | $8 to $12 | Includes patching and skim coating |
| Removal with painting | $9 to $13 | Adds sanding, priming, and ceiling painting |
| Asbestos removal (if required) | $12 to $20 | Requires certified abatement team |
| Full-room cost (250 to 500 sq ft) | $1,600 to $5,000+ | Varies by finish and ceiling condition |
| Large or complex jobs | $7,000 to $10,000+ | Includes extensive drywall work or asbestos |
Keep in mind, these are averages based on 2026 pricing in the Greater Toronto Area.
Labour and materials make up a large part of the cost. There is a lot of prep work needed before the stipple compound can be removed to prevent damage and dust from spreading to other areas of the home. The average job takes three to five days to complete; however, if there are unexpected issues with the stucco or underlying drywall, getting rid of a popcorn ceiling will be more expensive.
Homeowners can reduce the cost to remove a popcorn ceiling by choosing the main living areas only. Removing an acoustic ceiling from the main floor hallway, living room, or dining room can lower the popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot to $6.
Removing your popcorn ceiling will not only update the look of your room and increase the value of your home, but a smoother ceiling will give your room a cleaner, brighter, and more aesthetically pleasing look. At Prestige Painting & Contracting, we are experts in all areas of stucco ceiling removal.
A Cleaner Look and a Healthier Home
Beyond aesthetics, popcorn ceiling removal offers real functional benefits. Stippled ceilings trap dust, cobwebs, and smoke over time — and they’re notoriously difficult to clean. A smooth, painted ceiling is not only easier to maintain, but it reflects more natural light and can make a room feel instantly brighter and larger.
If asbestos is present, removal isn’t just a visual upgrade — it’s a health decision. Getting rid of toxic material and replacing it with clean, modern drywall is a long-term investment in the safety of your home.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Toronto & the GTA
At Prestige Painting & Contracting, we specialize in professional popcorn ceiling removal for homes, condos, and commercial properties across Toronto and the GTA. Our process is clean, efficient, and fully compliant with Ontario asbestos regulations. From safe removal and drywall repair to final painting, we handle the entire process — no mess, no stress.
Get a Free Quote Today
Want to transform your ceilings and upgrade your home’s look?
Contact our team today for a personalized, no-obligation estimate.
📞 Call: 9052646222
📧 Email: info@prestigepaintinggta.ca