Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Las Vegas
Popcorn ceiling removal is one of the most common cosmetic upgrades Las Vegas homeowners request. Most homes built between 1950 and 1990 have popcorn texture on ceilings – and most homeowners want it gone. Here is what removal actually costs in Las Vegas and what affects the price.
Average Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Las Vegas
- Per square foot: $1.50 – $3.50 per sq ft
- Average bedroom (12×12): $216 – $504
- Average living room (20×15): $450 – $1,050
- Full house (1,500 sq ft of ceiling): $2,250 – $5,250
These are removal-only estimates. Finishing the ceiling smooth after removal adds cost. Call (725) 337-6885 for a free written estimate on your specific home.
What Affects Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost
Asbestos Testing
Popcorn texture applied before 1980 may contain asbestos. If your home was built or textured before 1980, testing is required before removal. Asbestos testing typically costs $25 – $75 per sample. If asbestos is present, licensed abatement is required and costs significantly more than standard removal. Do not scrape popcorn ceilings in a pre-1980 home without testing first – disturbing asbestos-containing material releases fibers into the air.
Ceiling Height
Standard 8-foot ceilings are the easiest to work on. Vaulted ceilings and high ceilings (10 feet or more) require taller scaffolding or ladders, which increases labor time and cost. We factor ceiling height into every estimate.
Existing Paint Over Popcorn
Unpainted popcorn texture can be wet-scraped – we apply water to soften the texture, then scrape it off. Painted popcorn does not absorb water the same way and requires dry scraping or additional steps, which takes more time. Painted popcorn removal costs more than unpainted.
Finishing Level After Removal
After scraping, the ceiling is usually rough and uneven. You have three options: leave it rough (not recommended for living spaces), apply a smooth Level 5 finish, or apply a new light texture. Each adds cost. A Level 5 smooth finish is the most popular choice in Las Vegas – it adds $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft to the removal cost.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Process
We cover all furniture and floors with plastic sheeting. For unpainted texture, we wet the ceiling section by section and scrape. For painted texture, we dry scrape and may score the surface first. After scraping, we inspect for drywall damage, skim coat as needed, sand, and prime. The ceiling is then ready for paint or a new texture application. A typical bedroom takes one day. A full house takes 2-4 days depending on size and finish level.