If you’re renovating your home and looking to update your ceilings, you might be wondering: is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceilings or replace the drywall entirely? Both options have pros, cons, and price differences, so understanding them can help you make the right decision for your home and budget.
Why Homeowners Consider Ceiling Updates
Popcorn ceilings were popular for decades due to their textured appearance and sound-absorbing qualities. Today, they’re often considered outdated and can even contain asbestos in homes built before the 1990s. Removing the popcorn texture or replacing the drywall can modernize your space, improve lighting, and increase home value.
1. Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs
Removing a popcorn ceiling usually involves scraping or wetting the texture, followed by sanding, patching, and painting.
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Average cost: $1–$3 per square foot if asbestos-free.
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Time required: Typically 1–2 days for a standard room.
Pros:
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Cheaper and faster than full drywall replacement.
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Preserves existing drywall underneath.
Cons:
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If the ceiling contains asbestos, removal can jump to $5–$8 per square foot.
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Damaged drywall may still require patching or skim-coating.
2. Drywall Replacement Costs
Replacing ceiling drywall involves removing the old panels, installing new drywall, taping, mudding, sanding, and painting.
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Average cost: $3–$6 per square foot.
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Time required: 2–4 times longer than scraping popcorn ceilings.
Pros:
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Ideal for damaged, sagging, or cracked ceilings.
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Eliminates asbestos risk if the old drywall contains it.
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Provides a perfectly smooth, modern finish without additional work.
Cons:
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More expensive and labor-intensive.
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Generates more debris and disruption in your home.
3. When Drywall Replacement Makes Sense
Replacing drywall is usually worth it if:
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The existing ceiling is heavily damaged or sagging.
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You want a completely smooth, updated look without patching.
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The popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, and removal costs are similar to replacement.
4. Which Option Is Cheaper?
In most cases, removing popcorn ceilings is the cheaper and faster option, as long as the underlying drywall is in good condition. Drywall replacement is more expensive but can be a smart long-term investment for homes with damaged or high-risk ceilings.
Professional Ceiling Services
Whether you choose popcorn ceiling removal or drywall replacement, hiring a professional ensures a safe, high-quality finish. Certified specialists handle asbestos testing, removal, patching, and painting — leaving your ceilings smooth, clean, and ready for modern living.