Why is everyone removing popcorn ceilings?

Today, though, a popcorn ceiling makes a house look dated. If the coating is popping loose, it's also a health hazard. And even if it's in good shape, it can complicate home repairs and make a house harder to sell, because potential buyers know popcorn ceilings often contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Why is everyone against popcorn ceilings?

Popcorn ceiling aren't for everyone. Haters tend to mention the highly porous, lumpy surfaces, which, aside from looks, catch dust and materials that can easily discolor over time.

Is it worth removing popcorn ceiling?

In short, removing a popcorn ceiling can increase your home value. However, particular circumstances can affect its impact. Removing popcorn ceilings from a smaller home may not be a good use of renovation money. As long as it's in good condition, a fresh coat of paint may be the better option due to cost.

Does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home. For a home of about 1,400 square feet costing about $200,000, he estimates an added value of about $2,500—essentially, close to what a homeowner might put into the project.

What is the problem with popcorn ceilings?

However, popcorn ceilings are constructed from highly friable (crumbly) materials, and even the slightest disturbance can release toxic asbestos dust into the air. If inhaled, asbestos dust can lead to serious health issues, such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even lung cancer.

How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings | DIY HOME REMODEL

Why was popcorn ceiling a trend?

Many homes built in the late 1930s through the 1990s have popcorn ceilings or some type of texture applied overhead. It was used to cover up a lot of flaws in the ceiling. It was time-effective and cost-efficient. Often called an acoustic ceiling, it also served the purpose to absorb sound and reduce noise.

Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?

If you have popcorn ceiling and want to get rid of it, covering is often the best option. If you cover popcorn ceiling, the job is typically cheaper and faster than removing and replacing popcorn ceiling.

How do you modernize a popcorn ceiling?

If it's time to redo a popcorn ceiling, there are three popular ways to take on the challenge: scrape, cover with a new layer of drywall, or skim coat with plaster to create a new textured ceiling.

What do you do with ceiling after removing popcorn?

You must properly sand the ceiling once the popcorn is removed, dings and bad seams topped off well. A wise step would be to prime the ceiling after sanding and topping off before you start rolling texture.

Is there a point to popcorn ceiling?

Acoustics Matter

The reason why popcorn ceilings are also called acoustic ceilings is because they are better at absorbing sound. This is in part because of the increased surface area due to all the raised bumps, which is said to help muffle noise.

Are smooth ceilings worth it?

Did you know that smooth ceilings increase the value of your home? Ceiling stipple makes your home look dated. Smooth ceilings add visual height and spaciousness to rooms and hallways. In contrast, stippled or textured ceilings draw your focus to the texture, making the room seem smaller.

Can you cover a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?

Removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy, time-consuming job. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not necessary because you can easily cover up that unsightly texture with ceiling panels or planks. Most options easily install directly over your existing popcorn ceiling using the Easy Up track and clip installation system.

How expensive is it to remove popcorn ceilings?

According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right.

When did popcorn ceilings go out of style?

Popcorn ceilings are typically one of the first things new homeowners tackle when renovating a house. Also known as acoustic ceiling, this treatment was born out of laziness and became especially popular from the 1930s to the 1990s.

When did builders stop using popcorn ceilings?

As a result, the popcorn finish was popular widely used in homes from the 1930s through to the 1990s.

What ceiling texture is popular now?

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

Skim coating is likely the cheapest option for covering popcorn ceilings. A skim coat acts like a primer to give the ceiling a fresh, smooth surface for a new coat of paint. This is an easy, inexpensive DIY solution that doesn't require a professional or any scraping.

Do painters remove popcorn ceilings?

Consider Professional Painters

Professional painters near you are also well-versed in removing popcorn ceilings. They'll follow most of the same steps as drywall pros.

What is the best color to paint a popcorn ceiling?

White is often a safe color to use on a popcorn ceiling. This can also be done with variations of white. When you use white on the ceiling, it helps to ensure that the room feels taller, larger, and brighter. It also helps to draw attention away from the popcorn ceiling.

Can you just cover popcorn ceiling with drywall?

The perfect solution for an ugly ceiling

First, remember that removing a popcorn ceiling is a really dirty job. Second, patching a hole is just, well, patching a hole. You should consider simply covering the whole ugly mess with a new layer of drywall instead. It's probably the easiest way to get the best results.

Do popcorn ceilings cause more dust?

The bumpy texture of popcorn ceilings acts as a dust magnet. When dust accumulates in the ridges, it accentuates the shadows and can make it look gray and dingy. This collection of dust that may span the whole home can exacerbate allergies, so frequent cleaning can help relieve symptoms.

Is removing popcorn ceiling messy?

However, its rough texture attracts dust and cobwebs and makes patching cracks and holes a headache. Removing popcorn texture from a ceiling is a messy chore but worth the effort if the substrate underneath is in sound shape.

How do I make my popcorn ceiling less noticeable?

What is the new trend for ceilings?

It's on trend in 2023 to give architectural elements a little twist: use triangles for a coffered ceiling instead of squares, paint the top of the tray ceiling a different color or cover it with a different material, do some creative lighting.

What is a California ceiling?

California. This drywall-esque finishing style is characterized by its simple, flat finish (from an architectural perspective). Though the finish of the ceiling can vary in terms of texture, 'California' specifies the standard, flat, wall-like look of the ceiling.