Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Houston, TX (2026)

Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Houston, TX costs $421–$1,349 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $885. That’s about 5% below the national average (BLS cost index: 0.95). Licensed painters in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro charge $35–$65/hour. 1-2 days per room including skim-coat and paint.

Updated April 2026Based on public BLS & industry data

Estimated Cost

$421–$1,349

Mid-range estimate for 250 sq ft in Houston, TX. Labor: $35–$65/hr.

Plastic sheeting & tape: $10–$20/roll
Joint compound: $12–$25/bucket
Primer/sealer: $28–$50/gallon
Ceiling paint: $28–$50/gallon

Calculate Your Cost

Ceiling area (sq ft)

50–3,000 sq ft

Material Grade

Additional Factors

Asbestos testing(+$25–$75)

Painted-over popcorn(+$200–$600)

Factors That Affect Cost

1Ceiling square footage
2Whether it was painted over
3Asbestos presence
4Finishing level
5Room protection setup

Removal process

Ceiling is sprayed with water to soften texture, then scraped with wide blades. Imperfections are filled, skim-coated, sanded smooth, primed, and painted.

Asbestos concerns

Pre-1980 homes may have asbestos in popcorn texture. A $25-$75 lab test confirms. If positive, licensed abatement is required — never scrape it yourself.

How We Calculate These Numbers

Our cost estimates are built from publicly available data including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, HomeGuide, Thumbtack, and Fixr cost databases. Material prices reflect national averages from major retailers, cross-referenced across 3+ sources for accuracy.

For Houston, we apply a regional cost-of-living multiplier of 0.95 (5% below the national average) based on BLS regional data. Labor rates reflect the local Houston metro market as of 2026.

QuotrPro Pricing Research Team

AI-powered estimating platform used by contractors across the US. Data reviewed quarterly against BLS and industry benchmarks.

These are estimates for planning purposes. Actual costs vary by project scope, contractor, and market conditions. Always get 2–3 quotes from licensed professionals.