Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Toronto: 2026 Price Guide
- Renovated-Home
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Last updated: July 2026 | By the Renovated-Home team, East York, Toronto
Quick answer: Popcorn ceiling removal in Toronto costs $4.50 to $8.00 per square foot in 2026, depending on the total area. Most single rooms start at $1,600, a typical condo runs $2,500–$6,500, and a full house ranges from $4,500 to $8,500. The price includes protection, removal, skim coating, sanding, and priming — a paint-ready smooth ceiling.
Below is a complete breakdown of what drives the price, real project examples from our Toronto jobs, and how to estimate your own cost before you call anyone.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Prices in Toronto (2026)
Our pricing is based on the total ceiling area. Larger projects get a lower per-square-foot rate because setup and preparation time stays roughly the same whether we do one room or a whole floor.
Ceiling area | Rate per sq. ft. |
Under 400 sq. ft. | $8.00 |
400–500 sq. ft. | $6.00 |
500–1,200 sq. ft. | $5.00 |
1,200+ sq. ft. | $4.50 |
Minimum project price: $1,600.
What that means by property type
Property type | Typical ceiling area | Total cost |
Single room (bedroom/office) | Up to 150 sq. ft. | From $1,600 |
Condo / apartment | 400–800 sq. ft. | $2,500 – $6,500 |
House (bungalow) | 1,000–1,200 sq. ft. | $4,500 – $6,500 |
Large house | 1,500+ sq. ft. | $6,500 – $8,500 |
These figures are consistent with the broader Toronto market, where professional popcorn ceiling removal typically runs $3–$10 per square foot in 2026 depending on the contractor and scope. Our rates sit in the middle of that range while including the full finishing process — not just scraping.
What's Included in the Price
A number at the low end of the market often covers scraping only, which leaves you with a rough, gouged drywall surface. Our quote covers the complete process:
Site protection — floors, walls, and furniture covered and sealed
Texture removal — using Festool dust-extraction sanding systems, not dry scraping
Skim coating — Level 5 finish plastering for a perfectly flat surface
Sanding and priming — the ceiling is paint-ready when we leave
Full cleanup — we remove all protective coverings and debris
4 Factors That Change Your Price
1. Ceiling area
The single biggest factor. A 650 sq. ft. condo at $5.00/sq. ft. comes to $3,250. A 300 sq. ft. job at $8.00/sq. ft. comes to $2,400. Bundling more rooms into one project almost always lowers your per-square-foot cost.
2. Ceiling height
Standard 8–9 ft. ceilings are reachable from the ground. Vaulted ceilings or open-to-above entryways require scaffolding, which adds setup time and cost.
3. Furniture
An empty room is faster to protect and work in. If we need to move or wrap significant furniture, that adds labour. You can lower your quote by clearing smaller items before we arrive.
4. Painted popcorn texture
Popcorn that has been painted over is harder to remove — the paint seals the texture and it can't simply be dampened and scraped. Painted ceilings take more time and may cost more.
The Asbestos Question
If your home was built before 1990, your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos — it was a common additive in texture compounds from the 1930s through the 1980s. Before any removal work:
Get the texture tested. Lab testing in the GTA typically costs $150–$800.
If positive, certified asbestos abatement is legally required before standard removal can begin, and it adds significant cost — typically $8–$15 per square foot for the abatement itself.
If negative, standard removal proceeds at the normal rates above.
We can advise on testing during your free estimate. Never scrape a pre-1990 ceiling without testing it first.
Real Project Examples (Toronto)
Example 1 — Condo, 650 sq. ft.: 650 × $5.00 = $3,250. Standard height, minimal furniture, completed with full skim coat and priming.
Example 2 — Single bedroom, 130 sq. ft.: Below the minimum threshold, so the project price is $1,600. Most single rooms are completed in one day.
Example 3 — Two-storey house, 1,500 sq. ft. of ceiling: 1,500 × $4.50 = $6,750. Multi-day project with room-by-room scheduling so the family could stay in the home.
How to Estimate Your Own Cost
Measure the length × width of each room where you want the ceiling done (a 12' × 15' room = 180 sq. ft.).
Add the rooms together.
Apply the rate from the table above.
If the total lands under $1,600, use $1,600 as your baseline.
Or skip the math — use the free calculator on our homepage to get an instant estimate, or call us at 416-525-9343 for a free on-site quote. The number we give you on-site is the number on your invoice.
Is It Worth It?
Removing a popcorn ceiling is one of the most cost-effective updates before selling a home. Textured ceilings visibly date a property, collect dust, and make rooms feel smaller. A smooth ceiling reflects more light, reads as modern to buyers and appraisers, and — unlike many renovations — the result is visible in every single room.
FAQ
How much does it cost to remove a popcorn ceiling in one room in Toronto? Most single rooms start at $1,600, which covers protection, removal, skim coating, sanding, priming, and cleanup.
What is the cost per square foot? $4.50–$8.00 per square foot in 2026, depending on total area — larger projects get lower rates.
Does the price include painting? Our standard price gets the ceiling to a primed, paint-ready state. Ask about adding final ceiling paint when you book your estimate.
How long does the job take? Most single rooms are done in one day. Whole-house projects typically take several days depending on size and layout.
Renovated-Home provides popcorn ceiling removal, stucco removal, and smooth ceiling finishing across Toronto and the GTA — including East York, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Mississauga. HomeStars Best of Award winner. Call 416-525-9343 for a free estimate.
