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Walk into any home built before the 1990s, and chances are you’ll look up to find it — the infamous popcorn ceiling. Once popular for its texture and sound-absorbing qualities, today, it’s mostly seen as outdated, messy, and sometimes even hazardous.
If you’ve been thinking about popcorn ceiling removal in Kansas City, you’re not alone. More and more homeowners are choosing to modernize their homes by removing these textured ceilings and creating smooth, clean surfaces.
Here’s everything you need to know about popcorn ceiling removal, including when to DIY, when to hire a pro, and why it’s a project worth doing right.
Back in the 1950s to 1980s, popcorn ceilings (also called acoustic ceilings) were all the rage. Builders loved them because they were:
Quick to install
Great at hiding imperfections
Good for noise reduction
They also added a certain “fluffy” look that was trendy at the time. But fast forward to today — most people now view popcorn ceilings as a relic of the past.
You might be wondering: is it really worth the hassle? In short — yes, and here’s why:
1. Aesthetic Appeal
Modern ceilings are sleek and smooth. Removing popcorn instantly updates your home’s look and makes spaces feel bigger and brighter.
2. Home Value
Homes with smooth ceilings tend to sell faster and for more money. Potential buyers often see popcorn ceilings as a negative.
3. Health and Safety
Many older popcorn ceilings were made with asbestos — a material now known to be hazardous to your health.
4. Easier Cleaning and Maintenance
Popcorn textures trap dust, cobwebs, and allergens. Smooth ceilings are much easier to clean and maintain.
One critical reason to be cautious about popcorn ceiling removal is the potential for asbestos.
If your home was built before 1985, there’s a chance the popcorn texture contains asbestos fibers. Disturbing these fibers during removal without proper precautions can release harmful particles into the air.
Important:
Always test for asbestos before starting any removal.
Never attempt asbestos popcorn ceiling removal on your own.
Hire certified professionals who know how to handle and dispose of asbestos safely.
Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors in Kansas City will conduct a test and recommend the safest way forward.
Acoustic ceiling removal (another term for removing popcorn ceilings) isn’t just about scraping off texture — it’s a full process. Here’s how it typically works:
Testing: Checking for asbestos first.
Preparation: Covering floors, walls, vents, and anything that could be exposed to dust.
Wet Removal: Wetting the texture to prevent dust clouds during removal.
Scraping: Gently removing the popcorn material.
Surface Repair: Smoothing any imperfections left behind.
Priming and Painting: Giving your new ceiling a clean, polished finish.
Without the right equipment and expertise, DIY removal can turn into a dusty, uneven mess — not to mention a serious health risk if asbestos is present.
For homes built after asbestos was phased out, small popcorn ceiling removal jobs might be safe to DIY.
✅ DIY is possible if:
You’re certain there’s no asbestos
It’s a small, low-traffic area (like a closet or hallway)
You have time and patience for a messy project
🚫 You should hire professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors if:
You’re unsure about asbestos
The area is large or hard to reach (like tall ceilings)
You want a smooth, flawless finish
Professional textured ceiling removal ensures better results, faster turnaround, and — most importantly — safety.
Searching for “popcorn ceiling removal near me” will turn up a lot of options. Here’s how to pick the right team:
Experience: Look for contractors with proven experience in both textured and acoustic ceiling removal.
Asbestos Certification: Make sure they are certified to test for and handle asbestos if needed.
Portfolio: Ask to see before-and-after photos of their work.
Clear Pricing: Get a detailed estimate that explains all costs upfront.
Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials for insight into customer satisfaction.
A good contractor will guide you through every step, from testing to the final coat of paint.
Costs can vary based on several factors:
Size of the area
Presence of asbestos
Ceiling height
Desired finish (smooth, knockdown texture, etc.)
On average, expect to pay between $1–$4 per square foot for basic textured ceiling removal.
If asbestos remediation is needed, the cost will be higher but is absolutely necessary for safety.
Updating your home doesn’t always require a full remodel. Sometimes, something as simple as popcorn ceiling removal can completely change the feel of a room — making it lighter, cleaner, and far more modern.
If you’re considering popcorn ceiling removal in Kansas City, it’s worth consulting with experienced contractors who know how to do it right. Whether it’s basic acoustic ceiling removal or a more complex asbestos popcorn ceiling removal project, a professional touch will give you peace of mind — and ceilings you’ll actually want to look at!
At Absolute Painting & Remodeling, we specialize in safe, professional popcorn ceiling removal across Kansas City and surrounding areas.
✨ Whether you need basic textured ceiling removal or full asbestos ceiling remediation, our team is here to help — from inspection to smooth, stunning results.
👉 Contact us today for a free consultation!
📞 Call now: 913-515-1542
Serving Kansas City, Shawnee, Merriam, Overland Park, and beyond!
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