How long does it take to remove a popcorn ceiling?

When removing a popcorn ceiling, one of the primary considerations for a lot of people is the time it will take. Here, time is of the essence as it may determine the eventual cost incurred.

This is mostly the case when a technician is involved.

For someone getting the job done themselves, timing is still important because it helps estimate how long the project will last.

For a lot of DIY’ers, planning out their removal schedule hinges on estimating the duration of the job. Having stated the importance of timing, how long will popcorn ceiling removal take?

How Long Popcorn Ceiling Removal Takes Depends on Multiple Variables

The duration of a popcorn ceiling removal project cannot be given without mentioning the presence of several variables. Such variables include the size of the job, and whether it’s a DIY project or it’s handled by a contractor.

The type of ceiling material involved also plays a major part in determining the amount of time spent. To have an idea of what all of these translate to, we’ll proceed by taking a closer look at each.

Let’s Have a Number

While timing can be varied for popcorn ceiling removal jobs, it’s necessary to have an idea of how the long typical project will take. To put things into perspective, let’s consider the average job which covers an area of about 500 sq. ft.

Popcorn ceiling removal for such an area will last for about 20 hours!

This is for situations where a professional is involved. Such professionals may not only remove such a ceiling but also have it replaced. The extent of work depends on what your needs are.

The more elaborate the job is, the more time it will take. So, you’ll want to first discuss your particular preferences and needs with a contractor to have an idea of the project duration.

Popcorn ceiling removal may exceed 20 hours when working on a larger room.

Removal Time Doesn’t Include Preparation

The 20-hour timeframe given for popcorn ceiling removal jobs excludes preparation.

In other words, the only removal alone takes around 20 hours to complete. Speaking of preparation, a lot goes into prepping an area in readiness for popcorn ceiling removal.

Here, all furniture around the job location needs to be relocated or removed. This is necessary to help create ample space for work and also help avoid damage to such furniture.

Depending on the type and volume of furniture involved, preparation may take about 4 to 6 hours.

This is significant when added to the 20-hour duration required for the removal of popcorn ceiling in a 500 sq. ft. space. Remember, for every removal, there has to be a corresponding replacement.

Unless of course if you don’t wish to reuse such an area for placement of furniture.

Factors Affecting Popcorn Ceiling Removal Time

Before arriving at this point, we mentioned several variables as time-influencing factors for popcorn ceiling removal jobs. These include the size of the job and the method used. Ceiling material also matters.

With these key areas highlighted, let’s get further details by looking at each.

  • The Size of the Job

The estimation of timing for popcorn ceiling removal projects has a lot to do with the size of the job. Speaking of size, a larger square footage area will take longer to remove than a smaller area.

We gave an example of a 500 sq. ft. area taking as long as 20 hours to remove.

However, areas measuring around 800 sq ft. more are bound to exceed or double the time taken for project completion. In essence, what we’re trying to say is that the duration of your popcorn ceiling removal job will be influenced by its size.

To know exactly how long it will take for such a project to be completed, consider speaking with a professional. All the variables, including project size, are used to estimate project duration.

Here, all forms of guesswork are eliminated.

  • Method Used

When it comes to popcorn ceiling removal, two removal methods are largely available.

They include DIY removal and professional removal. So, is there any difference in the amount of time taken to complete the job? There absolutely are differences!

DIY popcorn ceiling removal mostly involves the property owner performing the procedure themselves. For DIY popcorn ceiling removal, expect a drawn-out removal process that could take a much longer time.

Basically, all we’re saying is that DIY jobs take longer to complete.

This is mostly due to the learning curve involved. An unskilled person will need to get the right tools and supplies for this kind of job.

Also, the labor involved is significant as it involves standing on a ladder, and debris removal among other things.

You’ll need to spread out the removal process over several days. So, a job that typically takes a professional about 20 hours may last for as much as 2 to 3 days for DIY removal.

To make it less stressful, most homeowners divide the job into manageable time periods.

  • Ceiling Material

Most popcorn ceilings are made of asbestos material.

Now, asbestos is known to be a toxic material. This was widely used in building construction before the 1970s. Ordinarily, undamaged or unexposed asbestos wouldn’t pose any harm.

However, when exposed, it needs to be removed.

Here, the popcorn ceiling removal techniques used are quite different. Extra caution is exercised as protective gear needs to be worn and removal has to be done in a certain way.

This is best handled by experts or professionals.

It takes longer to remove the popcorn ceiling when asbestos material is involved.

  • Extent of Removal

Another time-determining factor for popcorn ceiling removal jobs is the extent of removal.

Having popcorn ceilings removed and resurfaced is one thing, repainting and retexturing is another. So the question is; to what extent does removal your ceiling removal job go?

As always, it depends on your preferences.

All of the details supplied above answer critical questions on timing. We’ve seen the factors affecting popcorn ceiling removal as well as the average time taken to complete a removal job.

Whatever the case is, you should speak with a technician first.

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