Toronto Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost (2025): The $2–$6/sq. ft. Price Guide

Why Toronto Homeowners Are Saying Goodbye to Popcorn Ceilings in 2025

Popcorn ceilings—also known as acoustic or stipple ceilings—were a popular, cost-effective finish in homes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) decades ago. However, in 2025, they are unequivocally a liability.

Their dated, textured surface is a magnet for dust and allergens, is notoriously difficult to repair, and can make any room feel visually cramped and out-of-date. Removing them is one of the most effective ways to instantly modernize your home, increase its value, and improve indoor air quality.

If you’re ready for a sleek, smooth ceiling finish, understanding the full scope of a professional removal is your first step.

Key Takeaways: Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Toronto (2025 Edition)

Factor	2025 Market Insight	Momo Painting & Renovation Difference
Typical Cost Range	$2 to $6 per square foot (depending on complexity and finishing).	Transparent Pricing: Our range is $2 to $6/sq. ft. all-in, clearly detailing inclusions.
Top Concern	Asbestos is a potential health risk in pre-1990s homes.	If your ceiling has tested positive for asbestos, we perform removal with specialized care and adherence to safety protocols.
Best Method	Dustless Removal is the industry standard for a clean process.	We utilize specialized Dustless Removal Systems for 95%+ dust-free results, ideal for allergy sufferers.
Timeline	3 to 5 days is standard for a whole-floor job.	Our efficient process aims for a 2–3 Day Completion for regular-sized projects, minimizing disruption.

Decoding the 2025 Cost Equation for Toronto & GTA

The cost of your project depends on four main variables. Here is a detailed breakdown of how each factor influences your final price.

1. Project Size & Ceiling Specifications

The size and accessibility of the job are the fundamental cost drivers.

• Square Footage: This is the base unit of cost. A larger area requires more labor hours and material for the

  finishing (skim coating and paint).

• Ceiling Height: Ceilings above 9 feet (standard) require specialized scaffolding or

  taller ladders, increasing labor time and safety requirements.

• Bulk Discount: Removing the popcorn ceiling in the entire house often results in a lower cost per square foot compared to removing it in just one or two rooms.

2. Texture Condition & Asbestos Risk (The Safety Factors)

This is a critical factor, especially for older GTA homes. Popcorn ceilings installed before the late 1980s may contain asbestos, a serious health hazard. If you have had your popcorn ceiling tested and it is confirmed to contain asbestos, Momo Painting & Renovation performs the removal with special care and strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of your home and family.

Other factors in this category include:

Condition	Impact on Removal Complexity	Essential Action
Painted Popcorn	Painted texture is much harder to scrape off than unpainted, requiring significantly more labor time.	Requires more time and material for multiple skim coats to achieve a perfectly smooth finish.
Underlying Damage	Water damage, large cracks, or poorly installed drywall will need extensive patching and skim coating after the texture is removed.	Professional assessment is key to anticipating these repair needs before the work begins.

3. Removal Method: Traditional vs. Dustless Technology

In 2025, the industry standard is moving towards cleaner, healthier methods.

• Traditional Scraping (Messy): Wetting the ceiling and scraping it manually creates a massive amount of wet debris and fine dust. This method is cheaper upfront but increases your post-job cleaning time and may expose your home to more airborne particles.

• Dustless Removal (Momo's Preference): We utilize specialized machines equipped with HEPA-filtered vacuums (such as the Festool Planex system) that capture over 95% of dust at the source.

  • Value Proposition: You benefit from a cleaner environment, minimal post-job dust migration, and improved air quality (a major benefit for families with allergies or respiratory sensitivities).

4. Finishing Services (The "Smooth" Cost)

Removing the popcorn texture is only half the job. The finishing is what truly transforms your ceiling.

• Patching & Skim Coat

  • This is the trade secret: 1–2 thin coats of compound to erase imperfections and guarantee a mirror-smooth canvas.

• Two Coats of Paint

  • The final step: Two fresh coats of ceiling paint to brighten the room.

• Cleanup & Disposal

  • We handle the mess: All popcorn texture and debris are properly disposed of. (Note: While we use dustless technology and clean thoroughly, we are not professional post-construction cleaners. We cannot guarantee 100% removal of all airborne dust particles, but we try our best!)

2025 Cost Range from Momo-Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Toronto

At Momo Painting & Renovation, we believe in providing a turnkey solution and complete price transparency. Our mission is to offer the most competitive popcorn ceiling removal cost in Toronto.

Our typical all-inclusive pricing for Popcorn Ceiling Removal, Skim Coating, and Painting ranges from:

$2 to $6 per square foot

This range is based on:

• Lower End ($2–$3/sq. ft.): Large, empty, one-level projects with unpainted texture and no underlying damage.

• Mid to Upper End ($4–$6/sq. ft.): Painted popcorn, high ceilings, multiple rooms, or projects requiring extensive minor patching and two coats of skim coat.

Why Choose a Professional Service like Momo?

1. Safety First (Asbestos): If your ceiling is found to contain asbestos, we handle the material disturbance correctly, with specialized care and safety protocols, protecting your home and family.

2. Guaranteed Finish: We don't just scrape; we deliver a smooth finish, the highest quality standard in the industry, which prevents "shadowing" under your lighting.

3. Efficiency and Convenience: Our dustless technology and experienced team minimize mess and complete most projects in just 2-3 days.

4. No Hidden Costs: Our quotes explicitly detail every service, including skim coating, painting, and disposal, so you know the final price upfront.

Important Disclaimer: The price ranges provided are estimates based on standard residential projects. Final pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on a thorough in-person assessment. Factors like condo building regulations, complex logistics, high ceilings, or extensive underlying drywall damage can lead to a higher final cost. For the most accurate and personalized quote for your unique ceiling, please contact Momo Painting & Renovation directly.

Ready to transform your outdated ceiling into a modern, smooth finish? Contact Momo Painting & Renovation today for a free consultation and a detailed, no-obligation quote tailored specifically to your Toronto or GTA home.