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The Daily Insight

Can I cover my popcorn ceiling

Author

Charlotte Adams

Published May 14, 2026

Popcorn ceilings should be covered with lighter materials such as paint, paneling, or planks. One option to consider is gypsum board paneling, a material that is very similar to drywall, but much lighter and easier for the ceiling to support.

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

For the dormer bedroom redesign, we decided that the easiest way to cover a popcorn ceiling would be with planks. And with the planks that we used, it was relatively cheap since they cost around $1 per square foot.

How much does it cost to cover up popcorn ceiling?

On average, popcorn ceiling removal comes with a price tag that ranges from $1 to $2 per square foot, with the average homeowner spending around $1,570. Having the finish textured and painted afterwards could certainly add to that amount.

Is it safe to cover popcorn ceiling?

The ceiling won’t impact your health as long as you keep it encapsulated and completely undisturbed. Although both removal and covering are safe options, removing is the safest. Even though a high percentage of asbestos is worse, popcorn ceilings pose a danger even if it has a tiny asbestos percentage.

How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?

Popcorn ceilings should be covered with lighter materials such as paint, paneling, or planks. One option to consider is gypsum board paneling, a material that is very similar to drywall, but much lighter and easier for the ceiling to support.

Can you wallpaper over popcorn ceilings?

Can You Wallpaper Over Popcorn Ceiling? To put up wallpaper, you need a smooth, clean surface. Popcorn ceilings are not ideal bases for wallpaper. Since popcorn ceilings are very textured, the wallpaper will not adhere well.

Can you put shiplap over popcorn ceilings?

Yes. You can use shiplap to conceal the popcorn ceiling. If your popcorn ceiling has imperfections and you don’t want to go through the expenses or mess of removing it, covering them with Shiplap planks will upgrade your room.

What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?

  1. Paint. It’s a great way to change the perception of your space. …
  2. Tin Tiles. Hide damage and uneven surfaces with tin ceiling tiles that introduce a vintage vibe. …
  3. Moldings and More. …
  4. Tiles or Planks.

Does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look. One important note: If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos.

Can you cover popcorn ceiling with beadboard?

Installing beadboard paneling over popcorn ceilings is a quick way to cover the popcorn. This is important because many homes have popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos. In many cases, it is best to leave the popcorn to avoid asbestos problems. Fortunately, covering it with beadboard allows you to do just that.

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What is so bad about popcorn ceilings?

Popcorn ceilings can be removed through scraping. … That is precisely why removing popcorn ceiling yourself can be so dangerous. Popcorn ceiling that is loosened can release asbestos into the air. These asbestos fibers can then be inhaled and lodge themselves in your lungs where they can cause diseases like mesothelioma.

Do all popcorn ceilings have asbestos?

Popcorn ceilings generally contain between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. While 1 percent may seem insignificant, it’s important to note that any percentage of asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is cause for concern and should be addressed.

Can you paint over popcorn ceilings?

Interior acrylic-latex paint is the best type of paint to use for popcorn ceilings. … If you need to protect your ceiling from moisture, though, use eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint sheens. Popcorn texture ceilings require more paint than flat ceilings.

How much does it cost to cover popcorn ceiling with drywall?

$2.15-$2.80 per square foot | Installing and finishing ceiling drywall over a popcorn ceiling. $1.40-$1.95 per square foot | Filling and/or retexturing a ceiling. If the ceiling is scraped first, the cost will rise to $2.00-$3.15 per square foot.

How do you install beadboard over a popcorn ceiling?

  1. Measure your ceiling and determine how much beadboard you need. …
  2. Determine where you would like trim lines to go to cover any gaps between boards.
  3. Cut your beadboard to size.
  4. Hold beadboard in place. …
  5. Repeat until all the ceiling is covered.
  6. Add trim. …
  7. Caulk all seams and nail holes. …
  8. Sand if needed.

Is there a tool to remove popcorn ceiling?

A scraper: Any 6- to 10-inch drywall knife will work as a scraper, but to make life easier, Lipford suggests a special popcorn scraper tool from Homax ($21.99, Homax), which has a loop to attach a garbage bag, so you can scrape right into the bag instead of onto the floor.

Should I remove the popcorn ceiling?

If you discover that your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, don’t panic—and don’t try to remove it yourself. Removing it will cause the particles to escape into the air, making it easy for you and your family to breathe in the carcinogens.

Can you put peel and stick wallpaper over popcorn ceiling?

A common question that we often get asked is, “can you wallpaper textured walls?” In general, Tempaper peel and stick wallpaper is not recommended for textured walls. We always recommend that you apply our removable wallpaper to a smooth, clean surface that is in good condition.

Can I wallpaper over textured ceiling?

You can add wallpaper directly over texture, but all of the texture will show through, making the finished wallpaper as bumpy and uneven as the wall beneath. This post will share how to smooth textured walls in preparation for wallpaper!

Can you wallpaper a ceiling on your own?

Wallpapering a ceiling by yourself is one of those projects many would shy away from, but friends…. it’s easier than you may think! Wallpapering was one of those home projects that was intimidating at first. I shared about wallpapering my dining room by myself last year and it was so much easier than I had anticipated.

Are textured ceilings out of style?

Although textured ceilings are currently used in many homes, some people might view its appearance as outdated or unappealing. If you’re looking to make your house look as contemporary as possible, this is something to keep in mind.

What can I put on my ceiling instead of drywall?

  1. Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well. …
  2. Veneer Plaster. …
  3. Lath & Plaster. …
  4. Plywood and Sheet Wood. …
  5. Texture Wall Panels. …
  6. Brick & Masonry. …
  7. Exposed Concrete Block. …
  8. Cement Board.

Can you put a ceiling over a ceiling?

Yes you can overboard using 9.5mm plasterboard, the reason I say 9.5mm is that if the ceiling has any undulations 9.5mm will follow these easier than 12.5mm board but this is up to you, also use 50mm driwall screws to fix the new board then scrim the joints and plaster, remember to stagger the joints it is important,, …

How much does it cost to cover popcorn ceiling with beadboard?

Pricewise, plan to spend approximately $1.50 per square foot (planks only) to cover a ceiling. Professional installation could add another $2 to $3.50 per square foot.

Can you put beadboard over a textured ceiling?

You can install beadboard planking directly on top of your textured ceilings.

Why do hotels use popcorn ceilings?

A popcorn ceiling, also known as a stipple ceiling or acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling with one of a variety of spray-on or paint-on treatments. The bumpy surface is created by tiny particles of vermiculite or polystyrene, which gives the ceiling sound-deadening properties.

Does popcorn ceiling hurt resale?

While this may not seem worth it mathematically, just having popcorn ceilings can decrease the value of the home by simply making it less appealing. By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look.

When did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings?

In 1977, the U.S. Government banned the use of asbestos in ceiling finishes, and most ceilings installed after this date will not contain asbestos. It is still possible, however, that materials manufactured before 1977 were installed in homes after the ban.