Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Edmonton, AB

Innovation Drywall of Edmonton provides professional popcorn ceiling removal in Edmonton, including the stipple ceilings found in many older homes.


Think of it like a fresh sheet of ice between periods: we scrape away the rough, dated texture and leave a smooth, clean surface overhead. With 19 years of drywall experience, we handle the whole job: asbestos testing, room protection, scraping, skim coating, priming and painting.

Popcorn Ceiling Asbestos Testing in Edmonton

Asbestos was common in popcorn ceiling texture until the 1980s. Before any removal, we confirm whether it's present, because the result determines the safety measures and Alberta regulations that apply to your job.

Does Your Popcorn Ceiling Contain Asbestos?

If your home was built before 1990, there's a reasonable chance your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Along with age, we consider:

  • Construction date of the room. Additions and renovations may use different materials.
  • Condition. Intact texture poses less risk than crumbling or water-damaged texture.
  • Renovation history. This includes whether the ceiling has been painted over or altered.

Asbestos fibres are microscopic. You can't identify them by the ceiling's texture, colour or thickness. Only lab testing can confirm them.

Innovation Drywall of Edmonton (HP)

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Edmonton neighbourhoods where popcorn ceilings are common


Much of Edmonton was built during the peak years of popcorn texture, from the 1960s through the 1980s. If your home is in one of these neighbourhoods and the ceilings are original, test before you remove:

  • Mill Woods (built 1970s–80s): Meyokumin, Sakaw, Greenview, Hillview, Crawford Plains
  • Castle Downs (built 1970s–early 80s): Baturyn, Carlisle, Caernarvon, Dunluce, Lorelei
  • Southwest (built 1960s–70s): Aspen Gardens, Brander Gardens, Empire Park
  • North and central (many homes from the 1960s–70s): Kernohan, Rosslyn, Lauderdale, Forest Heights, Pleasantview

How We Test Popcorn Ceilings for Asbestos

We take a small sample using protocols that minimize dust. The sample goes to an accredited lab for polarized light microscopy, the standard method for identifying asbestos. Results confirm whether asbestos is present and at what concentration, usually within a few business days.


We don't start removal until we have confirmed results.

Safe Asbestos Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Abatement

Popcorn texture is highly friable, meaning its fibres easily become airborne once disturbed. Asbestos-containing ceilings must be removed under Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code, following the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual, never with standard drywall methods.


The process includes:

  • Sealing the work area with plastic sheeting to stop fibres from spreading
  • Wetting the material to keep it from becoming airborne
  • Using proper respiratory protection throughout
  • Double-bagging all waste and delivering it to an approved hazardous waste facility, never regular construction bins

Our Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal Process

Every step is designed to protect your home and deliver a smooth, lasting finish.

Inspection & Free Quote

We inspect your ceiling for free. We assess the texture type, thickness, condition and any water staining or cracking, and we flag any pre-1990 texture for asbestos testing. You then get a written quote covering labour, materials and timeline. Because we identify complications upfront, there are no surprise costs once work begins.

Room Preparation & Dust Protection

Popcorn removal is messy work, but we keep the crease clear. We cover floors, furniture and fixtures with heavy-duty plastic and drop cloths, and seal doorways and vents so dust stays out of the rest of your home. Light fixtures and ceiling fans are removed or covered. Prep usually takes a few hours and makes cleanup faster.

Popcorn Ceiling Scraping & Texture Removal

We mist the ceiling to soften the texture and reduce airborne dust. Then we scrape it off in sections, taking care not to gouge the drywall, especially at edges and corners. Any leftover residue is cleaned off. Scraping is the most time-intensive stage and often takes a full day for an average room.

Skim Coating & Ceiling Smoothing

We apply a thin coat of joint compound across the entire ceiling to fill gouges and hide imperfections. Once it's dry, we sand it flat. We repeat the process until no texture lines or seams remain.

Priming, Painting & Cleanup

A coat of primer seals the surface so the paint goes on evenly. We then apply one or two coats of your chosen ceiling paint and touch up as needed. Finally, we remove all coverings and vacuum and wipe down surfaces, leaving the room clean and ready to use.

Why Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling?

  • Modern look. Smooth ceilings instantly update a room.
  • Cleaner air. Popcorn texture traps dust and allergens and is hard to clean.
  • Easier upkeep. Smooth ceilings are simple to clean and repaint, with no texture to chip or flake.
  • Asbestos peace of mind. Testing and proper removal eliminate the uncertainty.
  • Higher home value. Buyers prefer smooth ceilings.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs

Pricing depends on your ceiling's size, condition and a few key variables.

What Affects the Cost of Removing a Popcorn Ceiling?

  • Asbestos. This is the biggest cost factor, because it requires abatement procedures.
  • Ceiling height. Vaulted or high ceilings need extra equipment and labour.
  • Access. Stairwells, furnished rooms and multi-storey homes add time.
  • Ceiling condition. Cracks or water damage can add prep time before removal.
  • Finish. Options include smooth, knockdown or another texture.
  • Disposal. This is included in every quote.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Per Square Foot

Standard removal, without asbestos, typically costs $1.30 to $3.90 per square foot:


  • Single room: $328 to $949
  • 1,500 sq. ft. of ceiling: $1,520 to $4,590


If asbestos is confirmed, costs rise significantly due to containment and disposal requirements. For older homes, we always recommend testing first.

Why Edmonton Homeowners Choose Innovation Drywall of Edmonton

From 1970s splits in Mill Woods to original bungalows in Castle Downs and Aspen Gardens, we've spent 19 years removing Edmonton's popcorn ceilings without damaging the drywall underneath.


  • Experience. Nearly two decades of drywall work in Edmonton.
  • Clean job sites. Full dust containment and protection for your belongings.
  • Seamless finishes. Ceilings that match the rest of your home.
  • On schedule. The right tools and a proven process.
  • Honest communication. Clear answers before, during and after the job.

Get a Free Popcorn Ceiling Removal Quote in Edmonton

Call 587-415-7651 for a free, no-obligation quote, and ask us about our warranty. To speed things up, have these details ready:


  • Room or area size
  • Ceiling condition (cracks, water stains, texture type)
  • Preferred timeline
  • Access considerations (stairs, furniture)


Every quote is tailored to your ceiling's height, texture thickness and condition, so the price we give you is the price you pay.

Popcorn Ceiling FAQs

  • Why do so many houses have popcorn ceilings? 

    Popcorn ceiling was a major trend for six decades, so many houses built in the 60 years between the late 1930s and 1990s have it as part of the interior design. The simple reason why so many houses have it is because it was one of the cheapest and most time-effective ways to cover a ceiling. 


    Most builders and building contractors wanted to install a ceiling coating that cost-effective, was quick to complete, and forgiving of dents, marks, and imperfections. The popcorn ceiling style was practical and functional and came with many benefits- including dampening sound. These are all reasons why so many houses have popcorn ceilings. 


    Here is a quick summary of all the benefits of popcorn ceilings that contributed to its popularity for the best part of the 20th century. 

    • The material was cheap to make- much cheaper than most of the alternative ceiling paneling at the time. 
    • It was much faster to install and finish- as the rough texture didn’t require as much attention to detail. 
    • Textured ceilings were considered highly fashionable for many years. 
    • Imperfections were easy to hide with popcorn ceiling finishes. The bumps and grooves disguised all kinds of sins- from dents and lumps to marks and scrapes. 
    • Popcorn ceilings added a little extra insulation for keeping warmth in and noise out. 

  • What years were popcorn ceilings popular?

    The first time popcorn ceilings started appearing was in the late 1930s, but it really took off in 1945. Throughout the 50s and 60s, it was extremely famous- and used in a significant percentage of newly built homes. It seemed like an unstoppable trend, but it started going out of style in the US towards the end of the 1970s.  


    Popcorn ceilings remained popular in Canada until the 90s but fizzled out as asbestos awareness grew. Canadian homes built between 1979 and 1995 are more likely to have popcorn ceilings than those in the US. 


    At the turn of the century, the use of popcorn ceilings all but vanished in new builds and renovations across all of North America. Fashion trends favored a cleaner, smoother look over the retro texture- and new ways to sound-proof rooms and add design interest took over. 

  • Why do people not want popcorn ceilings?

    There is one clear reason why people do not want popcorn ceilings in their properties; asbestos. Asbestos is directly linked to a rare form of cancer- something people developed due to asbestos exposure. 


    Although the Clean Air Act put an end to the use of asbestos in buildings in the US, and the Canadian government officially banned the use of asbestos in the building trade in 2011, millions of homes had already been constructed using the toxic material. The biggest reason people choose to have their popcorn ceilings removed is to eliminate any potential health risks.  


    Other reasons people prefer not to have popcorn ceilings include aesthetic reasons- they simply don’t like the retro look. It can also cause harsh lighting and unpleasant shadowing because of the texture. Lights reflect off the bumps and can look a bit hard. Many people have their popcorn ceilings removed (asbestos or not) to soften the lighting in the room. 


    Here is a brief overview of the disadvantages of popcorn ceilings that make property owners nowadays choose to cover or remove them. 


    • Depending on when the popcorn ceiling was installed, it could contain the extremely harmful material asbestos. People associate the famous textured ceilings with health hazards and are weary of keeping them in their homes. 
    • Popcorn ceilings can disintegrate over time- especially ones built back in the 50s and 60s. It may be a necessity to get rid of it purely for the fact it is deteriorating and hard to repair. 
    • Many consider the look outdated - although some people still like the look. 
    • Popcorn ceilings can cast harsh shadows and make rooms feel too brightly lit. Rather than adjust their lighting, many people choose to change the ceiling finish. 

  • Does popcorn ceiling always have asbestos?

    No- not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos. The use of asbestos stopped (mostly) in Canada in the mid-90s. After the passing of the Clean Air Act in the US in the 70s, the popularity of asbestos-based popcorn ceilings in Canada and the rest of the world was hit hard, but it was still used for a while afterwards. 


    The ban did not apply to materials that were already stocked- for example, the inventory of ACM (aluminium composite material) panels. These found their way into homes well into the 1990s. 


    Canada legally banned the use of asbestos in 2011, so properties built later than that should not have any asbestos present.  


    If your property was built earlier- especially during the 50s and 60s- and has a popcorn ceiling, there is a good chance there is asbestos in it. It is always worth arranging an inspection if your property has a popcorn ceiling and was constructed during this time- just to be on the safe side. 

  • Do painters remove popcorn ceilings?

    Yes- some painters can remove popcorn ceilings. Professional drywallers and painters are both in a position to safely remove popcorn ceilings- as long as they have undergone the relevant training.  


    Popcorn ceiling removal is a specialist skill that requires specific equipment, safety procedures, and expertise. It is best to hire a contractor that has the relevant qualifications and years of experience providing the service. 


    The team at Innovation Drywall of Edmonton is fully equipped and trained to remove popcorn ceilings safely & efficiently.   

  • Can you cover a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?

    Removal is not the only way to deal with unwanted popcorn ceilings- covering it up is also an option. Many people opt to cover popcorn ceilings rather than remove them because it is faster, less messy, and usually cheaper. 


    Another benefit to covering popcorn ceilings is reducing the risk of asbestos disruption. Although trained professionals can safely remove it without causing any problems, covering it instead saves any potential for issues. 


    How does that work? The basic method is to create a dropped layer of paneling (it can be wood, drywall, or pre-made ceiling planks) to cover the offending area. A professional team can come to your property, measure your ceilings, advise on the best method and materials for the job, and install it accordingly.  

  • Is Popcorn Ceiling Removal Messy?

    If you are planning to have your popcorn ceiling removed, you may be wondering what you’re getting yourself into. We won’t beat around the bush – removing popcorn ceiling texture is messy! 


    Unfortunately, because removing the texture requires having to scrape it off the ceiling, it tends to produce dust and debris, and it’s not uncommon to see dust settle around the room. If you don’t know what you’re doing, this could pose a significant threat to your health and safety. 


    To make matters worse, some popcorn ceilings contain harmful asbestos that can become airborne during the removal process, which can lead to a number of health problems when inhaled. 


    This is why we recommend doing the following to ensure your safety and that of those around you during the process: 


    • Clear the area of any furniture and other items that may be damaged by falling debris. 
    • Cover up anything that cannot be moved to prevent the dust and debris from settling on it. To do this, you can use plastic sheeting or barriers.
    • When removing popcorn ceiling texture, ensure that everyone that’s doing the job wears protective eyewear and gloves. 
    • Coveralls and dust masks are also a must when taking down a popcorn ceiling.
    • Ensure that the ceiling is wet before scraping off the texture, as this will minimize the amount of dust produced.
    • Contact a reliable service provider instead of doing the job on your own.

  • Is Popcorn Ceiling Removal Dangerous?

    You may not have realized this, but taking down a popcorn ceiling can pose many risks. Depending on the age of the ceiling and the materials used in its construction, removing a popcorn ceiling may be hazardous. 


    Before the late 1970s, asbestos was commonly used in popcorn ceiling construction. Asbestos is a dangerous chemical that is known to cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, among others.


    It is essential to obtain expert assistance if you need to remove a popcorn ceiling, especially if you suspect that your ceiling was constructed in the 1970s and could contain asbestos. Certified asbestos removal experts have the knowledge and tools required to handle asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings safely and reduce the possibility of asbestos fibers entering the air.


    Even if asbestos is not a problem, removing popcorn ceilings can still be dangerous due to the potential for falls from ladder falls, scraping tool injuries, and exposure to dust. It's critical to observe safety protocols, put on the proper safety gear, and ensure that you're following the correct techniques to avoid injuries and health issues. 

  • Can I Remove Popcorn Ceiling Myself?

    No, you should not remove popcorn ceiling by yourself as this is extremely dangerous. Popcorn ceiling is known for its ability to release asbestos, which is harmful to humans and can cause serious diseases, such as mesothelioma. 


    Therefore, you should always hire a professional to ensure your safety as well as an efficient and smooth removal process. To start the removal process, a professional technician will first test your ceiling for asbestos. This way, they'll know what precautions to take, and you can avoid exposure to toxins. 


    Once a professional starts the removal process, they’ll also remove the texture without damaging your ceiling. It’s not as easy as scraping the ceiling, which is why it’s vital to get someone with experience and the necessary tools to do the job. 


    Hiring a professional will also save you a lot of time and energy. Technicians are equipped for these jobs, which is why they can get the hard labor and difficult tasks done promptly.

  • Are Popcorn Ceilings Dangerous?

    In a sense, popcorn ceilings could be dangerous. According to research, popcorn ceilings were revealed to have asbestos, which is a rather harmful compound for your health. Asbestos was banned in homes years ago, but if you have an older property and haven’t taken care of the ceiling for years, you could have asbestos there and other harmful agents. 




    Removing asbestos from your popcorn ceiling isn’t easy at all. If you don’t hire a professional to do this job, asbestos can easily break down into thin fibers which you can then breathe in. Long-term asbestos exposure could put you at risk of developing cancer. 


     


    Take care of your popcorn ceiling asbestos promptly, and assess the asbestos popcorn ceiling removal cost from our reputable contractors.

  • Is It Worth It to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

    Absolutely! As mentioned before, the popcorn ceiling has become increasingly harder to maintain over the years. This is because the texture itself is dense and abrasive, making it easier for dust and other dirt particles to accumulate. Cleaning popcorn textures can be exhausting for anyone, so it’s better to request a popcorn ceiling removal service before the problems get worse. 




    Those who want to keep their texture may request a popcorn ceiling repair service, but it’s much better to assess your options with a professional first. 




    Finally, if you are experiencing any problems, such as a popcorn ceiling water damage scenario, make sure to schedule a ceiling repair service as soon as possible. 

  • Will Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?

    Considering how overwhelming maintaining popcorn textures is, removing a popcorn ceiling and refinishing could definitely add some value to your home. Many potential homeowners are looking for properties with smooth walls and ceilings so that they can decide if they want to apply a texture later. 




    However, some people may decide not to purchase a property if they notice it has a popcorn texture due to problems with asbestos and because it’s not in style anymore.