Do you find yourself gazing up at your ceiling, shaking your head over the unattractive splatter of stucco stuck to your fifth wall? Have you been dreaming about removing your popcorn ceiling? You’re not the only one. Many homeowners wonder what the point of their popcorn ceiling is, and more importantly, what to do about it. If you’re tired of looking up at popcorn, it’s time for a change. Here are four alternatives to popcorn ceilings you won’t mind staring up at.
1. Start Fresh
If you’ve dreamed about covering up your popcorn ceiling with a brand new one, this option is for you. One of the simplest alternatives to popcorn ceiling is replacing the drywall on your ceiling. You can either remove the popcorn ceiling first or simply add the drywall on top of your existing ceiling. While your ceiling will be a little bit lower than it was before, it will be hardly noticeable. Adding new drywall also helps to encase any possible asbestos that could be in your ceiling. This project will cost you roughly $6 per square foot, but the size and scope of your project will impact the final cost. Be sure to connect with a drywall specialist to discuss your options.
2. Beautiful Beadboard
Next on our list of alternatives to your popcorn ceiling is to cover it with beadboard. This option gives you more visual interest in an unexpected place. You can keep the wood natural for a rustic look, or paint them white to better blend in. You can also opt to have your boards painted a colour if you want to go with something really unexpected and full of personality. In addition to the variety of style options, beadboard is very inexpensive, costing roughly $1 per board. You can create something truly unique or keep it classic with this option. The best part is it will cover your unsightly popcorn with something beautiful.
3. Pressed Tin Tiles
If you’re after an eye-catching look and aren’t opposed to investing in your ceilings, consider pressed tin tiles. Whether you go for the real thing or a dupe, adding tin tiles to your ceiling will create an eye-catching focal point. These richly detailed tiles will add a vintage charm to your ceiling and really make it stand out. You can find these tiles in a variety of colours and finishes or you can have them painted to match your current wall colour. Consider the cost of the tiles when making your design decision as this will have the biggest impact on your budget.
Once you’ve decided on a style you can hire a pro to install them for you to cover your popcorn ceiling for good.
4. Ceiling Scraping
If none of the above options work for you, you can always have your stucco ceiling removed. If you go with this option, be sure to hire a pro to do it for you. Removing the stucco from your ceiling is a process known as ceiling scraping and it is very messy and labour-intensive. You want to invest in a pro to do this job for you so that you’re left with as smooth and beautiful a ceiling as possible. You can expect to pay about $2 per square foot for this project. While that might sound pricey, it’s worth it to ensure a professional is handling your stucco removal.
Below are the average costs of Drywall Contractor services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $3,528 | $350 | $25,000 |
| Calgary | $3,389 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $8,225 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Hamilton | $4,021 | $120 | $19,000 |
| Oshawa | $9,898 | $100 | $45,000 |
| Ottawa | $2,619 | $200 | $11,000 |
| Toronto | $5,802 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $3,455 | $200 | $25,000 |
*Costs based on 2093 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
If you have a popcorn ceiling and would rather not, there’s always an option to fix it. Whether you start from scratch or cover it with beadboard or tiles, anything is better than your current stucco situation. When you’re ready to get started, connect with a pro on HomeStars who can help make your ceilings beautiful again.
Article Updated June 14, 2022.
