Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Lakeland, FL
Scrape, skim, prime, and paint — popcorn ceilings removed and replaced with a smooth or knockdown finish across Lakeland and Polk County. Dust-controlled process, written estimates, licensed & insured.
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Popcorn ceilings are one of the most-asked-about renovations in Polk County — they date a home instantly, they trap dust, and they crack and yellow over time. Removing them is the single biggest visual upgrade you can make to a Lakeland home for under a few thousand dollars. Giffin Home Improvements handles the whole job: scraping the texture, skim-coating the bare drywall, patching any cracks or water stains hiding underneath, priming, and painting in your choice of a smooth Level 5 or modern knockdown finish.
Most single-room popcorn removal jobs in Lakeland run $500–$900. Whole-home projects typically land between $2,500 and $5,000 depending on square footage, ceiling height, and finish level. If your home was built before about 1980, we'll recommend a quick asbestos test (around $50) before we scrape — a standard safety step for older Florida homes. Every estimate is free and itemized. We also handle related ceiling repair, water damage repair, and texture matching in the same visit if the popcorn is hiding other issues.
Popcorn Ceiling Projects in Lakeland
See examples of popcorn removal and smooth-ceiling conversion work for Polk County homeowners
Popcorn Removed, Smooth Finish
Outdated popcorn ceiling scraped, skim-coated to a Level 5 smooth finish, and repainted in a Lakeland home.
Popcorn to Knockdown
Popcorn texture replaced with a modern knockdown ceiling finish for a contemporary look.
Whole-Home Smooth Conversion
Entire home converted from popcorn ceilings to smooth Level 5 finish across every room.
Popcorn Removal + Stain Repair
Removed popcorn texture and repaired existing water stains so the finished ceiling is clean and dry.
Popcorn Removal + Crack Repair
Ceiling cracks repaired during popcorn removal so the new smooth surface is structurally sound.
Popcorn Removal + Sagging Repair
Sagging sections addressed while the popcorn texture was removed to deliver a flat, finished ceiling.
Our Popcorn Removal Process
Straightforward, dust-controlled, and honest about what's under the texture.
Free Estimate
Walkthrough or photo review. We quote scope, timeline, and finish level in writing.
Asbestos Test (if needed)
For homes built before ~1980 we recommend a $50 lab test before scraping.
Protect + Scrape
Plastic sheeting wall-to-ceiling, floor protection, then scrape and inspect the bare drywall.
Skim, Prime, Paint
Two to three skim coats, sand, stain-block prime, paint in smooth Level 5 or knockdown.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal FAQs — Lakeland, FL
Cost, timelines, asbestos, and what to expect. Questions we get every week.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in Lakeland, FL?
A standard single room (roughly 12x14) in Lakeland typically runs $500–$900 for scrape, skim coat, prime, and a basic paint finish. A whole-home popcorn ceiling removal for a 1,800–2,400 sq ft Lakeland house usually runs $2,500–$5,000 depending on ceiling height, condition, and finish level (smooth Level 5 costs more than knockdown). If asbestos testing or remediation is required first, that's a separate scope. Every estimate is free and itemized.
Do I need to test for asbestos before popcorn ceiling removal?
If your home was built before about 1980, we strongly recommend a quick asbestos test (around $50 through a local lab) before scraping. Florida popcorn ceilings installed prior to that era sometimes contain asbestos. If the test is positive, we'll refer you to a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove the material safely before we return for the drywall finishing. Homes built in 1985 or later almost never test positive, but a test is still cheap peace of mind.
How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?
A single average-sized room (12x14) is usually 1–2 working days: day one for scrape + first skim coat, day two for final coats, prime, and paint. A whole Lakeland home with 5–7 rooms is typically 4–7 working days. Drying time between coats is the pacing factor — there's no shortcut without sacrificing smoothness.
Is popcorn ceiling removal messy?
It's a dusty job by nature, but we contain it. We sheet off the work area with plastic wall-to-ceiling, cover floors and any furniture you leave in the room, and HEPA-vacuum at the end of each day. You can usually stay in the house during the work — we isolate the rooms we're working in so the rest of your home stays livable.
Smooth finish or knockdown texture after removal — which is better?
Smooth Level 5 is the most modern look and sells best if you're planning to list the home — but every imperfection shows in side light, so it costs more to finish correctly. Knockdown is forgiving, hides small variations, and is the most common ceiling finish in newer Lakeland builds. Either works; we'll walk you through which makes sense for your ceiling condition and budget.
Will removal uncover water stains, cracks, or sagging?
Sometimes. Popcorn texture hides a lot. If we find existing damage under the texture, we'll show you, quote the extra repair, and roll it into the job. For most Lakeland homes we handle any discovered drywall repair, ceiling repair, or water damage restoration in the same visit so you get one finished ceiling at the end.
Do you serve Winter Haven, Bartow, and the rest of Polk County for popcorn removal?
Yes — we handle popcorn ceiling removal throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Auburndale, Lake Wales, Haines City, Polk City, Highland City, Lake Alfred, Eagle Lake, and Davenport.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Popcorn Ceilings?
Free estimates on single-room or whole-home popcorn removal anywhere in Polk County.
Call 813-693-7530