Cost to Texture a Ceiling: Professional Insights 2025

Understanding the Cost to Texture a Ceiling

For construction professionals, understanding the cost to texture a ceiling is crucial for accurate project planning. In 2025, the cost typically ranges from $1.35 to $2.90 per square foot, including surface preparation, texture application, and cleanup. For a 1,000 sq ft home with 700 sq ft of ceiling, expect costs between $945 and $2,030.

Average Price Range in 2025

Based on extensive data analysis, the cost to texture a ceiling in 2025 remains between $1.35 and $2.90 per square foot. This range accounts for various factors such as surface prep, texture application, and cleanup.

Key Factors Driving Cost

Ceiling height and accessibility: Higher ceilings require more labor.
Existing finish: Removing old textures adds to costs.
Texture style: Simple styles like orange-peel are less expensive.
Material selection: Costs vary between joint compounds and plaster mixes.
Job size: Larger areas reduce per-square-foot costs.
Geographic labor rates: Urban areas may have higher labor costs.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

1. Material Costs

Joint compound or texture mix: $0.18-$0.35 per sq ft
Masking tape, plastic, and drop cloths: $0.05-$0.08 per sq ft
Sandpaper, mixing paddles, sundries: $0.02-$0.04 per sq ft

2. Labor Costs

Prep and masking: $0.35-$0.60 per sq ft
Texture application: $0.55-$1.10 per sq ft
Cleanup and demobilization: $0.10-$0.20 per sq ft

3. Equipment and Overhead

Hopper gun or texture sprayer rental: $45-$85 per day
Compressor and hoses: $25-$40 per day
Contractor overhead and profit: 10-18% of direct costs

How CountBricks AI Delivers Pinpoint Estimates

CountBricks AI provides precise estimates by integrating voice-to-estimate technology, live materials database, and blueprint takeoffs. This ensures accurate cost predictions and prevents overruns.

Step-by-Step CountBricks Process

Start a voice session on CountBricks.com/estimate
Describe room sizes, ceiling heights, and desired texture finish
AI converts speech into a line-item estimate with live material prices
Review scope, adjust quantities, and approve
Generate branded PDF quotes and invoices in a single click

DIY vs. Professional: Which Is Right for You?

While DIY can be cost-effective for small projects, professional crews ensure quality for larger or more complex jobs. Consider DIY only for areas under 150 sq ft with simple textures.

Saving Money Without Cutting Corners

Combine texture work with other tasks to reduce fees.
Schedule during off-peak months for discounts.
Opt for a single texture across multiple rooms.
Request zero-VOC compounds to avoid extra costs.

Real-World Example: Highlands Bungalow Retrofit

A Louisville client replaced popcorn texture with knockdown in a 1940s bungalow. Using CountBricks, the project was completed 6% under budget at $1,560.

Ready to Pin Down Your Ceiling Texture Cost?

For precise estimates and transparent pricing, start your free voice-guided estimate today at CountBricks.com.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

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CountBricks: Cost to Texture a Ceiling in Residential Builds

Beyond Numbers: The CountBricks Quality Advantage

CountBricks ensures quality by enforcing best-practice workflows, ensuring every ceiling cures properly and resists future cracks.

CountBricks Quality Safeguards

Moisture checks: Alerts crews to extend dry times on humid days.
Compound-to-water ratios: Ensures consistent mixing.
Pass tracking: Logs each spray or trowel pass for quality assurance.

Case Study: Old Louisville Victorian

A 12-foot ornate ceiling required a custom swirl texture. CountBricks provided an itemized estimate, resulting in a final cost of $4,480 with zero change orders.