How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Ceiling in 2024?
Typical Range:
$150 - $450
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 20, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Painting the ceiling of a single 12-by-12-foot room costs about $250 on average.
It’s cheaper to paint an entire home on a per-square-foot basis than it is to paint a single-room ceiling.
While most ceiling types cost about $1 to $3 per square foot to paint, exposed basement ceilings can double this cost.
About one gallon of paint is needed for a single coat across 300 to 400 square feet.Â
Painting trim pieces like crown moldings adds $1 per linear foot to your project cost.
The cost to paint a ceiling of a typical 12-by-12-foot room runs from $150 to $450, with an average of around $250. The cost depends on your location and the quality of the paint. For two coats, increase your cost estimate by about 50%. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot. Painting an entire 2,500-square-foot house reduces your cost by about $0.50 per square foot compared to painting the ceiling of a single room.Â
Most of your budget goes to labor, with setup, prep, and cleanup taking longer than the actual painting itself. Most contractors figure costs per square foot but will provide you with a total project quote. They also tend to have a $200 to $300 minimum charge, regardless of the size of the project.
Average Cost to Paint a Ceiling of a 12-by-12-Foot Room
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $250 | $450 | $150 |
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Ceiling Painting Cost Factors
Several factors affect the total cost of painting a ceiling. The additional time and materials required for a specific ceiling may increase the price exponentially.Â
Project Size
The larger the ceiling painting project, the more it’s going to cost. The cost to paint a ceiling in only one or two rooms is lower than the cost to paint all the ceilings of a 3,000-square-foot home. Keep in mind that there’s usually a minimum cost to hire a painter, regardless of project size.Â
Ceiling Type
The type of ceiling you need to be painted affects the cost. While a professional can use a paint sprayer on a popcorn ceiling, the intricate nature of tongue-and-groove ceilings can increase costs. Preparing an exposed basement ceiling for painting can also double your expected costs.Â
Paint Type
Different brands, colors, finishes, and types of paint vary considerably in price. More budget-friendly options may cost $10 to $20 per gallon, while premium paint is as high as $100 per gallon. Shop around for the best price for your particular needs and preferences.
Labor
When asking for a quote, most contractors base their estimate on total square footage and provide you with a total project price. The labor rate for local ceiling painters can range from $20 to $80 per hour, depending on experience, market conditions, and the project’s complexity.Â
Crown MoldingÂ
Overall, painting trim costs $500 to $1,500 for a 1,500-square-foot home. Crown molding is a type of interior trim placed where the wall meets the ceiling. Painting it runs $1 to $4 per linear foot on its own. However, if you’re painting trim at the same time and in the same color as your ceiling, expect to add only $0.50 to $1.50 per linear foot to your project.
Prep Work
Getting your ceiling ready to paint can take longer than doing the painting. Tape off the edges with a good quality painter’s tape, move or cover your furniture, and lay down drop cloths to protect your floors.Â
Ceiling Height
The average ceiling height is eight feet, which is easily reachable with a step ladder. Taller ceilings may need extra tools, such as taller ladders, that can add to the cost of painting your ceiling. Taller ceilings may also take longer, as painters may need to reposition their ladders more often.
Cost to Paint a Ceiling per Square Foot
When you’re budgeting for interior house painting costs, don’t forget about painting your ceiling. You can calculate the cost of painting a ceiling using the square footage of your home. Increase your estimate by about 50% for each additional coat of paint.Â
It’ll cost you anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot to paint a ceiling. The average falls somewhere in the middle. Smaller jobs tend to cost more per square foot because of overhead costs like fuel, insurance, travel, and supplies. A painter’s overhead stays about the same, regardless of the size of the project.
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Cost to Paint a Ceiling by Type
The type of ceiling can affect the overall cost of painting. Some ceilings require more intricate attention and preparation, which involves a bigger investment of time and, sometimes, more paint.Â
| Type of Ceiling | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Popcorn ceiling | $1–$3 |
| Ceiling grid or drop tiles | $1–$3 |
| Beadboard or tongue-and-groove | $1.50–$5 |
| Basement ceiling | $1–$3 |
| Exposed basement ceiling | $1–$6 |
Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceiling painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot, though slightly more product may be needed to cover the surface. Though functional, popcorn ceilings aren’t currently stylish.
Removing popcorn ceilings costs $800 to $2,500, depending on the area. Add $1 to $2 per square foot for a total removal, plus a painting cost of $2 to $5 per square foot.
Ceiling Grid or Drop Tiles
Painting a drop ceiling costs $1 to $3 per square foot. In most cases, you’ll cover the actual grid the tiles sit in and replace any tiles with new ones.
Note: For commercial properties, painting a drop ceiling can void the warranty and may break fire or building codes. Always check with your contractor about possible code violations.
Beadboard or Tongue-and-Groove Ceiling
Painting beadboard or tongue-and-groove ceilings costs about $1.50 to $5 per square foot. The higher cost is due to the need to paint between the individual boards, which requires more labor and materials. Painting the tongue-and-groove ceiling of a 150-square-foot room can cost anywhere from $225 to $750.Â
Basement Ceiling
Painting a basement ceiling costs anywhere from $500 to $4,500, depending on square footage. The price may increase for exposed beams, ductwork, or electrical components. Since each basement is unique, it’s best to talk with your contractor about specific costs associated with your project.
Exposed Basement Ceiling
Painting exposed ceilings costs the same as most other types at $1 to $3 per square foot. However, the additional prep work and varying types of materials needed for exposed ceilings can increase the cost to $2 to $6 per square foot. Covering an exposed basement ceiling is a popular way to blend together the exposed electrical work, ducts, and beams.
Ceiling Paint Prices
One gallon of paint costs $20 to $100. Expect to use one gallon of paint for a single coat every 300 to 400 square feet. You’ll need just under one gallon per 12-foot-by-12-foot room or six to eight gallons for an average 2,500-square-foot home.Â
For more on finding the amount of paint you need for your project, use our paint calculator.
Budgeting for Ceiling PaintingÂ
A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a space. Follow these helpful cost-saving tips to keep your project budget under control:
Look for more affordable alternatives to expensive premium paint. Rare colors and unique finishes can be costly.
Expand the scope of your painting project to more rooms to reduce your costs on a per-square-foot basis.Â
Consider handling some of the prep work yourself, like applying painter’s tape to trim pieces and moving furniture out of the way.
Request quotes from several reputable painting contractors in your area. Compare their estimates and services.
Schedule your paint job during the off-season when contractors may offer discounted rates.
Set aside up to 20% of your budget for unexpected costs, like additional coats of paint.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a room's walls and ceiling?
Painting a standard room costs $200 to $600 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot space. That cost includes painting both the ceiling and all four walls of the room. Large rooms increase the price, as professional painters will need to spend more time and use more materials. Remember to add the cost to paint trim and baseboards to your overall estimate.
How much does it cost to paint a bathroom ceiling?
The average bathroom measures between 40 and 70 feet, so the cost to paint your bathroom ceiling is around $150 to $300 unless it’s part of a larger home project. Bear in mind that professionals typically charge a minimum fee of $200 or more, regardless of the size of the job.
How much does it cost to patch and paint a ceiling?
Ceiling repairs cost $300 to $1,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of materials involved. This can considerably increase the cost of painting a ceiling in your home. If you need repairs in addition to a paint job, make a bit more room in your budget.
