Why do they put popcorn stuff on the ceiling?

Question

It doesn't seem to serve a purpose. Also it looks like it would be a pain to paint so why do we have it?

But isn't it already flat and then they spray the popcorn stuff on. Just seems like more work to me. Why not just leave it flat?

Answer 1

It was a cheap way to add a sound barrier to a home without the need to insulate. The many angles the popcorn creates deflects sound waves. They used to make it with asbestos so it served a purpose in fire prevention also. They didn't realize at the time it would cause cancer. The final advantage was the labor savings in finishing the ceiling, they could paint and apply the finish plaster coat in one application. It's all about cost.

Answer 2

Same reason they put texture on the side walls. It covers a multitude of mistakes.

It covers where they've joined the seams together, and it was the thing of that time period. It is very, very easy to remove, messy, but easy. Just water and a hoe or long scraper and it's gone. Then you can have a ceiling of today's trend. (Unless it's been painted = then that's another story - lot harder to remove after paint has been applied.)

Answer 3

Its called texturing and its put there and on the walls because a lot of people like the looks of it. A bare, flat wall is boring but the texturing gives it a little character.

Answer 4

The popcorn stuff is so cheesy, huh? I know. They loved it in the 1970's, however. They thought it was just the "grooviest" thing they ever saw.

Reason why it was produced, is because of its acoustic properites (i.e. it controlled the sound in a room).

I think it's so ugly too! :-)

Answer 5

Popcorn hides the imperfections in the drywall.

Answer 6

It enables the builder to do a sloppy job of finishing the ceiling without you seeing their sloppy work.

Answer 7

It cuts down on the echo in the room.

Answer 8

It's cheaper than plaster.