Last updated on April 10th, 2024
How much does artex removal cost?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Why should I remove Artex from my home?
The original recipe for Artex contained hazardous asbestos as a strengthener, which can cause lung damage if inhaled. The risk to health comes from inhaling asbestos fibres.
When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, these fibres can be released as dust into the immediate atmosphere. Between the 1980s and the 1990s, asbestos was slowly removed from common use before being banned in the UK in 1999.
Homeowners may wish to remove Artex from their ceilings for many reasons, ranging from removing dangerous asbestos, updating aesthetics, adding a smooth surface for painting, or even increasing the value of their homes due to artex devaluing their home.
How much does Artex ceiling removal cost?
| Item | Unit of measure | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Survey (no removal costs allowed) | ||
| 1 or 2 bedroom flat | each | £250 |
| 2 or 3 bedroom house | each | £350 |
| 3 to 5 bedroom house | each | £350 |
| Artex removal cost | ||
| Chemical removal | m² | £27.12 |
| Steam removal | m² | £15.45 |
| Artex (containing asbestos) disposal | ||
| Based on contractor bagging up safely | each | £300 |
| Boarding over an artex ceiling - based on a ceiling of approx 12 m² | ||
| 9.5mm tacked to ceiling | m² | £16.59 |
| 12.5mm tacked to ceiling | m² | £18.90 |
| Thistle board finish plaster to plasterboard; 5 mm two coat work including scrimming joints | m² | £18.81 |
| Hardwall plaster straight on to Artex - based on a ceiling of approx 12 m² | ||
| Febond Blue Grit Plaster Bonding Agent | m² | £9.65 |
| 2 mm Thistle Multi-Finish on Thistle background plasters; 11 mm bonding | m² | £31.71 |
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
Artex can be tricky and time-consuming to remove. Unless it contains asbestos, many people opt to cover it up and create a new, even surface. Your Artex removal cost will depend on several factors including:
- Type of Artex: As well as whether it contains asbestos
- Age of Artex: Not only may it contain asbestos it may also be damaged and cracked from the effects of time
- Size of area to be removed: The larger the area of Artex the longer it will take to remove and the higher the labour costs will be
- Depth of Artex: Depending on the professional who added the Artex, it may be thicker or thinner than other ceilings. The thicker the Artex is the longer it will take to remove, pushing up labour costs
The average cost of chemically removing Artex is £22.60 - £32.54 per m².
Do I need an asbestos survey?
This will depend on when the Artex was installed. If your Artex was applied before 1985, then it will most probably contain asbestos, so you will not need a survey to confirm this. Removal will have to be done safely.
If Artex was added to your home between 1985 and 2000, you will need a survey to determine whether asbestos was used.
You can buy an online testing kit to check whether your ceiling contains asbestos. However, it won’t be as accurate as a professional survey.
If your survey/testing does show the presence of asbestos, it must be removed and disposed of safely.
For further information please see our asbestos removal cost guide.
On average, an asbestos survey for a 1 – 2 bedroom flat costs around £250. For a 3 – 5 bedroom house, you’re looking at a price of around £350
What does Artex ceiling removal include?
There are five different ways Artex can be removed from your ceiling. Whatever option you go for, we recommend you hire a professional.
- Boarding over: This involves using plasterboard to board over the original Artex ceiling. Several layers of plaster are then applied to create an even surface
- Plaster overskimming: Instead of using plasterboard, it may be possible to seal with PVA and plaster over the old Artex
- Complete removal: This method involves completely removing the Artex and original plasterboard
- Chemical removal: A common chemical used is X-Tex. This gel softens the old Artex which can then be removed by scraping, leaving the old plasterboard exposed and ready for new plaster to be applied
- Steaming: Here a wallpaper steamer can be used to soften the Artex, which can then be scraped away from the current plasterboard
If your artex contains asbestos, it has to be properly disposed of as hazardous waste. Ask your trade if your quote includes disposal.
Artex removal cost calculator
To calculate the total cost of Artex removal for your home, you’ll need to start by working out the size of the area of Artex that will need removing. The age of the Artex can also affect the price. The more effort required and the longer the job takes to remove all the Artex, the higher the cost will be.
Artex removal quotes
We always recommend getting at least three quotes from tradespeople. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!
Artex removal hourly rates
You’ll likely get quoted for the job as a whole rather than an hourly rate.
Can I plaster over Artex?
Plsatering over Artex is a very popular option. We do recommend you still get an asbestos survey and take proper precautions.
On average, plastering over Artex costs £9.65 – £31.71 per m².
Can I remove an Artex ceiling myself?
While it is possible for you to remove an Artex ceiling yourself, you should not underestimate how difficult and arduous this can be. Before you begin, you should always be certain your ceiling does not contain asbestos.
If you are planning on repairing or removing Artex textured coatings from ceilings or walls in your home, you should seek the advice of a professional Asbestos Surveyor. They will be able to safely take a sample and have it tested in a laboratory to determine whether asbestos is present.
Asbestos in Artex coatings is classed as non-licensable work. On the HSE’s website in their L143 guide on managing and working with asbestos it says:
“Work with textured decorative coatings will not normally be licensable work, as work with this material will usually not meet the conditions in the definition of licensable work in regulation 2(1).”
However, the removal contractor/builder must be trained in Cat B (non-licensed asbestos training). According to the HSE’S guide, they state:
“Although it does not require a licence issued by HSE, all non-licensable work with asbestos will still need to be carried out in accordance with the requirements contained in the Regulations. In particular, it needs to be carried out by trained and competent workers in accordance with a plan of work, using appropriate control measures to prevent exposure and the spread of asbestos.”
Key takeaways for Artex removal costs
- Artex ceilings completed before 1985 will almost certainly contain asbestos and those added between 1985 and 2000 may still do so
- An asbestos survey or test kit can check whether your Artex contains the deadly substance
- There are 5 common ways to remove Artex: boarding over, plaster overskimming, complete removal, chemical removal and steaming
- Asbestos is hazardous and only those with proper training should attempt to remove it
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
No comments yet!