Artex Removal Cost

By Kane
Last updated 14th January 2025 - Reading time: 8 mins
At a Glance
  • The average cost to remove artex is around £1,500.
  • The job will take approximately 2 days (and up to 2 weeks) to complete.
In this guide, you'll find the following:
  • A complete pricing breakdown which includes what things you need to consider, along with what such a task usually involves.
  • How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
  • How to find and hire a local artex removal specialist in the UK.

Do you have Artex which you are looking to remove from your home?

In 2025, you should expect asbestos Artex removal costs to be around £1,500. This is an estimated price to remove it from a ceiling (where it's commonly found), but the exact cost you're quoted will depend on how much there is to remove.

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Continue reading our full guide below for everything you need to know.

textured coating being removed from a ceiling

Average Artex Removal Cost:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 2 days – 2 weeks

£1,500

How Much To Remove Asbestos Artex?

Artex is a decorative coating used on walls and ceilings in the UK, which allows decorators to make the ceilings of a home look textured.

Artex is no longer in production or use today, because of its potential to contain asbestos and other dangerous contaminants.

Some older homes which still have Artex have to get it removed when it starts cracking. In other cases, homeowners simply want to get artex removed so that they can create a more modern aesthetic.

For such reasons, homes which are dated anywhere from 1970 or later will typically have to get some Artex removed when refurbing the home.

What is the safest, cheapest, and best way to cover over a bathroom that is wall to wall artex (around 30 years old house) so that I can either tile, paint or cover it with something else?

"You can scrape it off using wallpaper steamer and scraper if it does not have asbestos. If you're unsure if your artex contains asbestos, I 100% recommended trying to find out before you even touch it.

You can also skin over artex with plaster to give a smooth surface to paint or tile onto."

In some instances, you can simply apply a coat or sealant above it if it is found that asbestos is not present. In these instances, a coating will usually run anywhere from £150 to £250 for smaller roofs/ceilings in a home.

Whether it is ultimately removal or simply covering up the Artex in the home, it is important to hire the right professionals for the job.

Before attempting a DIY sealing job consider a few of the aspects below in order to help you find the best-licensed professionals and those who truly understand the dangers of Artex and asbestos to perform the removal.

I don’t like the Artex ceiling in the house I've bought, so looking to create smooth Ceiling walls in the whole house. Can you suggest the best solution for it that does not cost too much?

"You're looking at £10 per metre square to do this job, so you can calculate and know how much you are going to pay."

Artex Removal Prices

Job Description Duration Material Cost Labour Cost
Asbestos Sample Survey 1 Day N/A £200 – £250
Artex Removal 1 – 5 Days £250 – £500 £200 – £300 per day (per labourer)
Artex Sealing/Coating 4 – 8 hours £150 - £250 £150 – £250 per day (per labourer)
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Artex Removal: Important Considerations

Artex can be extremely dangerous. If your artex contains asbestos and is inhaled, it can cause lung damage and other potentially infectious diseases. You don’t want to expose yourself, your family, or visitors to this material in the home. Therefore, you should consider removal if this is a substance that is present in the home.

closeup of asbestos held by tweezers

When hiring a contractor, make sure you understand what they are doing. In some instances, if the material is not toxic/dangerous, they might suggest simply coating it. This is not only going to take less time but will cost you far less money as well. So, if this is an option consider it and compare contractors prior to hiring one.

In the event removal has to be performed, you should consider the duration of the job, which rooms it's in, if you should do the entire home, and additional labour and costs.

Due to the nature of this work you might have to leave the home for several days at a time. Also, account for this and budget accordingly as you decide who to hire for these service needs.

If the home is contaminated, it might require additional excavation. Making sure you understand what the scope of work entails, what has to be done, how removal is performed, and other variables is the only way to ensure you hire the best people.

Can You Remove Artex Yourself?

cracked asbestos artex ceiling

Artex is dangerous, in fact, asbestos is often found in this material substance. For such reasons, this is not the type of job you want to do as a DIY project.

On the other hand, if you have received a quote, know it is not toxic, and simply wish to coat the ceiling, this is a smaller job to take on. It is still detailed, will take several days, and requires the use of certain equipment in order for you to complete the job.

So, in these instances, make sure you consider costs, duration, scope and how much work you are actually going to have to do yourself in order to know you can complete the job and do so in a timely fashion.

Are hairline cracks in an artex ceiling something to be concerned about. They have, apparently been there for years and would polyfilla work?

"No, filler will not work as they will open open up again over time and you can’t im state the artex pattern so would look dreadfull. A new coat of multi finish would do the job you need. You would lose the artex pattern but would have a new fresh flat ceiling. Needs to be ore plaster primed before by who ever did it then a super mix on for first coat and two coats of multi finish plaster after this."

Apart from this, it is best to hire a licensed professional. A company that is familiar with Artex, asbestos, contamination, and the dangers surrounding it. Not only do they complete the work quickly but they do so safely and do so for the most affordable pricing for homeowners.

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Hiring Artex Removal Specialists Checklist

  • Hire those who are fully licensed, certified and insured.
  • Hire companies which specialise in removal and work with asbestos/toxic materials routinely
  • Hire companies which guarantee the work, duration and scope of services rendered.

FAQs

How long does Artex removal take in the UK?

This depends on the size of the ceiling, the company hired and the expertise of those hired. If they specialise in this field, a contractor can typically do removal jobs in 1-2 days.

Other companies might take 1-4 days if they aren't specialists. It is important to compare several contractors so you hire the most qualified for this type of service.

How much does Artex removal cost in 2025?

Again, this depends on the scope. A 1 to 2-bedroom home might cost anywhere between £300 to £1,000, which includes the cost of labour and sealing. But, in larger homes or those in which asbestos contamination has occurred, additional costs might also arise.

Your best option is to compare quotes and speak to several specialists, so you can hire the most qualified and also find the best price for removal or sealing services.

Should you remove Artex or seal it?

If the contamination is not present, if there isn't asbestos, and if sealing is safe, it is far cheaper and will take less time.

Ultimately, if this is your situation, the choice is up to you, and the finish/detail work you expect to see, which will help you determine whether to remove or simply seal the ceiling.
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