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myArtex Removal Cost
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.
- 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.
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Do you have artex which you are looking to remove from your home?
In 2026, 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.
£1,500
Table of Contents
How Much to Remove Asbestos Artex?
How much does artex removal cost?
Artex removal costs around £250 to £2,000 or more if the job spans multiple rooms.
It costs between £12 and £125 per square metre to remove artex, depending on the removal method and whether asbestos is present.
Artex removal is a job best left to those who have been trained to work safely with asbestos removal.
What is Artex?
Artex is a decorative coating used on walls and ceilings, giving the surface a textured look.
If your artex was applied before 2000, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines assume that it may contain asbestos, so it should be tested before any work is done to it.
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
Artex removal costs will vary depending on the method used. The table below covers the most common options where no asbestos is present.
| Job Description | Duration | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Steam removal | 1 to 2 days | £250–£700 |
| Chemical removal | 1 to 2 days | £280–£750 |
| Sanding | 1 day | £220–£350 |
| Sealing/coating | 4 to 8 hours | £300–£500 |
| Plaster over | 1 to 2 days | £250–£700 |
| Boarding over | 1 to 2 days | £400–£1,000 |
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Asbestos Artex Removal Prices
Where asbestos-containing artex is confirmed, labour costs and disposal costs are significantly higher.
What best describes your artex removal job?
Full artex removal (no asbestos confirmed)
9 votes - 20%20% of votes
Asbestos artex removal
27 votes - 61%61% of votes
Artex sealing or coating over
3 votes - 7%7% of votes
Asbestos survey only
5 votes - 11%11% of votes
I'm not sure yet
0 votes - 0%0% of votes
44 votes
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Asbestos waste is hazardous and must be handled by someone who is registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency and taken to a site with an environmental permit that allows it to accept asbestos waste.
| Job Description | Duration | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos sample survey | 1 day | £200–£250 |
| Steam removal | 1 to 5 days | £300–£1,700 |
| Chemical removal | 1 to 5 days | £330–£1,750 |
| Sealing/coating | 1 to 3 days | £350–£1,100 |
| Plaster over | 1 to 5 days | £300–£1,550 |
| Boarding over | 1 to 5 days | £450–£2,000 |
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Artex Removal Cost per m²
Below is a per square metre breakdown of each method.
| Job Description | Non-Asbestos per m² | Asbestos Artex per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Steam removal | £14–£47 | £17–£105 |
| Chemical removal | £16–£50 | £18–£110 |
| Sanding | £12–£23 | N/A |
| Sealing/coating | £17–£33 | £19–£67 |
| Plaster over | £14–£47 | £17–£97 |
| Boarding over | £22–£67 | £25–£125 |
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Additional Artex Removal Costs
Here are a few of the additional costs that are worth considering:
- Asbestos Disposal — The waste must go to a site that has an environmental permit to accept asbestos waste, and safe disposal is often charged separately from the total cost.
- Furniture Removal — Clearing the room adds time to the job, and most tradespeople expect this to be done in advance. For larger jobs, house clearance costs around £100 to £150.
- Painting — Once the ceiling is smooth, you'll likely want it repainted. Painting and decorating can add £80 to £200 on top of standard artex removal costs.
- Ceiling Replacement — If the surface underneath is damaged, you may need a ceiling replaced, which costs around £400 to £1,000 on average.
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."
You can also skin over artex with plaster to give a smooth surface to paint or tile onto."
Artex Removal: Important Considerations
- Artex can be hazardous if it contains asbestos and fibres are inhaled.
- You should consider removal if asbestos is a substance that is present in the home.
- 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 encapsulation or overboarding to minimise disruption. This is not only going to take less time but will cost you far less money as well.
- 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 asbestos has been disturbed, specialist decontamination and controlled waste handling may be required.
Can You Remove Artex Yourself?
Disturbing artex can be dangerous, especially if it contains asbestos fibres. For such reasons, this is not the type of job you want to do as a DIY project.
However, if you have received a quote and have confirmation the ceiling isn't toxic, rather than replacing a ceiling, you may wish to simply coat over it instead, although this still takes time.
So, in these instances, make sure you consider artex removal cost compared to decorating costs, the duration needed, along with the scope, and how much of the work you can realistically carry out yourself.
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 dreadful. 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 mmore 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 contractor that is familiar with and trained in removing artex and asbestos, and is aware of the risks of 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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What's Involved in Artex Removal
Artex removal isn't recommended as a DIY job, especially if asbestos artex removal is required, as potentially inhaling asbestos fibres poses a significant health risk.
While you don't usually legally need to hire a licensed contractor, whoever you do hire must be trained to safely work with asbestos. You do need a licensed contractor if the coating is being removed by energetic methods like wet abrasive blasting or if it covers asbestos insulating board.
With MyJobQuote, you can request several free, no-obligation quotes from local plasterers and renderers who are specialised in artex removal and can also plaster a ceiling afterwards.
Here's a broad look at what's involved in the artex removal process:
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Asbestos Survey — An artex removal specialist will first inspect the area to check the condition of the artex and carry out an asbestos survey to determine if the artex contains asbestos (as this may add to the overall artex removal cost).
- Planning and Safety Preparation — They can then plan the removal process, including organising safety gear and any hazardous waste removal, and arranging a convenient time to carry out the work.
During the Job
- Preparation — Before the removal process begins, the room is prepared to help prevent any artex or asbestos fibres from spreading. This often includes steps such as covering furniture in dust sheets and temporarily sealing doors.
- Removal Begins — Providing the artex doesn't contain asbestos, tradesmen often use a wetting technique to soften the coating and then scrape it away. However, to remove artex that potentially contains asbestos, this needs to be done under a controlled environment.
After the Job
- Finishing Touches — Achieving a smooth surface may involve having a plasterer skim a wall or ceiling, adding a textured coating, covering with plasterboard, or adding ceiling panelling.
- Waste Removal — The removal cost should automatically include at least a basic tidy-up, but any hazardous waste needs to be disposed of responsibly and in accordance with asbestos regulations to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading.
Hiring Artex Removal Specialists Checklist
Consider the following points when hiring someone that specialises in artex removal:
- Are they specialists? Look for a contractor who specialises in artex ceiling removal, and is therefore used to and trained in working with asbestos artex removal, asbestos fibres and artex ceiling removal in general.
- Are they fully qualified? The contractor should have carried out training in non-licensed work with asbestos. For whole-ceiling jobs, the contractor should confirm that they will notify HSE of the work, designate the work area, undergo medical examinations, and keep records as required.
- Do they have insurance? Ensure they are fully insured. Look for Public Liability insurance, Employers' Liability insurance, Environmental Liability, and Contractors' All Risks insurance.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check for online reviews via their MyJobQuote profile and see what other homeowners have to say, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Have you received more than one quote? It's always advisable to seek at least three quotes when hiring any tradesmen. With the help of MyJobQuote we can help find local contractors to provide an artex removal cost for your property.
- What's included? Ask for an itemised quote to find out what's included within the artex removal cost. Check there aren't any hidden costs, such as if your ceiling contains asbestos or if hazardous waste removal is required.
- Do they offer a guarantee? Hire companies which will provide a guarantee of their work, including the duration and scope of services rendered.
FAQs
Is Artex Work Licensed Asbestos Work or Notifiable Non-Licensed Work?
Most asbestos artex removal jobs are non-licensed when done with the right controls. The job becomes notifiable if the coating is already deteriorating or it's a large-scale job with steaming or gelling as the removal method. Ask the contractor which category applies and make sure their quote spells out the method, controls, and waste route.
Is It Safe to Drill or Screw into an Artex Ceiling?
If you haven't already had an asbestos survey, then drilling into an original artex ceiling poses potential health risks in the event it contains asbestos. However, if testing shows no asbestos and you decide to go ahead, you should still use dust-control methods and seal any edges.
What Should I Do After Accidental Damage or a Ceiling Collapse?
You should stop the work immediately, keep everyone out, and avoid sweeping or using a domestic vacuum. Close the room off and speak to a competent contractor who can arrange sampling and safe disposal. If any of your soft furnishings were affected, ask about specialist cleaning or removal.
How Do I Dispose of Asbestos Artex or Hazardous Waste Safely?
You need to properly bag asbestos and clearly label it. You should then use a business registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier or a council site that accepts asbestos waste. When you hire a contractor, disposal costs and paperwork should be included in their quote.
Should I Use a DIY Asbestos Test Kit or Professional Survey?
If you're checking one small area that hasn't been disturbed, then a DIY kit sent to a UKAS-accredited lab is fine. However, if you are planning a refurbishment and have several rooms to assess, or the coating is damaged, you should book a professional asbestos survey. You'll get proper sampling and a clear report with practical next steps so you can plan the job safely.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Remove Artex?
There isn't usually any planning permission required, as removing artex is a cosmetic change that won't impact the external look of a property. However, for work on listed properties, listed building consent may be required if the work is considered significant, and there are further considerations if the artex contains asbestos.
Do Building Regulations Apply to Artex Removal?
Building regulations generally don't apply unless the removal impacts the overall structure of the property, or any additional work is carried out at the same time. If you're unsure, it's best to check with your local council or contact a professional for advice.
