Artex Removal Cost

Written by Kane Hughes
Kane Hughes
Writer
I have been an avid DIY'er for the last eight years now. I combine this with content writing experience to deliver quality content readable by all.
21st October, 2025
Edited by Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Editor-in-Chief
I have a degree in English & Writing. I have been working as a content developer for three years now and have also been freelance writing for three years. I have been focussing my freelance writing within the home improvement and DIY sector.
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
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.

Some Artex used to contain asbestos and other dangerous contaminants, but modern Artex is now asbestos-free.

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, some older homes will have to have Artex removed when refurbishing 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 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

closeup of asbestos held by tweezers
  • 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?

cracked asbestos artex ceiling

Disturbing Artex can be dangerous, if contains asbestos. 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

  • Are they qualified? Ask for UKATA/IATP certificates for Cat A Asbestos Awareness and Cat B Non-Licensed Work (NNLW).
  • Are they insured? Make sure they are fully insured. Look for Public Liability insurance, Employers' Liability insurance, Environmental Liability, and Contractors' All Risks insurance.
  • Are they specialists? Look for a contractor who specialises in removal and works with asbestos/toxic materials routinely
  • Do they offer a guarantee? Hire companies which guarantee the work, duration and scope of services rendered.
  • What's included? Ask for an itemised quote to find out what's included.
  • Do they have positive reviews? Check the reviews on their MyJobQuote profile and see what other homeowners are saying.

FAQs

Is Artex work licensed asbestos work or Notifiable Non-Licensed Work?

Most Artex jobs are non-licensed when done with the right controls. Some tasks become notifiable non-licensed work if the area or duration tips over certain thresholds, or if the coating is in poor condition. 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?

It is only safe if you know for definite that it is asbestos-free. If you haven’t tested your Artex ceiling, do not drill into it. If testing shows no asbestos and you decide to go ahead, use dust-control methods and seal the hole edges.

What should I do after accidental damage or a ceiling collapse?

You should stop the work immediately and keep everyone out, 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 Artex or asbestos waste safely?

You need to properly bag asbestos and clearly label it. You should then use a licensed 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 are that hasn't been disturbed, then a DIY kit sent to a UKAS-accredited lab is fine. However, if you a planning a refurbishment and have several rooms to assess, or the coating is damaged, you should book a professional survey. You’ll get proper sampling and a clear report with practical next steps so you can plan the job safely.
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