Remove an Artex Ceiling
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Remove an Artex Ceiling
Know the asbestos risks before you decide whether to DIY or hire a pro.
Removing an Artex ceiling is DIY-able only if a test confirms no asbestos — pre-1985 homes carry real risk. Expect £150–£400 in DIY costs or £600–£2,000 for a professional, depending on room size and whether asbestos removal is needed.
The DIY Option
Removing Artex is a moderate-skill DIY task — but asbestos is the critical factor before you lift a scraper. Artex applied before 1985 may contain chrysotile (white) asbestos. You must have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory before disturbing the ceiling. Testing kits are available for around £30–£50, with lab results typically returned within a few days. If the test is clear, a competent DIYer can tackle the job over a weekend. Skill level: intermediate. Time: one to two days for an average room. Tools needed: scaffold tower or sturdy stepladders, 1,200 W steam stripper, wide scraper, dust sheets, P3 respirator mask, safety goggles, and disposable coveralls. DIY cost: £150–£400 covering tool hire, consumables, and disposal. Key risks include asbestos exposure (if untested), ceiling board damage, and a poor finish if the base coat is uneven — which will need replastering or skimming afterwards. Always double-bag waste and check your local authority’s guidance on disposing of Artex rubble. For a full step-by-step method, see the how-to guide linked at the bottom of this page.
The Trade Option
A professional plasterer or specialist Artex removal contractor will assess the ceiling, arrange asbestos testing if not already done, and remove the coating safely. If asbestos is confirmed, only a licensed contractor (licensed by the Health and Safety Executive for higher-risk work, or a notifiable non-licensed contractor for lower-risk work) may legally carry out the removal — the HSE’s guidance on asbestos in domestic properties sets out these categories clearly. After removal, most tradespeople will apply a fresh skim coat, leaving the ceiling ready to paint. Typical cost: £600–£1,200 for a standard living room with no asbestos; £1,200–£2,000 or more where licensed asbestos removal is required, due to specialist equipment, air monitoring, and controlled waste disposal. To find a reputable tradesperson, use a trade body-vetted directory such as the National Federation of Plasterers, or check reviews on an independent platform such as Checkatrade. Always obtain at least three written quotes and confirm whether asbestos removal is included.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £150–£400 | £600–£2,000+ |
| Time | 1–2 days (plus test turnaround) | 1–2 days on-site; longer if licensed asbestos work |
| Skill Required | Intermediate | Qualified plasterer / licensed asbestos contractor |
| Risk Level | High if asbestos present; low-medium if tested clear | Low — managed by specialist |
| End Quality | Good if plastering skills are solid; variable otherwise | High — trade-quality skim finish |
| Legal Requirements | Must test for asbestos before work; follow HSE duty-to-manage rules | HSE licence required for higher-risk asbestos removal; notification required for notifiable non-licensed work |
When DIY Makes Sense
- An accredited lab test has confirmed the Artex contains no asbestos fibres.
- The ceiling is in good structural condition — no sagging, significant cracking, or signs of water damage (see our guide on fixing cracks in a ceiling for background).
- You are comfortable working at height safely using a hired scaffold tower and can follow HSE safe-working guidelines.
- You are prepared to skim or re-plaster the ceiling afterwards, or to hire a plasterer just for that finishing stage — a realistic option that keeps overall costs reasonable.
When You Must Use a Tradesman
- Asbestos confirmed: If lab results show asbestos is present, you must not disturb the material yourself. Depending on fibre type and condition, either a notifiable non-licensed contractor or a fully HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractor is legally required. Carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal is a criminal offence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
- Property built before 1985: Strong advice from the HSE is to assume Artex may contain asbestos until proven otherwise. If you cannot evidence a test, treat it as containing asbestos and commission a professional assessment.
- Ceiling shows structural issues: Sagging plasterboard, widespread cracks, or evidence of damp (check our guide to fixing damp on interior walls for context) means the ceiling substrate may need professional assessment before any surface work.
- Rental or commercial property: Landlords have a duty to manage asbestos-containing materials under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. DIY removal by a landlord in a rented property carries serious legal liability.
If You DIY — Where to Start
Before reaching for a scraper, complete your asbestos test and review the full safety checklist. Once you have a clear result, our step-by-step guide walks you through preparation, steaming technique, scraping method, and waste disposal. After the Artex is off, you will almost certainly need to skim the ceiling — our guide on how to plaster a ceiling covers exactly what comes next. If you decide the ceiling needs a fresh board rather than a skim, see our guide on cutting and fitting plasterboard. For the complete walls and plastering context, start with the Walls & Plastering Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does all Artex contain asbestos?
No — but Artex applied before 1985 commonly contained chrysotile (white) asbestos as a reinforcing agent. Artex applied after 1985 is very unlikely to contain asbestos, though a test is still the only way to be certain.
How do I get Artex tested for asbestos?
Purchase a DIY sampling kit, take a small sample following the enclosed safety instructions, and send it to a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited laboratory. Results are usually returned within two to five working days.
Can I skim over Artex instead of removing it?
Yes — if the Artex is firmly bonded and the texture is shallow, a plasterer can apply a bonding coat and skim over the top, which avoids disturbing any fibres. This is often cheaper and lower-risk than full removal.
What does it cost to have Artex professionally removed?
Expect £600–£1,200 for a standard room with no asbestos present. Where licensed asbestos removal is needed, costs typically rise to £1,200–£2,000 or more owing to specialist equipment, air monitoring, and controlled waste disposal charges.
Do I need to notify anyone before removing Artex myself?
If the Artex is asbestos-free you have no notification obligation for a domestic property. If asbestos is present and the work falls under notifiable non-licensed (NNLC) rules, the contractor must notify the relevant enforcing authority at least three days before starting, as required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Experienced plasterers often find it faster to dot-and-dab a new layer of plasterboard directly over an Artex ceiling — capping it rather than removing it — which encapsulates any fibres, avoids the mess of scraping, and produces a perfectly flat surface for skimming. This approach adds a few millimetres to ceiling height but is structurally sound and typically costs less in labour than full removal and replastering.
Sources
- HSE — Asbestos: The licensed contractors’ guide (HSG247) — hse.gov.uk
- HSE — Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: Overview for duty holders — hse.gov.uk
- Which? — How much does it cost to replaster a room? — which.co.uk
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
