Textured ceiling removal in Exeter
Professional textured ceiling removal services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£260-£510
Typical Duration
4-8 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Textured ceilings (Artex, popcorn, stipple) removed and ceiling smoothed to modern flat finish. Tested for asbestos if needed, properly prepared, and left ready for painting.
Bring Your Ceilings into This Century
Textured ceilings scream 1970s and 1980s. They date your house and collect dust like nothing else. One smooth ceiling and the whole room feels lighter, bigger, and more modern - it's dramatic how much difference it makes.
💡 Pro tip: Textured ceilings were popular because they hid poor plastering and cracks. Removing them reveals what's underneath - sometimes perfect plaster, sometimes a mess that needs work. Either way, you end up with a proper flat ceiling that looks contemporary.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Scraping texture off a ceiling sounds simple. Getting it smooth, safe, and properly finished is skilled work.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Tested for asbestos first (if pre-1980s) | Skip testing and risk exposure |
| Room properly protected from dust | Mess everywhere, damaged furniture |
| Ceiling scraped and smoothed level | Gouged plaster, uneven patches |
| Filled, sanded, paint-ready | Left rough and ready for "someone else" |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Test | Asbestos check if ceiling is pre-1985 |
| Prep | Room protected, furniture covered/moved |
| Remove | Texture scraped off, ceiling cleaned |
| Smooth | Fill and sand, or skim with plaster |
| Finish | Paint-ready smooth surface |
📦 You're Left With
- Modern flat ceiling ready to paint
- Room cleaned up (though you'll want to vacuum again)
- No more dust-collecting texture
Pricing Guide
Price depends on room size, texture thickness, and ceiling condition.
| Room Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom | 4-5 hrs | £210-£260 |
| Average bedroom/living room | 5-6 hrs | £260-£310 |
| Large room/open plan | 6-8 hrs | £310-£410 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Price assumes one layer of texture in reasonable condition. Asbestos testing costs extra (£50-80).
⚠️ Asbestos note: If your ceiling tests positive for asbestos, specialist removal costs £400-800+ depending on room size. Worth testing before you commit to DIY.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Modernising - updating dated interiors
✅ Selling up - textured ceilings put buyers off
✅ Just redecorated - new walls deserve modern ceilings
✅ Allergies/dust - textured ceilings are dust magnets
Why Choose Us for Textured ceiling removal in Exeter?
Dated textured finish removed completely
Smooth, modern ceiling surface
Properly prepared for painting
Asbestos tested if pre-1980s texture
What to Expect
Step 1: Asbestos Check
If your ceiling is pre-1985, I arrange testing first. Takes a few days for results. Can't skip this step - asbestos Artex is common in older houses.
Step 2: Protection & Removal
Room gets protected with sheets. Texture scraped off carefully - try not to gouge the plaster underneath. Messy, dusty work.
Step 3: Smooth & Finish
Fill any gouges or imperfections, sand smooth. Bigger damage gets a skim coat of plaster. End result is a flat, paint-ready ceiling.
🔧 DIY Tips
Warning: This is one of the messiest DIY jobs you can do. Worth knowing what you're in for:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Scraper (plasterer's stripping knife)
- Spray bottle with water
- Dust sheets (loads of them)
- Respirator mask and safety glasses
- Step ladder or platform
- Filling knife and filler
- Sanding block
⚠️ ASBESTOS WARNING
- Get pre-1985 textured ceilings tested before you touch them
- Asbestos testing kits cost £20-30 from DIY stores
- If it tests positive, STOP - you need licensed removal
- Never dry-scrape textured ceilings without testing
🪛 Removal process
- Clear the room completely - this is stupidly messy
- Protect floor and any fixtures with sheets and tape
- Spray sections of ceiling with water to soften texture
- Let it soak for 15 minutes
- Scrape off with broad scraper - gentle to avoid gouging plaster
- Fill any damage, let dry, sand smooth
- Vacuum everything, wipe surfaces, vacuum again
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not testing for asbestos (potentially lethal)
- Inadequate room protection (dust gets everywhere)
- Dry scraping (creates clouds of dust)
- Gouging the plaster underneath
- Giving up halfway through (it's harder than it looks)
💡 Pro trick: Some people skim over Artex instead of removing it - faster and less messy if the texture is firmly stuck. Scratch it hard with a coin - if it doesn't come off easily, skimming over might be your better option. Saves a full day of miserable scraping.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Paint it after: Fresh smooth ceiling needs painting - white emulsion is standard. Factor in the cost if you're getting me to do it, or budget a day to paint it yourself once the plaster is dry.
Doing multiple rooms? The cleanup is the worst part, so doing several rooms in one go makes sense. Get the whole house done if you can face it.
Older Exeter houses: Victorian and Edwardian ceilings under textured finishes are often beautiful plasterwork. Sometimes worth exposing and repairing rather than just smoothing flat - I can advise when I see what's under there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my textured ceiling contains asbestos?
Any textured ceiling from before mid-1980s might contain asbestos. I can arrange testing (costs about £50 for a sample) before we start. If it tests positive, it needs specialist removal - I'll point you to licensed asbestos contractors. Most post-1985 Artex is asbestos-free and safe to remove.
Can you just skim over the texture instead of removing it?
Sometimes, yes - if the texture is firmly stuck and passes the scratch test. Skimming over saves time and mess. But if the texture is flaking, loose, or too thick, it needs removing first. I'll advise what's best when I see your ceiling.
How messy is textured ceiling removal?
Really messy - dust and debris everywhere. I protect your floors and furniture with sheets, but you'll want valuables and breakables moved out. Plan on a good vacuum and wipe-down after, even with protection. It's the messiest job in decorating, but worth it for a modern smooth ceiling.
Will my ceiling be ready to paint when you're done?
Yes - once the texture is off, I skim the ceiling smooth with plaster or fill and sand if it's just minor imperfections. Needs 24-48 hours to dry before painting, but the surface is paint-ready. You can paint it yourself or I can do that too.
How long does it take to remove a textured ceiling?
Average bedroom ceiling is 4-6 hours. Living rooms 6-8 hours depending on size. More if the texture is thick or multiple coats. The scraping is the quick bit - the filling, sanding, and cleanup take the time.
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