Overboarding an Artex Ceiling: Benefits, Process and Cost in Sutton & Surrey

What does overboarding an Artex ceiling mean?

Overboarding means fixing new plasterboard directly over the existing ceiling instead of removing it. The old Artex stays where it is; the boards are screwed up through it into the ceiling joists, the joints are taped, and the whole ceiling is skimmed with finish plaster. You end up with a new, flat, paint-ready ceiling and the texture is gone for good.

It is one of the most common ways to deal with a textured ceiling in 1970s and 1980s homes across Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Banstead and Wimbledon, and it is usually the first thing we suggest when a ceiling is too heavily textured, cracked or uneven to simply skim over.

The benefits of overboarding an Artex ceiling

Here is why overboarding is so often the best answer when you want rid of the texture.

• A genuinely flat finish. Heavy, swirled or stippled textures can telegraph through a thin skim; new boards give a clean, even surface.
• No sanding or scraping. The old coating is not scraped, sanded or steamed off, which avoids creating dust from a material that may contain asbestos.
• Much less mess and waste. There is no ceiling to pull down, so you avoid the dust, debris and skip that come with stripping.
• Hides cracks and movement. New boards fixed to the joists bridge old cracks, patches and uneven areas that would otherwise reappear.
• Quick and low-disruption. Most rooms are boarded and skimmed in one to two days, so you are not without a usable room for long.
• A sturdier ceiling. An extra layer of plasterboard also adds a little to sound reduction and fire resistance.
• Better for decorating and lighting. A flat ceiling takes paint evenly and shows no shadows from texture under spotlights or daylight.

Overboarding versus skimming over versus stripping

The right choice depends on the condition and thickness of the texture. This is how the three options compare, with 2026 UK guide prices that include labour and materials.

How overboarding is done, step by step

A tidy job is mostly about preparation. This is what happens on a typical ceiling.

• Check the ceiling. We look at the texture, the condition of the existing plaster and whether the joists are sound and accessible.
• Locate the joists. Their positions are marked so every board can be fixed firmly into timber.
• Deal with services. Light fittings, downlights and smoke alarms are made safe or disconnected by a qualified electrician where needed.
• Fix the plasterboard. Boards are screwed through the old ceiling into the joists with screws long enough to bite properly, with joints staggered.
• Tape and bead. Joints are taped and angles beaded so the finish holds without cracking.
• Skim. A finish coat of plaster is trowelled on to give a smooth, paint-ready ceiling.
• Dry and decorate. Once the plaster has dried to an even pale colour, apply a mist coat, then your finish paint.

Is overboarding safe if the Artex contains asbestos?

Textured coatings applied before the year 2000 can contain asbestos, and you cannot tell by looking. Left intact, it is generally low risk; the danger is in disturbing it with sanding, scraping, steaming or drilling.

Because overboarding involves fixing through the coating, the first step with any ceiling of uncertain age is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory. If the test is clear, overboarding is straightforward. If asbestos is confirmed, take specialist advice before any work goes ahead.

SJF Plastering does not remove asbestos-containing material. If a test confirms asbestos, a licensed specialist should advise on and carry out any removal or treatment before plastering.

What to check before overboarding

• Ceiling height. New boards add about 12.5mm, which is rarely noticeable but matters in rooms with very low ceilings.
• Joists. They need to be sound and accessible so the boards can be fixed securely.
• Light fittings and downlights. These may need extending or moving, and an electrician should deal with them.
• Loft hatches, coving and cornicing. These may need trimming, refitting or replacing.
• The age of the Artex. Test it if it was applied before 2000 or you are unsure.
• Damp or leaks. Fix any leak and let the ceiling dry before boarding over it.

When overboarding is not the right answer

Overboarding suits ceilings that are firmly fixed. If the old ceiling is sagging, coming away or has been damaged by water, covering it up only hides a failing surface and adds weight to it. In those cases the ceiling should come down and be replaced.

Equally, if the Artex is light, sound and well bonded, a skim over is often enough and costs less. A good plasterer will tell you which one you really need, which is why we look before we quote.

How much does overboarding an Artex ceiling cost in Sutton?

As a 2026 UK guide, overboarding and skimming is about £30–£45 per m2, which is roughly £400–£650 for an average bedroom or living room ceiling. Small ceilings such as a bathroom or hall cost less; high ceilings or awkward access cost more. London and the South East typically run 20–30% above the UK average.

These are guide prices, not a quote. Every SJF Plastering price is fixed after we have seen the job, so you know the cost before work starts. Our ceiling cost guide and Artex removal guide cover the numbers in more detail.

Overboarding Artex ceilings in Sutton, Cheam, Banstead and Wimbledon

SJF Plastering is based in Sutton and works across Sutton, Cheam, Carshalton, Banstead, Wimbledon, Epsom, Wallington, Mitcham and the surrounding area. The 1970s and 1980s houses in these areas are exactly where textured ceilings are most common, and overboarding is a regular part of our ceiling work.

If you would like an honest opinion on whether to overboard or simply skim, send a few clear photographs of the ceiling by WhatsApp on 07967 302162, or ask for a free quote and we will come and look.

Frequently asked questions