Plasterboard over Artex - is it OK?

brownbake

As said before I don't think the materials will cost much - the room is 32m2 so quite large but is square shaped L room.

Anyone know how much roughly to batten out, put insulation in (primarily for soundproofing) and then boarded in, preferably, Soundbloc plasterboard. Ceiling height at present is 2.44 Metres. Then either skimmed or jointed and made good.

Had a verbal quote just to skim over existing Artex for £700 which I thought was ridiculous - for just a skim I would have estimated that it is 1.5 days work. 1 skim and setting off then another coat?

He also said that to board it - obviously more work for him!!! wouldn't work because "buildings move" and cracks would appear. I know there is a degree of movement but new build flats use this method and I think he just didn't want to know because plastering ceilings is hard work - any thoughts?

If I do it then I really want to go for the sound reduction method. Any plasterers or dry liners or builders - any trade help will be very helpful.

Thanks

owls

Hi

it depends ot he thickness of artex, if it is a deep stiple you can either lay a backing plaster on prior to skimming or reboard it.
As regards cracks hes talking tat it wouldnt be prone to any more cracking

Sound block 15mm boards are particularly heavy 3 times a standard plasterboard so they would be some pull on the batterns, but this would reduce sound passage, to skim ie a setting coat 30 metres is a days work for plasterer plus labourerer, costs will obiously vary as to location in country

so speaks a plasterer.
best of luck

brownbake

Cheers for your reply. Deepest peak is 5mm but I really wanted to go for board and batten way just so it would reduce sound - more than just skim anyway.

My (unreliable) mate is working as a plasterers assistant (labourer) and he said his plasterer mate charges £80 per half day. I am guessing that will work out labour wise without materials at £220 a day. £160 for the skill = £20 per hour and £80 for mate at £10 p/h - which seems more than fair to me!!!

Plus materials which at prices I can get is about £200 so £420 all in?!

Does this seem about right to you?

I live in the South - Dorset so am probably gonna be paying accordingly.

I am pretty sure I could lay the battens myself if that would save more money and time. Then all they would have to do is come and screw in plasterboard and finish job?!!

Also will the plaster coving - pictured - definitely have to be removed cos that will obviously create more mess, cost and take up more time?

Help appreciated, thanks

brownbake

BTW - just arranged a quote with a guy out the local free rag who charges 10 p/hr and has 30 years experience. Told him exactly what I wanted and didn't seem to bs me. Said he would be round 2moro at 6 - waiting with trepidation!!

Another guy I phoned was happy to take the call, strung me along asking what needed doing (er what I am paying you for) and then after I told him about requirements said "oh ok, I am booked up until September"!! Sure mate why waste both our time asking what needed to be done then??!!

I am willing to pay £20 per hour labour on this - as long as done with pride and professionalism and they are working for that time.

Please let me know if I am being unrealistic on these expectations. The quote for skim only of £700 seems excessive. Over £20 per m2 for a job that will take you 1 day - with labour!! - I didn't know that plasterers were on £3500 a week!! lol

cargo

If you are going to use this sound block board."In my opinion" you will need to lower the ceiling with 3x2 or similar,it is simply just to heavy to overboard with.
You will spend all day on this board contemplating over prices,have a read of many threads.
The best you can do is use a plasterer whom is recommended to you and get a couple of extra quotes just to see he is in the right ball park.
Just get a price for the job.
If he his recommended and is a bit dearer my advice would be to use him.

ps: If ceiling lowered you will loose the cornice.

pandora205

I'd ask around locally to find a good plasterer. I had my ceiling skimmed about three years ago (lounge diner) and it was about £400 I think. The old artex was a horrendous busy pattern that must have taken ages! It looks superb now and I had new lighting fitted at the same time, so definitely worth doing and makes the room look bigger. I asked all my colleagues and friends to recommend and had two guys quote before finding someone.

brownbake

The plasterer came round but as soon as he saw it he said it was too big for him on his own!! It is an L shape and he said if it was just one of them it would be fine??

He said he would of charged about £140 - a days work between plasterer and his mate.

He also said I would be looking at about £5 p / m2 to skim + materials like glue. Is this about the going rate? I reckon I would be looking at about £200 just to skim?