TL;DR: Rendering costs £25-£60 per m² in the UK. Cement render is cheapest (£25-£40/m²) but needs painting and lasts 10-15 years. Silicone render costs more (£40-£60/m²) but is self-cleaning, pre-coloured, and lasts 25-30 years. A typical semi-detached house costs £4,000-£8,000 to render fully.
Last updated: April 2026
Rendering Costs by Type
| Render Type | Cost per m² | Lifespan | Needs Painting? | Self-Cleaning? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement render | £25 - £40 | 10-15 years | Yes (every 5-7 years) | No |
| Acrylic render | £30 - £50 | 15-20 years | Optional | No |
| Monocouche render | £35 - £55 | 20-25 years | No (through-coloured) | No |
| Silicone render | £40 - £60 | 25-30 years | No (through-coloured) | Yes |
| Lime render | £40 - £65 | 30+ years | Optional (limewash) | No |
Total Cost by Property Type
| Property | Wall Area (approx) | Cement | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-terrace | 40-60 m² | £1,500 - £3,000 | £2,500 - £4,500 |
| Semi-detached | 60-90 m² | £2,500 - £4,500 | £4,000 - £7,000 |
| Detached (3-bed) | 80-120 m² | £3,500 - £6,000 | £5,500 - £9,000 |
| Detached (4-5 bed) | 120-180 m² | £5,000 - £9,000 | £7,500 - £13,000 |
Render Types Explained
Cement Render
Traditional sand and cement mix applied in two coats. The cheapest option but requires painting every 5-7 years and can crack over time. Best suited to sheltered walls or as a budget option.
Silicone Render (Recommended)
Premium polymer-modified render with silicone additives. Key benefits:
- Self-cleaning: Silicone's hydrophobic properties cause rain to wash dirt away
- Flexible: Resists cracking caused by building movement
- Breathable: Allows moisture to escape from walls
- Pre-coloured: Available in hundreds of colours, never needs painting
- Popular brands: K Rend, Weber, Parex, EWI Pro
Monocouche Render
A single-coat, through-coloured render. Faster to apply than two-coat systems, making it popular with contractors. Slightly textured finish. A good mid-range option between cement and silicone.
Lime Render
Traditional lime-based render, essential for older properties (pre-1920) built with lime mortar. Cement render on old buildings traps moisture and causes damage. Lime render is breathable and allows the building to flex naturally. More expensive and requires specialist application.
What Affects the Cost?
Preparation Work
If existing render needs removing first, add £10-£20/m² for hacking off. If brickwork needs repointing before rendering, add £25-£50/m². Poor preparation is the main cause of render failure.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding typically costs £500-£1,500 for a semi-detached house and is included in most quotes. Multi-storey properties and difficult access increase the cost.
Beads, Trims, and Details
Bellcast beads (drip edges), corner beads, and window reveals add £200-£500 to the total. These are essential for a professional finish and waterproofing.
External Wall Insulation (EWI) with Render
If your home has solid walls (no cavity), combining external wall insulation with a render finish is highly effective:
- Cost: £80-£120/m² (insulation + render finish)
- Energy savings: £200-£400/year on heating bills
- Available grants: ECO4 and GBIS schemes may cover part or all of the cost for eligible households
Next Steps
Want to transform your home's exterior? Get free, no-obligation quotes from experienced rendering specialists through Better Home Hub.