Render Cost Calculator guide
How Much Does It Cost to Render a House in the UK?
Typical 2026 UK prices for rendering a house, comparing sand and cement, monocouche, silicone, acrylic and lime render, plus scaffolding, regulations and upkeep.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 14 October 20265 min read
Rendering can transform tired brickwork, protect walls from the weather and give a house a fresh, modern look. It's also a significant job that usually needs scaffolding and skilled trades. This guide explains what rendering costs in the UK, the main types of render and the rules you need to know.
For an estimate based on your own walls, use the render cost calculator.
How much does rendering cost per m²?
Render is priced by the square metre of wall. Typical 2026 prices, including preparation, beads and labour but not scaffolding, are:
| Render type | Typical cost per m² | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Sand and cement, painted | £35 – £55 | Traditional, needs repainting |
| Monocouche (through-coloured) | £50 – £80 | Coloured all the way through |
| Acrylic thin-coat | £50 – £80 | Flexible, wide colour range |
| Silicone thin-coat | £55 – £85 | Water-repellent, self-cleaning |
| Lime render | £60 – £95 | Breathable, for older buildings |
How to work out your wall area
To estimate the area, add up the length of each wall you want to render and multiply by the height to the eaves. Then subtract the windows and doors. A typical window is around 1.5m² to 2m² and a door about 2m².
For example, a semi-detached house with 32 metres of wall to render at 5.5 metres high has 176m² of wall. Taking off 18m² of windows and doors leaves about 158m² to render.
Scaffolding
Most rendering jobs on two-storey homes need scaffolding, both for safety and to give a consistent finish. Scaffolding commonly adds £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the size of the house, how many sides are being rendered and how long it's needed. Some renderers include it in their price, others subcontract it, so check your quote.
A worked example
Using the 158m² semi-detached house above with silicone render:
- Silicone render: 158m² at a typical £70 per m² = £11,060
- Scaffolding: £1,800
- Typical total: around £12,860
The realistic range is roughly £10,500 to £15,200. You can switch render types and change measurements in the render cost calculator.
The main types of render explained
Sand and cement
The traditional choice, applied in two or three coats and then painted. It's the cheapest option upfront, but it's rigid and can crack if the building moves, and it needs repainting every five to ten years.
Monocouche
A single-coat, through-coloured cement-based render. Because the colour runs all the way through, small chips are less visible and it doesn't need painting. It's popular on new builds.
Acrylic
A thin-coat render with acrylic resin, applied over a base coat. It's flexible, which helps it resist cracking, and comes in many colours and textures.
Silicone
Similar to acrylic but with added silicone, which makes it highly water-repellent and resistant to algae and dirt. Rain helps wash the surface clean, so it stays brighter for longer. It's one of the most popular choices for modern renovations.
Lime
Lime render is breathable, allowing moisture to escape from solid walls. It's often the right choice for older properties built with soft bricks or stone, and is usually required for listed buildings. Using cement render on these walls can trap moisture and cause damp.
What affects the price?
- Wall condition. Loose or damaged existing render must be removed first, adding cost.
- Access. Tight gaps, conservatories and extensions make scaffolding and work harder.
- Detailing. Corner beads, window reveals, sills and decorative features add time.
- Insulation. External wall insulation (EWI) with a render finish costs much more, but improves energy efficiency.
- Location. Labour rates are highest in London and the South East.
Building Regulations and planning
Building Regulations
If you render more than 25% of an external wall, it usually counts as "renovating a thermal element". In that case, Building Regulations require you to improve the wall's insulation, as long as it's technically, functionally and economically feasible. Your contractor or local building control can advise whether this applies, and you may need to notify building control.
Planning permission
Rendering is usually allowed under permitted development if the materials are similar in appearance to the existing house. You may need planning permission if:
- You live in a conservation area, a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Your home is a listed building, which also needs listed building consent
- The house is a flat or maisonette, which doesn't have the same permitted development rights
Check with your local council before starting if any of these apply.
How long does render last?
A well-applied render can last 20 to 30 years or more. Thin-coat silicone and acrylic renders are designed to stay clean for longer, while painted sand and cement needs repainting periodically. Regular checks for cracks, especially around windows, and fixing them promptly help prevent water getting in.
Getting quotes
- Ask what preparation is included, such as removing old render or repairing brickwork.
- Check whether scaffolding, beads and painting are included.
- Confirm which render system and manufacturer will be used.
- Ask whether they'll handle Building Regulations notification if needed.
- Ask about guarantees, including any manufacturer-backed warranty.
- Get at least three written quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Does rendering stop damp?
Render can protect walls from driving rain, but it won't fix damp caused by other problems, such as a failed damp-proof course or leaking gutters. The wrong render on an old wall can make damp worse.
How long does it take to render a house?
Typically one to three weeks, depending on size, weather and the system used. Render can't be applied in frost or heavy rain.
Can I render over pebble dash?
Sometimes, if it's well bonded, but often it needs removing first. A renderer will assess it.
Rendering is a big investment but can give your home a fresh look for decades. Use the render cost calculator to estimate your budget before you start getting quotes.
Sources and further reading
- Approved Document L: conservation of fuel and powergov.uk
- Building regulations approvalgov.uk
- Planning permission in England and Walesgov.uk
- Planning Portalplanningportal.co.uk
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.