Cement Rendering Cost

Written by Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron
Writer
Julia is a content writer who is originally from Brighton, but now lives in Spain. She writes about home improvements and health & Wellness. When she’s not working, she likes to get out in the sunshine with a good book.
27th January, 2026
Edited by Emily Dick
Emily Dick
Editor
I have 7 years of experience in content editing, with a strong focus on home improvement content. I specialise in reviewing and refining articles for clarity, accuracy, and structure, creating easy-to-understand, reliable, and user-friendly guides for homeowners.
How we get our data
We gather our data from real quotes given by UK tradespeople to UK homeowners on the MyJobQuote platform.
At a glance
  • The average cost for cement rendering is around £4,000
  • Most jobs take about 5 days to complete
In this guide on cement rendering, you'll find the following:
  • A breakdown of cement rendering costs in 2026 by property type
  • How long the job should take and an overview of what's involved in the process
  • How to find a local house rendering expert with MyJobQuote
person using cement render

Average Cost of Cement Rendering:

Depending on the complexity of the job, it usually takes: 1 week

£4,000

How Much Does Cement Rendering Cost?

How much does sand and cement render cost per m²?

You can pay anywhere between £30 to £50 per m², depending on the size of your home and the area you want rendering.

Cement rendering is an ideal way to spruce up the exterior of your home and leave it looking fresh and new. It will also add value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers if you are thinking of selling.

Have a look through our guide and find out all you need to know about the costs of cement rendering below!

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We can also put you in touch with cement rendering experts in your area so that you can get at least three quotes without any obligation.

Cement Render Prices

The following cement rendering prices include materials and labour fees, and are based on standard size properties within the UK.

Type of Property Average Cost Duration of Job
Terraced House £2,640 – £4,400 2 days
Semi-Detached House £3,880 – £4,850 5 days
Detached House £5,960 – £7,450 8 days
Bungalow £3,080 – £3,850 6 days
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Cement Rendering

The cement rendering costs above are average prices, and there are a number of factors that can affect the final cost of your cement rendering project.

Property Size

The larger your property, the more materials will be required and the longer it will take to render. This is one of the biggest factors in determining how much your cement rendering will cost.

Condition of Your Walls

If your walls are damaged, uneven, or have cracks, they may need to be repaired before they can be rendered. The extra time and materials needed to do this will add to your total costs.

Finish Type

With cement rendering, you have a choice between a smooth, textured, or patterned finish, with different costs for each:

  • Smooth Finish - With a clean and modern look, a smooth finish is created by applying even layers. This is usually the cheapest option but will require painting afterwards.
  • Textured Finish - Textured finishes are a popular choice due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, although the extra work can increase labour costs and make this finish more expensive.
  • Patterned Finish - Applied by hand, patterned finishes are a growing trend, although generally more expensive and often difficult to replicate.
textured render

Accessibility

Properties with multiple storeys, hard-to-reach areas, or complex layouts will often take longer and require more labour and scaffolding, all of which increases the cost of the project.

Location

The cost of rendering a house will depend on where you live in the UK. Prices in London and the South East are higher than in the North of England or Scotland.

Painting & Decorative Finishes

Cement render will usually require painting once it's been applied, to provide additional protection and maximise its durability, increasing the total cost of your project.

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Additional Cement Rendering Costs

There are several other costs you must take into consideration when you decide to cement render your home. Don’t forget to add any extras to your budget.

Old Render Removal Cost

You must have the old render removed before you apply a new render unless you are going to apply external wall insulation. Have a look at the costs of removing old rendering in the chart below:

Type of Property Average Cost Duration of Job
Terraced House £1,500 – £3,000 1 day
Semi-Detached House £3,000 – £5,000 2 days
Detached House £5,000 – £8,000 3 to 4 days
Bungalow £2,000 – £4,000 1 to 2 days
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Scaffolding Installation

Scaffolding will likely be required to remove and renew the cement render. The cost of hiring scaffolding usually starts at around £20 to £25 per m², although this may vary in more expensive areas such as London and the South East.

Hiring scaffolding for a week will normally cost between £200 and £800, depending on the size of your property and the amount of scaffolding needed, likewise your location can also impact the final quote.

Repairing Brickwork

If your brickwork is in poor condition after removing old render, you may need to budget for the additional cost of repointing brickwork (averaging £23–£47 per hour or £45–£60 per m²) as well as replacement bricks. New bricks typically cost between £0.82 and £0.96 per brick, while handmade or reclaimed options can be more expensive.

Skip Hire

Removing old rendering and repairing brickwork will require the additional task of waste removal. In the event the cost of the relevant sized skip hire isn't already included within your quote, then expect to pay around £200 for a small 6-yard skip, although London rates tend to be much higher.

skip hire

Alternatives to Cement Rendering

Cement render is a durable, weather-resistant, and affordable option that's a popular choice for rendering the exterior walls of a property. However, there are other alternatives that may be better for properties that need more flexible, breathable, or lower-maintenance finishes.

Here are some of the most common alternatives to cement rendering:

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is more flexible than traditional cement render due to its resin additives which help reduce the risk of cracking. This makes it a good choice for modern homes that require a smooth, decorative, and durable finish, with typical costs of £30 to £70 per m².

Lime Render

Lime render can be a better option than cement render for older, period properties as it's a breathable render that allows moisture to escape from walls, reducing the risk of damp issues. Lime render usually costs around £50 to £100 per m².

Polymer Render

Polymer render has plastic-based additives to help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of cracking. Properties that are exposed to regular temperature changes or movement may benefit from this type of render, which costs between £30 and £70 per m².

Silicone Render

Silicone render is often chosen over cement render by homeowners who are looking for a low-maintenance but durable finish. It's a water-repellent render that requires less ongoing upkeep and usually costs around £65 to £80 per m².

Monocouche Render

Monocouche render is a through-coloured render, with its pigment added during manufacture, so it doesn't require painting after application and can reduce future maintenance costs. Monocouche render usually costs around £45 to £75 per m².

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How Much Does Render Repair Cost?

If you don’t need to renew your render, then it is possible to carry out patch repairs. The most common types of render repair are to make good cracks that have appeared in the render or to re-paint discoloured parts.

If you notice cracks appearing in the render, then it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Cracked render can let in water, which will cause damp and mould.

The only disadvantage to making repairs is the colour match. Your repair might be a slightly different colour to the original render, but the benefits of repair outweigh the aesthetics in this case.

A tradesperson will charge between £15 and £30 per m² to repair the damaged render, so the total cost will depend on the amount of render that needs fixing. Painting discoloured render will cost, on average, £20 per m².

Are There Ways I Can Reduce the Cement Rendering Cost?

If you are a competent DIY enthusiast, you may want to tackle the entire project yourself. But you will need the time, energy, materials and tools. Hire charges for scaffolding and skip hire won’t change because you are doing the work yourself.

However, you could save between £1,500 and £8,000 by removing the old rendering on your property. You could also get a discount from a tradesperson if you assist them with the work.

Rendering your property does take skill and experience, so we recommend that you hire a professional for the job. If you feel you can tackle it, though, then you’ll save money on labour costs. You’ll still need to pay for materials, tool hire, scaffolding and/or skip costs.

The cost to cement render a house depends on the size of your property. But to buy cement render mix, you’ll be looking at costs between £10 and £15 per m². The table below calculates the average cost of materials for sand and cement combined.

Type of House Average Cost
Terraced £880 – £1,320
Semi-detached £970 – £1,455
Detached £1,490 – £2,235
Bungalow £770 – £1,155
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This is the average cost for cement render mix, which you can buy ready mixed. But you can also buy concrete and sand separately. Some building material shops will provide a discount for bulk buying, which can reduce the price.

How to Render a Wall With Sand and Cement

When applying cement rendering, the following steps need to be followed:

Before Application

  • Preparing the Wall — Prepare the wall by removing damaged mortar or old render, then brush off dust and debris.
  • Mixing the Render — Mix render with water to the correct consistency as per the instructions.

During Application

  • Applying the First Coat — Apply the first coat using a rendering machine or trowel, starting from the bottom and working upwards.
  • Applying the Second Coat — Allow the first coat to dry for a few hours before applying the second coat.

After Application

  • Finishing the Surface — Finish with a smooth, even surface and leave the render to fully dry.
applying render

Checklist: Hiring a Local Tradesman to do Cement Rendering

When hiring someone to carry out rendering work on your behalf, you should consider the following points:

  • Have you asked for multiple quotes? With the help of MyJobQuote you can find local tradesmen in your area that specialise in cement rendering, you can then receive up to 3 quotes so you can compare prices and choose the right fit for the job.
  • Do they have examples of previous work? When speaking to rendering specialists, ask if they have a website or photographs of work they have completed.
  • Do they have reviews from past customers? Look online for reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations; reading customer feedback on their MyJobQuote profile will also help you make an informed decision.
  • Do they have liability insurance? Contractors with insurance will protect both you and themselves in case of accidents. Public liability insurance covers any claims in the event of damage or personal injury while the rendering work is being carried out.
  • Will they arrange scaffolding or skip hire? When receiving a quote, ask for it to be itemised so there are no unexpected extras. This will show if the likes of scaffolding, skip hire, and waste removal are included within the price.
  • How long will the job take? Ask for an estimated timeline and the number of people who will work on your property. If you want to save money by helping with some of the work, discuss this at the quotation stage.
  • Are there any guarantees or warranties? Ask about guarantees and warranties for the rendering work and ensure you receive the relevant documents when the job is complete.
tradesperson rendering

FAQs

What are the benefits of cement rendering?

Cement rendering protects and extends the life of exterior walls, can improve energy efficiency and help reduce heating costs. It can also enhance the look of your home (as well as potentially increasing its value), and provides a durable, low-maintenance finish for your property.

Do I need planning permission or Building Regulations approval for cement rendering?

Planning permission isn’t generally required unless the cement rendering significantly changes the appearance of your property. The exception being if you live in a conservation area or have a listed building, in which case you will need to apply for planning permission regardless of the extent of the work being carried out.

If you are applying new cement rendering or re-rendering 25% or more of the total exterior wall area of your property, building regulations may apply.

How regularly should I have my render cleaned?

To maintain your cement rendering, it is a good idea to clean it at least once a year. If there’s any vegetation, then remove it. Treat the wall with render cleaner to kill bacteria and algae. Then, use a mild detergent and wash it using a pressure hose on low pressure on the fan rather than jet action.

How long does render last?

If well maintained, cement render typically lasts between 7 and 15 years. However, it can be prone to cracking and breaking over time. For a longer-lasting option, lime-based render is often recommended, as it can last between 20 and 30 years with the correct maintenance.

When can you paint cement render?

You can paint cement render when it has completely dried. Depending on the thickness of the application, drying times can be around 4 to 6 weeks.

Is cement render waterproof?

Cement render itself isn’t waterproof and can deteriorate over time. However, adding a waterproofer mix (approximately £12 for 5 litres) and finishing with a water-resistant paint can help improve its durability and longevity.

Does cement rendering come with a guarantee?

Most manufacturers will supply a guarantee or warranty with their product, provided it has been applied correctly. Some manufacturers even offer a crack-free guarantee that covers several years. When hiring a reputable tradesman to apply cement rendering, they are also likely to offer a guarantee for the quality of their workmanship.

How long does the cement render take to dry?

Cement render may take around 4 to 6 weeks to dry out completely. You can see it is dry when the surface is hard and the water has evaporated. Don’t paint the render until it is completely dry. It might crack and need a repair.

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