Cost to Pebble Dash a House

How Much to Pebble Dash a House?

Pebble dashing your home will give it a whole new look. It’s a great way to improve the aesthetics of the outside of your home and is also an effective way to increase the resale value of your property if you decide you want to sell your home.

Pebble dashing will cost roughly between £2,000 and £5,000 depending on the size of your home. For example, the pebble dash price for a 2-bedroom terraced house will cost around £2,100 to £4,800 whereas the cost to pebble dash a 4-bedroom detached house will cost around £2,700 and £9,200.

It’s important to hire the right specialists for a pebble dashing job. You want to ensure that the right equipment is being used and that the right materials are being used. This is not the kind of project that can be done as a DIY job over a weekend.

Removing all rubble, rendering the siding, improving the roof, and improving the side appearance are all parts of the job that should be included in the price. Take the time to choose the best contractor for the job so that you can ensure that you get the most affordable pricing and the most qualified professionals for the job.

No matter the reason for you choosing a pebble dash, it is the perfect way to improve the appearance of your home.

Pebble Dash Prices per M²

Pebble dashing costs per m² range on average between £30 and £60 per square metre, with the size of the job being one of the factors that can affect the cost.

To help you calculate how much it might cost to pebble dash your home, the following table provides details of the average cost of pebble dashing per square metre.

Pebble Dash Prices by House Type

For an idea of the total cost of your pebble dashing project, the table below details the average prices for pebble-dashing homes based on their type and size.

Pebble Dash Cost Calculator

Factors That Impact Pebble Dashing Costs

There are a number of factors that may increase or decrease the cost of your pebble dashing project. The following list indicates some factors that may affect the cost:

• Where you live can affect the cost. London is the most expensive area and could cost you up to £30 to £100 more per square metre when compared to getting your home pebble-dashed in the north of the UK.
• If you live in a bungalow, the labourers won’t need to use scaffolding. This could save you around £750 to £1,000.
• Whether or not you choose to have your pebble dash painted after the job is complete can affect the price of the entire job. You could save a considerable amount of money by leaving your pebble dash as it is. The best option may be to choose a pebble dash that has a beautiful appearance without paint.
• If you have a chimney on your property, or if you have extra storeys on your home then extra scaffolding will be required and this could bump the price up by a further £500 to £1,000.
• If you have a lot of windows on your home, this can make the job more difficult and will, therefore, push up the cost of the project.
• The size of your home is also a major factor in the cost of your pebble dashing project. The price of pebble dashing a 2-bedroom terraced house is around £2,100 to £4,800 whereas the cost to pebble dash a 4-bedroom detached house is around £2,700 to £9,200.

Additional Pebble Dash Costs

As well as the typical cost for your pebble dashing project, there are potentially some additional costs that are worth bearing in mind. These will depend on the size and type of pebble dashing project you're completing, but can include:

• Painting house exterior – If you would like to have your pebble dashing painted as a finishing touch, you will be looking to pay around £10 to £25 per m².
• Old render removal costs – Old, existing render will need to be removed before the new exterior finish can be applied. Expect to pay anywhere between £20 and £60 per m² for old render or pebble dash removal.
• Scaffolding costs – If required, the cost of scaffolding could add an extra £750 to £1,000 to the job.
• Cost of hiring a skip – If you're removing old render, then there will almost certainly be a need for skip hire, which could cost £220 to £440.
• Remedial work costs – For the best finish, your walls may need cracks or pointing repaired before the pebble dashing is applied, costing £20 to £60 per m², depending on the condition.

What Is Pebble Dash?

Pebble dash is a type of rendering that is used for the external walls of a building. It features a top coat with a textured finish by using stone and decorative aggregates to create a rough surfact. The whole wall is rendered with lime and cement and then involves throwing small pebbles onto it and having them pressed in while it's still wet.

Pebble dashing became a popular form of rendering between the 1890s and the 1930s. It was brought in as part of an arts and crafts movement which was developed to revive traditional building structures and create a new form of architecture. However, it has since also been used to protect homes that exposed to the elements by adding a durable layer to the exterior.

Pebble dashing is used as a way of adding a new aesthetic to an existing home and can potentially hide unattractive brickwork. It completely changes the look of a building and adds a completely different vibe to the outside look of your home.

How to Pebble Dash a House

Pebble dashing a house is a complex job that often requires the use of commercial-grade equipment and supplies, whereby the majority of homeowners simply do not have the knowledge, skills or available time needed to complete this kind of job as a DIY project.

It is important to hire a contractor that is qualified and capable of carrying out a high-quality pebble dash, and it's always highly recommended to compare more than one quote before committing. With the help of MyJobQuote, you can find local pebble dashing experts ready to provide a free quote with no obligation to go ahead with the work.

The following provides a basic outline of the various steps involved in pebble dashing an exterior wall.

Before the Job Starts

• Mixing the Lime and Base Mixture — Mix up the hydrated lime with water according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and check the instructions in case it needs to be left to hydrate. Then mix together one-part of the slaked lime, one-part cement and six-parts sand, to create the base mixture ready for spreading onto the wall.
• Preparing the Pebbles — Wash and rinse all your pebbles before draining in order to ensure they are clean and to remove any debris. Place them in several buckets or within a large flat bin and place them alongside the wall being pebble dashed.

During the Job

• Apply the Base Layer — Trowel the mixture onto the wall, keeping it level and using the edges to create a flat, smooth layer. It is then left to dry until the render has become firm, this will then act as the base layer. Rake the surface with a notched trowel to create a grooved surface, making it easier for the second coat to stick. Allow this layer to dry for at least 24 hours.
• Applying the Top Coat — Mix up your top coat of five-parts sand to one-part cement and one-part slaked lime. Trowel this mixture over the base layer and use the trowel to smooth it out to create a flat, even top layer.
• Collecting Excess Pebbles — Spread a plastic sheet out below the wall you are pebble dashing to help capture any loose pebbles. This allows you to easily collect them for re-using until the wall is completely covered.
• Casting the Pebbles — While holding a bucket of pebbles, take scoopful at a time or by using a trowel, flick the pebbles at the wall. The pebbles should start to stick onto the wall, with any remaining falling onto the plastic sheet below. This process is repeated until the wall is sufficiently covered.

After the Job

• Pressing and Drying — As you go through the process, lightly press the pebbles gently but firmly into place with the back of your trowel. This should be actioned one area at a time, without leaving it too long between sections of pebbles being attached as otherwise this can result in them not being embedded correctly into the wall.
• Final Completion — Repeat the above steps across all areas of your wall and throughout any exterior of your property, where you wish to have pebble dashing. Once the job has been completed, the pebble dash should be left untouched for at least 24 hours to allow for it to dry, although in order to fully cure can take several days.

What Type of Pebble Dash Should I Use?

Pebble dash can come in a number of finishes including marble, flint, and limestone. Each of these options results in a beautiful pebble dash finish. However, the cheaper options of pebble type such as limestone can be prone to staining over time.

A plain limestone pebble dash is priced at around £8 to £10 per 25kg and a mixed-coloured flint or marble pebble dash works out more expensive at around £18 to £20 per 25kg.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of using different types of stone. Below is a list of the pros and cons of each type.

Marble Pebble Dash Cost

Marble is a beautiful, natural stone that offers a variety of colours and has a great finish. The average cost of marble pebble dash is £18 to £20 per kg.

Pros

• ✔ Upscale, elegant appearance
• ✔ Wide variety of colour options available
• ✔ Offers a glistening effect

Cons

• ✖ Can be quite expensive in comparison to other options
• ✖ Can develop some staining over time

Flint Pebble Dash Cost

Flint is a beautiful finish of stone that has the benefit of coming in a variety of colours. The average cost of flint pebble dash is £18 to £20 per kg.

Pros

• ✔ Wide variety of colour options available
• ✔ Stain and weather resistant
• ✔ Scratch-resistant
• ✔ Beautiful appearance

Cons

• ✖ Can be quite expensive in comparison to other options
• ✖ Colour may fade over time in the sunlight

Limestone Pebble Dash Cost

Limestone is a great option for pebble dashing your property if you are on a fixed budget. The average cost of limestone pebble dash is £8 to £10 per kg.

Pros

• ✔ Budget-friendly option
• ✔ Beautiful natural look

Cons

• ✖ Can be prone to damage
• ✖ Can be prone to staining over time

There are a number of different types of pebbles dash. The most popular option is a dry pebble dash, which involves throwing the pebbles at a cement mixture covered wall and pressing the stones into the wall and allowing them to dry onto the surface.

Pebble Dash Finishing Options

There are some other options available if you are interested in a more unique style of pebble dash. Below are some other options of pebble dash available and the process behind each one.

Wet Dash (or Roughcast)

A wet dash is when pebble and stone chippings or Spar are mixed into the final coating of mortar. This mixture is then sprayed or cast onto the wall. This is a traditional finish of pebble dash on homes all around the UK, however, it has generally become a much less popular option in recent years.

Harling

Harling is also considered to be a traditional pebble dash finish. It is seen mostly on houses in Scotland and Ireland. Traditionally, Harling was a lime-based product that was cast onto exterior walls using a flicking method.

The process involves layering lime until it reaches the desired effect. This is also a useful type of covering for walls that have been poorly maintained or for covering up old brickwork.

Tyrolean

Tyrolean is a textured finish that is mostly seen on properties in England and Wales. It involves using a tyrolean gun to build up textured layers until the desired finish is achieved. This method is great for covering up walls that have old or poorly conditioned brickwork.

Stucco

Made from a combination of cement, lime, sand and water, stucco provides a more decorative finish to external walls. It can be applied in multiple layers to create a protective finish that can be smooth or textured.

Pebble Dash Vs Render

A pebble dash involves throwing small pebbles at a wall of base render to form a unique textured finish, whereas rendering a house in essence involves creating a smooth or textured appearance with layers of the mixture. Both pebble dash and render create a unique look for the home, and they are both great for covering up old or worn brickwork.

Both pebble dash and rendering can come in a huge range of colours. Pebble dash colours are based on the colours of the pebbles, whereas a render can usually be mixed to any colour that you would like.

Pebble Dash Alternatives

There are a number of alternative render options available as an alternative to a pebble dash. The list below highlights some alternatives to a pebble dash along with some information on each of these alternatives.

Acrylic Render Cost

With an acrylic render, acrylic or polymer ingredients are used to bind this type of render. It is usually pre-made and will arrive at your home in tubs. It can even be pre-coloured if you wish so your home can have a lovely vibrant and unique finish to it. Acrylic rendering costs around £40 to £60 per metre squared.

Pros

• ✔ Durable
• ✔ Can be pre-coloured
• ✔ Arrives ready-made

Cons

• ✖ May need additional sealant to improve Waterproofing qualities
• ✖ May attract algae or mold in damp or shaded areas

Silicone Render Cost

A silicone render also has the benefit of having a huge choice of colours, but has an added level of waterproofing. It self-cleans by staying dry and even sometimes features alkaline content that discourages algae.

Silicone render is seen as more of a premium type of render and therefore comes with a high price. Silicone render costs usually fall somewhere between £50 and £70 per metre squared.

Pros

• ✔ Waterproof
• ✔ Self-cleaning
• ✔ Comes in a number of colours

Cons

• ✖ Expensive

Monocouche Render Cost

Monocouche render is a cement-based render designed to be applied in a single coat and typically at a thickness of around 10–15mm. Supplied as a dry pre-mixture and blended with water on site before application, used correctly it can achieve an even and decorative finish. Reinforcing mesh may also be used in certain areas where additional strength is required.

It is available in a range of colours and can be finished with different textures, including smooth or scraped finishes, giving the appearance of a clean, uniform façade. Monocouche render typically costs around £45 to £65 per metre squared, making it similar in price to silicone render.

Pros

• ✔ Available in a range of colours
• ✔ Can be finished with different textures
• ✔ Durable and weather-resistant

Cons

• ✖ Expensive

Lime Render Cost

Lime render is a traditional type of render often used on older or heritage buildings. It gives a wonderful characterful look to your home. It is a specialist product and can be difficult to apply.

Lime render costs around £50 to £60 per m² and to create the desired end results usually needs three coats between 8mm-10mm in thickness. The exact amount of render required will depend on the specific property.

Lime render can become firm and functional within the first 48 hours, although the end curing process can continue for weeks or even months after application.

Pros

• ✔ Characterful look
• ✔ Unique

Cons

• ✖ Expensive
• ✖ Has to be applied by a specialist
• ✖ Takes a long time to set

Modern Pebble Dash Colours

Pebble dash is often associated with traditional grey and beige tones, but modern pebble dash colours and finishes are available to suit a range of styles and aesthetic preferences.

Depending on the stone mix, you can achieve the following pebble dash house colours:

• White and light grey - typically made by mixing white spar chippings or quartz, giving a bright finish.
• Earthy yellow tones - found in most spar dash mixes, with a warming tone.
• Dark grey and black - made with black or charcoal basalt for a high-contrast, contemporary finish.

It's important to consider your home's surroundings when choosing pebble dash colours to make sure you don't stand out for the wrong reasons:

• City-centre houses - Darker dash mixes, such as greys and charcoals, can compliment urban areas and modern building. Using a white pebble dash render can help brighten up typically dark areas for a fresh look.
• Countryside houses - Choosing a sympathetic pebble dash colour is important in rural settings. These properties lend themselves more to the earthy tones of yellow, tan, and light grey, in places where stark high-contrast colours might not work as harmoniously.

If you're looking for modern pebble dash colours, you can experiment with different coloured aggregates to create various pebble dash designs.

It's important to remember your house's design when choosing your colours to ensure the pebble dash shade matches your roof's colouring and the overall building design.

For example, mixing bright white pebble dash stones with a slate roof might be too much of a contrast, but a mid-to-light-toned grey could be complementary.

Cost of Painting Pebble Dash

It is possible to paint a pebble dash, however, it is not the most straightforward of jobs. The rough and heavily textured nature of a pebble dash makes traditional painting methods such as a brush and roller time-consuming and often brings poor results.

Pebble dash is rough and uneven, so you’ll need to dab the paint in to reach every gap. Many people use long-pile rollers or hire a decorator because it’s more work than a smooth wall.

If you are using a roller, you will need a long pile roller to ensure the rough texture gets a good, even coating of paint. If the walls you are painting are high, scaffolding may be required to complete the job. This will set you back around £40 to £150 per day depending on the size and complexity of your property.

The prices for painting your external pebble dashed walls can vary depending on the size of your property. Below is a table explaining the prices and timeframes you should expect for a pebble dash painting job.

Below is a list of the costs that may be involved with painting the exterior walls of your home.

• High-quality masonry paint - £3 to £5 per litre
• Stabiliser - £2.50 to £3.50 per litre
• Tubs, brushes, and rollers - £25 to £35

Cost of Pebble Dash Maintenance and Repairs

Keeping your existing pebbledash well-maintained is important to ensuring your exterior walls are protected against the elements, as well as being beneficial to the overall appearance and longevity of your property.

Pebble Dash Maintenance

In order to maintain your pebble dashed wall, simply use a garden hose to keep it clean and free from dirt and debris every 1 or 2 years. Although in the event of heavy staining, a specialist exterior cleaner may be required.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a pressure washer, although this approach should be approached with caution to avoid small pebbles coming loose or causing damage to the existing render. Always have your pressure washer on a low setting, and spray from distance in a downwards motion rather than upwards or directly into the wall, as this can help avoid removing pebbledash accidentally.

At the same time, applying an algae and moss treatment can also prevent further build-up as left untouched any unwanted growth can potentially lead to damp and moisture issues.

Repairing Existing Pebbledash

The price to carry out patch repairs by a professional pebble dash specialist will depend on the size of the area and type of mortar used. However, as a general guide for small cracks or loose spots, expect to pay around £200 to £350 in labour and approximately £40 to £80 for materials, making it significantly less than re-rendering the whole wall.

A tradesman may need to assess the damage first before they can provide you with a quote, especially if are issues with the underlying brickwork or if any additional costs such as hiring scaffolding is required.

Repairing a patch of pebble dash and any existing render will involve clearing loose stones and checking the existing pebble dash render for damage, before applying a new render base coat to the affected area.

Once the base coat has set, a finishing coat of mortar is applied to the exterior walls as required and small pebbles are thrown onto the surface along with any larger stones, so the repaired section naturally blends in.

If you decide to repair small issues yourself, replace the existing render with like-for-like, and remember an effective finishing involves throwing small pebbles and larger stones are strategically placed manually.

How Much to Remove Pebble Dash?

Pebble dash can be removed by a method of chipping the render away or by using specialist tools to grind or cut away sections. Either way, removing a pebble dash render is not a simple task and will require hiring a professional to carry out the job and remove any waste. There is also an element of risk when removing pebble dash as the brickwork underneath can become damaged if it is not done carefully and correctly.

If you do decide that you want to have your pebble dash removed, you will need to carefully consider who you hire to carry out this job. You will need to choose a tradesperson or business who has experience in removing pebble dash, as any damage or poor removal may affect insurance cover if damage occurs due to poor workmanship.

Below is a table indicating the cost of a pebble dash removal depending on the size of your property. The prices below include the cost of labour and materials as needed.

Checklist: Hiring a Pebble Dash Specialist

There are some things you will need to consider when hiring a contractor to carry out your pebble dashing work. Below are the major points that you will need to consider when finding the right company for the job.

• Do they have experience? Choose a company that specialise in pebble dashing a home, rather than a general contractor or builder, and ask for a portfolio or recent examples of their work.
• Do they offer guarantees or warranties? Ask about any guarantees or warranties the company provides for their work, as well as if they are covered by public liability insurance in the event of an accident.
• Have you compared multiple quotes? With MyJobQuote it's recommended to request at least three separate quotes so you can be sure you’re paying a fair price for the work required.
• Can they provide a clear cost breakdown? Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs to avoid any hidden charges, remember to check materials and labour fees, alongside other tasks such as waste removal.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check for customer feedback online via their MyJobQuote profile or ask any friends and family for personal recommendations.
• How long will the work take to complete? Find out the expected timescale for carrying out the work and ensure you have an agreement in place should there be any unforeseen delays, such as due to poor weather conditions.

FAQs