The short answer
The main external renders are sand-and-cement, monocouche, silicone, acrylic, lime and pebbledash — they differ in finish, flexibility, breathability, maintenance and cost. Sand-and-cement is the cheapest but is painted and can crack; monocouche and silicone are through-coloured and low-maintenance; lime is breathable and suits older walls; pebbledash is a textured traditional finish. The right choice depends on the age and construction of your walls as much as on looks and budget. These are general descriptions, not a recommendation for your property — see the silicone vs acrylic vs monocouche comparison for the popular modern options.
“Render” covers several quite different materials, and the one that suits a 1930s cavity-wall semi is not necessarily right for a solid-wall period cottage. This guide explains the main external render types, what each is made of, how it behaves and roughly what it costs, so you can have an informed conversation with a specialist. All figures are typical illustrations rather than quotes, and rendering should be carried out by a trade-accredited rendering specialist.
Render types at a glance
- Sand-and-cement Cheapest, painted, can crack
- Monocouche Through-coloured, single coat
- Silicone Flexible, self-cleaning, low upkeep
- Acrylic Tough, through-coloured, less breathable
- Lime Breathable, for older solid walls
- Pebbledash Textured, traditional, hard-wearing
The main render types compared
Each render type is a trade-off between upfront cost, appearance, how much maintenance it needs and how well it suits the wall behind it. Through-coloured systems arrive pre-pigmented so there is no painting; cement and pebbledash are usually painted or left as a raw finish. Breathability matters most on older, solid-wall homes, where a render that traps moisture can cause damp.
| Render type | Finish | Fitted cost per m² |
|---|---|---|
| Sand-and-cement | Painted, smooth or textured | £30–£50 |
| Monocouche | Through-coloured, scraped texture | £45–£65 |
| Silicone | Through-coloured, smooth, water-repellent | £50–£70 |
| Acrylic | Through-coloured, tough, smooth | £50–£70 |
| Lime | Breathable, traditional | £55–£80 |
| Pebbledash | Textured, stone-dashed | £35–£55 |
Cement, monocouche and pebbledash
Sand-and-cement is the traditional render: cheap, widely used, but rigid, so it can crack as a building moves, and it is usually painted, which means repainting over the years. Monocouche is a modern, factory-batched, through-coloured render applied in one thickness and given a scraped texture; it costs more but does not need painting. Pebbledash — a coat with small stones thrown onto it — is a hard-wearing traditional finish common on mid-century homes; it hides surface imperfections well but is harder to repair invisibly. See what is rendering for how the coats are built up.
Silicone, acrylic and lime
Silicone and acrylic are thin-coat, through-coloured renders applied over a base coat and mesh. Silicone is flexible and water-repellent, so it sheds dirt and resists cracking and is largely self-cleaning; acrylic is tough and colour-stable but less breathable. Lime render is the traditional choice for older, solid-wall buildings because it is breathable and flexible, letting damp escape rather than trapping it; it is a specialist finish and the most expensive. For the popular modern three, see silicone vs acrylic vs monocouche render.
Which render lasts longest?
Lifespan depends on the system and how well it is applied, but as a rule through-coloured silicone and good monocouche can last 20–30 years with little maintenance, while painted sand-and-cement needs periodic repainting and is more prone to cracking. Lime render on the right wall is very durable and repairable. Whatever the system, the quality of the preparation and application matters as much as the material — which is why accreditation and references count. See how to choose a renderer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of render for a house?
There is no single right answer — it depends on the wall. Modern cavity-wall homes often suit through-coloured silicone or monocouche for low maintenance, while older solid-wall properties usually need a breathable lime or mineral render. A specialist advises on a survey based on the construction and condition of your walls.
What is the difference between monocouche and silicone render?
Monocouche is a thicker, single-application through-coloured render with a scraped texture; silicone is a thin-coat through-coloured render over a base coat and mesh, prized for flexibility and being self-cleaning. Both avoid painting. See silicone vs acrylic vs monocouche.
Is lime render better for old houses?
Often, yes — lime render is breathable, so it lets moisture escape from solid walls rather than trapping it, which suits period and listed buildings. It is a specialist finish and costs more than cement render.
Is pebbledash outdated?
Pebbledash is a traditional textured finish that some find dated, but it is hard-wearing and hides surface imperfections. It can be rendered over with a smooth modern finish if preferred, though that adds cost. Taste and the look of the street both play a part.
Sources & further reading
- Render system manufacturers’ approved-installer schemes — specification, finishes and warranties
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB) — finding vetted builders and consumer guidance
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Document L — thermal standards when external wall insulation is added
- RICS — guidance on home improvements and value
This is general information, not advice for your specific property. The right render depends on your walls; rendering should be carried out by a trade-accredited rendering specialist. We are an independent information and introduction service, not a renderer.