Sand and cement render remains a popular choice for UK homes due to its low upfront cost. But what really drives the price per square metre? This guide reveals 2025 costs, compares it to modern alternatives like silicone render, and exposes hidden expenses that cheap quotes often hide.
| Cost Component | Price Range | Key Influencers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Only | £5 - £10/m² | Mix quality, additives, local supplier rates |
| Labour Only | £20 - £40/m² | Wall complexity, regional rates (London +25%) |
| Total Installed (Basic) | £25 - £50/m² | Single coat, simple walls, no finishes |
| Total Installed (Premium) | £40 - £80/m² | 2-coat system, mesh reinforcement, textured finish |
| Prices exclude scaffolding, VAT, or substrate repairs. |
❌ Surface Prep (20-30% of total cost):
❌ Long-Term Maintenance:
*"Choosing sand/cement render based solely on m² price costs 2-3x more over 10 years. Modern acrylic rendering slashes maintenance."*
– Richard Renderman, MidRender
(Costs per m² installed over 15 years)
| Render Type | Upfront Cost | Repairs/Repaints | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand & Cement | £40-£80/m² | £90-£150/m² | £130-£230/m² |
| Silicone Render | £60-£100/m² | £0-£20/m² | £60-£120/m² |
| Acrylic Rendering | £55-£90/m² | £10-£30/m² | £65-£120/m² |
*Modern renders self-clean, resist cracking, and carry 20-25 year guarantees vs 5-10 years for sand/cement.*
No. Sand/cement requires painting 4-6 weeks after application. Budget £8-£15/m² for professional masonry paint.
Cheap quotes often skip: reinforcement mesh, proper substrate prep, or bonding agents. This causes blown render within 2-3 years.
Only for small areas (<10m²). Large DIY jobs often fail due to incorrect mix ratios, poor curing, or lack of weather resistance training.
Scaffolding adds £15-£40/m² depending on height/duration. For single-storey extensions, it may double your render cost.
No. Use proprietary rendering systems designed for EWI (External Wall Insulation). Sand/cement cracks over flexible insulation.
