Monocouche render – the through-coloured, low-maintenance favourite of UK homeowners – commands a premium over traditional renders. But is it worth the investment? This guide breaks down 2025 costs per m², reveals hidden savings over 20+ years, and compares it to silicone render and acrylic rendering.
| Component | Price Range | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Only | £10 - £18/m² | Brand (Weber, K Rend), colour, texture |
| Labour Only | £25 - £45/m² | Wall complexity, access, regional rates |
| Total Installed | £45 - £75/m² | Standard 2-coat application, no extras |
| Premium Installed | £65 - £95/m² | Includes scaffolding, insulation, complex details |
*Prices exclude VAT. Add 15-25% for London/Southeast.*
(Cost per m² over 25 years)
| Render Type | Install Cost | Repaints/Repairs | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocouche | £65-£95/m² | £0/m² | £65-£95/m² |
| Sand/Cement | £40-£70/m² | £90-£150/m² | £130-£220/m² |
| Silicone Render | £70-£100/m² | £0-£10/m² | £70-£110/m² |
| Acrylic Rendering | £55-£90/m² | £10-£30/m² | £65-£120/m² |
✅ Monocouche Wins On:
*"Monocouche costs 20% more upfront than acrylic but saves £2,500+ on repaints. It’s maths, not marketing."*
– Richard Renderman, MidRender
Get a Tailored Monocouche Quote
Yes – Monocouche is applied in 2 layers (base and finish) over primer. No separate scratch coat render needed.
Premium materials (white cement, pigments), specialised application, and 25-year lifespan justify the cost. Sand/cement requires £££ in repaints.
No – old render must be removed. Pebble Dash requires mechanical stripping (+£15-25/m²).
7-14 days for average home (vs 4-7 days for acrylic rendering). Slow curing prevents cracks.
Trade-offs:
Monocouche: Longer lifespan (25 vs 20 years), better impact resistance.
Silicone Render: Superior self-cleaning, easier patch rendering, more texture options.
