How much does Rendering cost?

DIY rendering can be an excellent way to level up your home’s exterior while saving money. However, this requires special tools, techniques, and experience to achieve quality results. That’s why it’s recommended that you seek professional help for such a complex job. 

The average cost of rendering in Australia depends on multiple factors. The amount of experience the renderer has in the industry, the styles and finishes used, and the reputation of the company determine the final price tag. Rendering costs per square metre are the main factor to consider and are influenced by the size of the building. The average cost of rendering is between $1,000 to $12,000.

Rendering Costs in Australia

Type of render

The type of render performed is one of the main factors that influence the cost of the job. There are a variety of materials that are available to use, which can be applied to different surfaces of buildings. Rendering may be an investment but can boost the value of the home by ten times.

Size of project

Renders charge by square metres for each project after evaluating the size of the exterior wall that needs to be rendered. The larger the rendering project, the higher the wall rendering cost will be and the more materials will be used. The texture will need to be applied appropriately, requiring a significant amount of time and effort. The average size of a house has 400 square metres of surface area on the outside wall.

Location

The location of the building also influences the cost of the rendering services that are performed. Costs can increase if you live far from your suppliers, or it is difficult to access your property.

Materials 

The materials used in rendering can significantly impact the cost of a project. The quality of the sealer for the render, the type of scratch coat render used, and the use of paint tint or green render sealer can all dictate the price of the job. Higher quality materials may be more expensive but can result in a more durable and long-lasting finish.

Moreover, product brands such as Dulux Acratex, Dunlop Acrylic Render, and Rockcote Render have different price points based on the quality of materials. Some brands may be more expensive than a similar product due to the brand’s reputation for quality, ultimately influencing the cost of the rendering project.

Using a DIY 2-pack paint kitchen may be your first option to cut costs, but you must also ensure compatibility with existing finishes and materials. If you’re unsure about materials, check with your contractor for recommendations. 

Rendering prices also vary depending on the type of material used on the exterior of the building. Each texture has a different cost due to the quality of the material.

Cement Rendering

Cement rendering is one of the most common forms of rendering, due to the simplicity of the contents and cost-effectiveness. The cement rendering cost is $30 per m² to $70 per m², which can equate to $12,000 to $20,000 for an average building.

Acrylic Rendering

Acrylic is a topcoat used over exterior finishes and costs. Acrylic rendering is growing in popularity and is more expensive than a cement render as acrylic tends to come in premixed buckets and is usually used as a topcoat and requires a base coat.

Limestone Rendering

The average limestone render cost is $50 per m². Lime allows for the collection and evaporation of moisture, ensuring the building can “breathe.”

Other Types of Rendering

• • Polymer rendering is a unique type of cement rendering which mixes coloured additives into the cement.
  • Brick rendering costs have ranged for Oneflare customers from $400 to $5,500.
  • Monocouche render costs an average of $50 per square metre because it requires installing fibreglass mesh in the first layer of the render, which prevents it from cracking for added strength and durability.
  • Insulating render cost has an average price tag of $100 to $150 per square metre. Insulating render involves an external insulative layer to the render finish.
  • Blue board is a base sheet generally used for external wall cladding. A blue board render cost will vary based on the types of acrylic render used.

It can be quite overwhelming to decide which type of rendering is right for you and also budgeting to invest in rendering your home. Here are a few benefits to help you decide if rendering is right for you.

Insulation

• • Reduces the cost of energy use
  • Improves the climate indoors
  • Waterproofs the building
  • Prevents drafts

Money-saving

• • Reduces the risk of repairs needed
  • Lowers the energy bill

Aesthetic

• • Completes the look of the building
  • It covers exposed brick
  • Allows the building to look new again
  • It covers exposed brick

Increases property value

• • Improves the aesthetics of the building
  • Creates a finished look
  • Boosts the home’s curb appeal.
  • Rendering makes the building look stylish and modern.
  • Rendering a house does add value.

Home with grey rendering. | Source: Rendermaster and renovations

Cladding

$30 – $80 per square metre

Cladding is any material located on the exterior of your home. Generally, this material is placed on another material to create an extra layer. There are various different types of cladding, each with their own benefits. Cladding can:

• Keep maintenance costs low
• Add to the aesthetics of your home
• Improve insulation

Plastering

$20 – $90 per square metre

Plastering involves the coating of interior walls and ceilings. It creates a durable, smooth finish to walls that may need to be painted in the future.

Rendering

$30 – $150 per square metre

Rendering involves applying cement to the exterior of a building, producing a smooth or textured finish. Rendering can improve insulation, protect your building from various elements and improve the external look of your property.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

• Determine the square footage of the exterior walls on your building.
• Search online for local renderers.
• Compare rates.
• Interview the top choices.
• View the professional’s past work
• Ask for references.
• Ask the render to visit the property.

Licensing and Qualifications

• The company should offer a guarantee on the work performed and the materials that are used.
• The render should be able to provide proof of their licensing and follow the state’s requirements.
• You can also contact the state to verify the renderer’s license.

How to Save Money Hiring a Renderer

• Perform the surface preparation yourself.
• Select more cost-effective materials.
• Hire the services during the off-season when prices are lower.

Which coloured render do I choose?

Use tester pots, which are typically provided by the renderer, to select the right colour render for your property. Something like a Unitext render colour chart and viewing the render colour in-person will allow you to get a better view of the specific shade you’re interested in using. It will also ensure you’re satisfied with the end result after it’s applied.

Does coloured render need to be reapplied?

Coloured render can be refreshed and reapplied in 10 years after it’s begun to fade due to exposure to various environmental elements. Silicone paint is an ideal option because it’s tinted, allowing it to match the specific colour initially used on the building when the rendering was originally performed.

How long does render last on a house?

An exterior rendering job has an approximate lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Factors such as type of render used and the location of the property will have a significant impact on how long the render will last.

How long does a render take to dry?

Render typically takes 1-3 days to dry. Weather conditions, humidity levels, and render type can impact drying time. Consult a professional for specific project estimates.

Can painting Blueboard before rendering have an impact on the final result?

Painting Blueboard before rendering can affect the final result. The paint should be removed or prepared correctly beforehand to prevent issues with adhesion and a smooth finish. Consult a professional renderer to identify the best options for your project.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources