Quick Answer
How much does rendering cost in Australia? The average cost is $45-$90 per square metre depending on finish and surface prep.
Worldwide 2026
Rendering Costs
Real pricing data for every rendering service — cement render, acrylic render, texture coat, lime render, silicone render, repair and more. Compare costs across Australia, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand.
Headline answer
$20–$90/m² installed
Texture coat is the most affordable entry point. Silicone and insulation-combo systems sit at the premium end.
Rendering in Australia costs $20–$90/m² on average in 2026.
Cement render from $30/m². Acrylic render from $40/m². Prices vary by render type, wall area and access requirements.
How we get these prices: we benchmark 350 rendering price points across repair, full-facade, acrylic, cement, and premium coating jobs, then cross-check scaffold needs, wall area, substrate prep, and finish level so one-off lowball quotes do not distort the range.
Price Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your rendering
Use the approximate wall area being rendered. Minimum 20m², maximum 350m².
Choose your options to reveal an estimate
Pick your location and render type to preview your likely budget.
Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed rendering pricing by city
Australia
rendering
From $15/m²
12 service types · 5 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
external wall rendering
From £10/m²
12 service types · 5 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
stucco application
From $3/sqft
12 service types · 5 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
stucco
From C$4/sqft
12 service types · 5 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
rendering
From NZ$18/m²
12 service types · 5 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Rendering Prices by Service — Australia
National average prices per m² including GST — standard residential installation
| Service | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧱Cement Render Sand and cement render — durable base and finish coat for masonry walls | $30/m² | $40/m² | $50/m² |
| 🏠Acrylic Render Flexible acrylic render — crack-resistant, weather-resistant finish coat | $40/m² | $52/m² | $65/m² |
| 🎨Texture Coat Applied texture coating over existing render or substrate — various finishes | $20/m² | $30/m² | $40/m² |
| 🏛️Lime Render Traditional lime render — breathable, flexible, suits heritage and solid masonry walls | $45/m² | $58/m² | $75/m² |
| ✨Silicone Render Silicone-modified render — self-cleaning, highly weather-resistant finish | $55/m² | $70/m² | $90/m² |
| 🔧Render Repair Patch and repair cracked, hollow or delaminated sections of existing render | $15/m² | $25/m² | $35/m² |
| 🗑️Render Removal Remove old failed render back to substrate before re-rendering | $20/m² | $30/m² | $45/m² |
| 🪨Sand & Cement Base Coat Two-coat sand and cement base coat system — preparation for finish coat | $18/m² | $25/m² | $35/m² |
| 🌈Colour / Pigmented Render Pre-coloured acrylic or silicone render — no painting required | $45/m² | $58/m² | $75/m² |
| 🖌️Render & Paint Full render system plus exterior paint — complete external wall makeover | $50/m² | $65/m² | $85/m² |
| 🏗️Render & Insulation Combo External insulation composite system (EICS) with EPS board and acrylic render finish | $80/m² | $110/m² | $150/m² |
| 🏚️Garage / Shed Render Cement or acrylic render on garage, shed or outbuilding exterior walls | $25/m² | $35/m² | $50/m² |
Prices per m² include GST. Based on verified contractor data. Last updated March 2026.
Common Rendering Jobs and What They Usually Cost
Real job costs for typical Australian homes — not just per-m² headline rates.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | On-site time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full house re-render (single storey, acrylic) | Remove old failed render, apply two-coat acrylic system to 150 m² external wall area | $6,000–$12,000 | 3–5 days |
| New home cement render (double storey) | Apply two-coat sand and cement render to 250 m² on new brick or block construction | $9,000–$18,000 | 5–7 days |
| Texture coat application (single storey) | Apply texture coat over existing sound render on 120 m² — refresh without full re-render | $2,400–$5,500 | 2–3 days |
| Render repair — isolated cracking | Cut out, patch and feather cracked sections across 20–30 m² of existing render | $600–$1,800 | 1 day |
| Lime render — heritage front facade | Remove old cement and apply breathable lime render to 40 m² heritage facade | $2,500–$5,500 | 2–3 days |
| Colour render full house (acrylic, no paint) | Two-coat pre-coloured acrylic render system on single-storey — 150 m² | $8,000–$14,000 | 4–6 days |
| Render & insulation combo (EICS/EWI) | Install 40–50mm EPS board, base coat, mesh and acrylic finish to 100 m² | $10,000–$18,000+ | 5–8 days |
| Silicone render — full facade | Apply premium silicone render to 120 m² on existing sound base coat | $8,000–$13,000 | 3–4 days |
| Garage and shed render | Cement or acrylic render on detached double garage — approximately 60 m² | $1,800–$4,200 | 1–2 days |
| Sand and cement base coat only | Apply two-coat base to 100 m² in preparation for acrylic or texture finish coat | $2,200–$4,500 | 2–3 days |
| Render and paint package (single storey) | Full acrylic render plus two coats of exterior masonry paint — 150 m² | $9,000–$16,000 | 5–7 days |
| Render removal and substrate prep only | Hack off failed render and prepare substrate on 100 m² prior to re-render | $2,500–$5,500 | 1–2 days |
ProviderCompare
Compare rendering specialists before you shortlist quotes
Separate budget cement-render crews from premium acrylic, silicone, and EICS specialists before you book measure-ups.
ProviderCompare
Compare Providers
Switch between providers to compare average pricing, footprint, and where each one fits best.
AusRender
Sydney, NSW
Elite Renders
Melbourne, VIC
| Service | AusRender | Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Render | $8,800 | $9,800 |
Service Areas
5 locations
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Service Areas
5 locations
Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra
Best For
Full house cement and acrylic render jobs with broad metro availability.
Best For
Premium acrylic, silicone and heritage lime render projects.
What Affects the Price of Rendering?
Render type and material
Cement render is the most affordable base option. Acrylic and polymer renders cost more but offer superior flexibility and crack resistance. Silicone renders sit at the premium end and offer self-cleaning, highly weather-resistant performance. Lime render is specialist work suited to breathable or heritage substrates.
Wall area and height
Larger wall areas reduce the per-m² rate due to fewer set-up and clean-up breaks. Single-storey homes are cheaper to render than double-storey because scaffolding cost is lower or avoidable. Narrow access, irregular surfaces and multiple window reveals add time and cost.
Substrate condition and preparation
Fresh masonry or block walls in good condition need minimal prep. Removing old failed render (hack-off) adds $20–$45 per m². Stabilising crumbling or contaminated substrates, cutting expansion joints and applying bonding agents are also charged separately.
Number of coats required
Most residential jobs use a two-coat system — base coat plus finish coat. Three-coat systems on rough or uneven surfaces take longer. Single-coat monocouche products can reduce labour time on simpler jobs but carry a higher material cost.
Scaffolding and access
A double-storey home requires scaffolding which can add $1,500–$4,000+ depending on perimeter length. Low-rise work on a single-storey can sometimes be done from ladders or hop-up platforms. Difficult site access, narrow blocks or sloping blocks all push access costs higher.
Finish type and detail work
A smooth trowel finish requires more skill and time than a dash or texture coat. Banding, shadow lines, reveals, columns and architectural features significantly increase labour time and cost. Colour choices (integral vs. painted) affect finishing time and the need for future maintenance.
What Is Usually Included
- Site inspection and substrate assessment
- Supply of render materials including base coat and finish coat
- Application of render to agreed wall areas
- Standard expansion joint placement
- Basic site clean-up on completion
Common Extras to Watch For
- Scaffolding or elevated work platform hire (charged separately)
- Hack-off and removal of existing failed render
- Substrate repair, bonding agents or waterproof membrane
- Painting after render — unless colour render or paint included in scope
- Architectural features, reveals, columns or banding detail
- Insurance repair work or council heritage approval processes
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Rendering Pricing Context
Sydney
Typically 10–20% above national average
Sydney renderers charge a premium due to high labour costs, parking restrictions, and the prevalence of two-storey homes requiring scaffolding. Inner-city heritage suburbs also increase complexity and permit requirements.
Melbourne
Generally 5–15% above national average
Melbourne's large stock of Victorian and Edwardian brick homes drives demand for lime and flexible acrylic renders. Wide temperature swings push owners toward higher-quality crack-resistant systems, adding to average project costs.
Brisbane
Often close to national average
Brisbane prices are shaped by subtropical moisture exposure, which favours silicone and acrylic systems over basic cement. Elevated Queenslander-style homes can increase access complexity and scaffolding requirements.
DIY vs Professional Rendering
Know what you can tackle yourself and what needs a trade
| Task | DIY feasibility | Pro price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply texture coat over existing sound render | Achievable for patient DIYers — spray or roller application, but colour matching and weatherproofing require care | $20–$40/m² installed | DIY possible |
| Patch small render cracks | Small isolated repairs are DIY-friendly using bagged render mix — surface prep and feathering take skill | $15–$35/m² installed | DIY possible for small patches |
| Full cement or acrylic render system | Requires good technique, proper mix ratios, staging and timing — visible poor results are expensive to fix | $30–$65/m² installed | Professional recommended |
| Lime render, silicone render or EICS system | Not suitable for DIY — specialist materials, mixing requirements, and detailing at junctions require trade experience | $45–$150/m² installed | Professional only |
How to Save on Rendering
- 1
Get three or more written quotes that specify the render product, number of coats, and whether scaffolding is included.
- 2
Ask whether a texture coat or colour coat refresh is viable before committing to a full hack-off and re-render.
- 3
Bundle render work with painting, patching or other exterior maintenance to reduce scaffolding costs across the project.
- 4
Book off-peak — avoid peak spring demand and schedule work for autumn or winter in temperate climates where curing conditions allow.
- 5
Confirm who is responsible for scaffolding — some renderers exclude it, which makes direct quote comparisons misleading.
- 6
Prioritise substrate preparation — skipping proper bonding and expansion joints leads to early failure and expensive callbacks.
- 7
Check whether colour render products are included in the quoted price or whether painting is a separate line item.
Best Time of Year to Get Rendering Done
Autumn
Mild temperatures and lower humidity make autumn ideal for render work in most Australian and NZ climates. Scaffolding availability improves as the peak summer demand eases.
Winter
Cold and wet conditions can prevent or delay render curing in southern cities. Dry mild winters in Perth or Brisbane remain viable. Avoid scheduling major render projects when overnight temperatures drop below 5°C.
Spring
Popular season for exterior work. Renderers get busy — book early and confirm scaffolding access. Moderate temperatures suit most render products.
Summer
Hot dry conditions in Australian summers can cause cement render to dry too quickly and crack. Shade and misting help but most renderers avoid extreme heat days. Evening and early morning work may be offered on heat-wave days.
How Local Housing Stock Changes Rendering Costs
Use the project type, not just the national average, when you benchmark your quote.
Inner-city terraces and semis
Tight access, parking restrictions, and scaffold handling make these projects slower than open-suburban jobs. The effective installed rate usually sits above the generic per-m² headline.
Straightforward new-build facades
Open access, uniform blockwork, and simple elevations keep labour efficient. This is where monocouche, acrylic, and texture systems compete most aggressively on price.
Heritage and solid-wall homes
Breathable systems, careful removal, and slower preparation matter more than the cheapest quote. Material compatibility is the main cost driver on older masonry.
Coastal and high-rainfall suburbs
Salt exposure and wind-driven rain push more owners toward acrylic or silicone finishes. The upfront price is higher, but maintenance and staining risk are usually lower.
A fair comparison means matching substrate, access, number of storeys, and finish type. A cheap quote on a simple garage wall is not a good benchmark for a full re-render on an older two-storey facade.
That is why city pages, housing style, and project scope matter as much as the raw per-m² rate.
Cement render costs $30–$50 per m² in Australia. Acrylic render runs $40–$65 per m². Silicone render ranges from $55–$90 per m². Texture coat is the most affordable at $20–$40 per m². Prices vary by render type, substrate condition, and access requirements.
Cement (sand and cement) render is the traditional, lower-cost option. It is hard and durable but more prone to cracking with movement. Acrylic render is polymer-modified, making it more flexible and crack-resistant. Acrylic systems also accept integral colour pigments, reducing the need for painting. For most Australian homes, acrylic render offers better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.
Quality acrylic or silicone render on a well-prepared substrate can last 20–30 years before requiring major attention. Cement render may show cracking earlier, particularly on homes with minor structural movement. Texture coats and painted render typically need a refresh coat every 8–12 years. Regular visual checks and prompt repair of cracks extends render life significantly.
Lime render is a traditional breathable render made with hydraulic or non-hydraulic lime instead of Portland cement. It allows moisture to pass through the wall, which is critical for older solid-wall buildings, stone, heritage brick, and mud-brick substrates. Using rigid cement render on these substrates traps moisture and causes damage. Lime render costs more and takes longer to apply but is the correct choice for heritage applications.
Yes — external rendering is one of the most visually transformative home improvements. A fresh render can lift street appeal, protect weatherboard or aging brick from moisture, and contribute to perceived property value. Real estate agents commonly cite rendered homes as attracting stronger buyer interest. The ROI depends on property type and local market but is generally considered a strong cosmetic investment.
A standard rendering quote includes materials (base coat and finish coat), labour for application to agreed wall areas, and basic clean-up. Scaffolding is commonly excluded and charged separately. Removal of old render, substrate repairs, bonding agents, and painting are also usually separate unless specifically included in the written quote.
A full single-storey house render typically takes 3–5 days. A double-storey home takes 5–8 days depending on the number of coats and complexity. Render requires drying time between coats — usually 24 hours minimum. Curing to full hardness takes several weeks, though the surface can be painted after approximately 7 days on most acrylic systems.
How We Get These Prices
- • We compare residential rendering quotes by product type, substrate, number of coats, and whether scaffolding and removal are included.
- • We normalise pricing to a per-m² basis where possible, then cross-check against completed-job totals for typical single and double-storey projects.
- • We separate render supply, labour, scaffolding, removal, and painting so published ranges stay comparable across quotes.
- • We review city-level differences through labour markets, housing stock type, climate, and access complexity.
- • We refresh ranges when new contractor data shows a consistent market move rather than a one-off promotional price.
Related Services
Compare prices for other exterior home services