Render vs Painted Brick vs Cladding: Which Finish Should You Choose?

Render, masonry paint and cladding all change how a house looks, but they work differently and cost very different amounts. The right one depends on the condition of your walls, your budget and how long you plan to stay.

	Render (silicone, pre-coloured)	Masonry paint	Cladding (timber, composite, brick slips)
What it is	A coat of render over prepared walls	Paint on brick or existing render	Panels or slips fixed to the wall
Indicative cost	About £50 to £95 per m² for silicone	About £10 to £25 per m²	Usually the highest of the three
Lifespan	Decades if well installed	Repainting every several years	Depends on material
Maintenance	Light washing	Repaint periodically	Varies by material
Weather protection	Strong	Moderate	Strong when well detailed
Hides poor walls	Yes	Limited	Yes
Works with insulation	Yes	No	Yes

Costs are indicative and based on published 2026 UK guides.

Render

Best when walls are weathered, uneven or patched, or when you want insulation and a long-lasting finish without repainting. It changes the look completely.

Masonry paint

Best as a lower-cost refresh on sound walls. It needs repainting over time, and painting brick can't easily be undone, so think before covering good brick.

Cladding

Best where a particular look is wanted, such as timber or brick-slip. It usually costs more and needs careful detailing at joints and edges.

Questions to ask yourself

• Are the walls sound, or do they need repair?

• Do I want insulation as well?

• How long will I stay?

• Is the property in a conservation area or restricted by planning?

• What look do I want the house to have in 10 years?

Our view

For most weathered or tired London houses, and anywhere insulation is wanted, silicone render offers the best balance of cost, protection and low maintenance. We'll say so if another option suits you better. Send photos to Alb Render on WhatsApp on 07846 928256.

Related reading

• Silicone, monocouche or acrylic render: which is right?

• What is silicone render?

• How much does it cost to render a house in London?

Explore our rendering services, see our recent work, or get a free quote.