Brick walls in gardens are prone to deterioration over time, leaving them looking tired and weathered.
Rendering instantly revitalises your landscape, offering a protective shield from environmental elements, boosting the durability of the underlying wall, and creating a uniform yet customisable surface.
Before embarking on the rendering process, consider your options. You may render a garden wall as it is or want to rebuild it for a fresh start. If you decide to demolish and reconstruct, consider hiring a skip for the hassle-free removal of rubble and unwanted brick waste.
Enhancing your garden doesn’t always require heavy spending — sometimes, a bit of knowledge and elbow grease is all you need.
Let’s explore what wall rendering is, evaluate the cost implications of hiring a skilled plasterer, and uncover how to do it yourself for a fraction of the price.
What is wall rendering?
Wall rendering is a transformative procedure involving the application of a specialised render to a brick wall. This coating, typically composed of cement and sand, provides essential weatherproofing, resilience, and curb appeal.
Rendering caters to various wall types, offering aesthetic and practical functionality. On completion, it presents a neat finish, elevating the visual appeal of the wall while fortifying its structural integrity.
Can you render a garden wall yourself?
Outdoor wall rendering can be costly, especially when you factor in labour and materials. Opting for the do-it-yourself route can help mitigate expenses and keep your budget intact.
The idea of rendering a garden wall yourself may seem daunting, but rest assured, it’s manageable with proper guidance. Rendering is similar to plastering internal walls, making it a feasible project for DIY enthusiasts. It’s difficult because it requires effort and attention to detail, but it’s not impossible to achieve satisfactory results.
The cost of rendering a wall
The expense of hiring professionals to render your garden walls can add up quickly.
Plasterers typically charge between £150 to £400 per day for render removal, so your preparation costs could be high.
For the rendering process, professionals may demand anywhere from £25 to £40 per square metre for garden walls, excluding material expenses and labour charges.
The project’s total duration can fluctuate depending on factors like wall size and the type of render used, further influencing the total cost.
When done well, rendering a wall yourself can deliver professional results and save you money. Our rendering guide applies to various walls and could be the solution to reviving your outdoor space.
Essential tools for rendering a garden wall
Before starting your rendering project, ensure you have the correct equipment. These are the tools you’ll need:
- Plastering hawk — An indispensable tool for transporting the render mix to the wall, reducing spillage, and providing a stable platform for application.
- Trowel — A small handheld tool with a pointed blade, ideal for evenly spreading the render across the wall.
- Electric mixer — Investing in an electric mixer will streamline the process of thoroughly blending the render mixture to achieve the desired consistency.
- Rendering mesh — To reinforce the plaster and render and prevent movement, ensuring long-term stability.
- Mixing bucket — A dedicated container for mixing the render.
- Brush — Essential for prepping the wall by removing debris and ensuring a clean, smooth base for rendering.
- Sponge — The finishing touch for achieving a desirable result.
- Plank of wood — Used for straightening and levelling the applied render, ensuring a consistent finish.
You’re ready to start once you’ve ticked off everything on this list.
How to render a wall
Rendering can elevate a plain garden wall into a striking focal point to complement your landscape design. It’s a challenging project but entirely feasible with the right tools and know-how.
Learn how to render a garden wall by following our five simple steps.
Step one: Preparation
The key to a successful render application is rigorous preparation of the wall. Neglecting this crucial step could result in render collapse, putting you back at square one.
Begin by removing and disposing of any old render, ensuring a clean canvas for the project. Hiring a skip for this task is wise for its convenience and ability to maintain a tidy work area.
When old render and debris have been removed, inspect the wall for any cracks or holes. If you notice any substantial damage, consult a professional to avoid a potential structural disaster. For minor imperfections like manageable cracks and holes, fill them in.
Conclude the preparation by wiping the wall with a bristle brush and water. Once it’s clean, the wall is ready for rendering.
Step two: Choosing and mixing your render
Many rendering options are available, so choosing one that best suits your project requirements is crucial. Once you’ve selected one, refer to the mixing instructions provided on the packaging for guidance.
Regardless of brand or type, the render must be mixed thoroughly using a bucket, water, and an electric mixer. Aim for the consistency of clay — firm yet pliable. Once this consistency is reached, the render can be applied to the wall.
Step three: Applying the render
Applying the render can feel daunting, but mastering the technique is simple. Use a trowel to scoop up some render and transfer it to your plastering hawk.
Hold your hawk at a 45-degree angle against the wall and spread the render evenly, completing one section before moving to the next. Aim to achieve a thin, uniform layer across the whole wall. The first layer shouldn’t be any thicker than 5mm.
Step four: Installing rendering mesh
Enforce the structural integrity of your garden wall with rendering mesh.
Begin by laying the rendering mesh over the freshly applied render, ensuring it lies flat and covers the entire surface seamlessly.
Once installed, apply a second thicker layer of render on top. Aim to make this layer around 10mm thick, effectively covering the mesh and reinforcing the wall.
Step five: The finishing touches
To achieve a flawless result, attention to detail is pivotal.
Wait 30 minutes after applying the second render layer, then place a wooden plank firmly against the bottom of the wall, where it meets the ground. Gradually pull the plank upwards, towards the top. This technique evens out the surface, creating a smooth appearance.
Once the surface is levelled, finish off the render by running a damp sponge across the wall. This final step provides a smooth, polished finish to your garden wall.