In short
- Cladding is fixed to battens over the wall, creating a ventilated cavity; render bonds directly to the wall or to a carrier board.
- Common combinations: render to the ground floor with cladding above, or render with a cladding feature panel around the entrance.
- Junctions between render and cladding need flashings, cavity closers and consistent drip lines to keep water out.
- In conservation areas and the Surrey Hills National Landscape, cladding a house that is not already clad needs planning permission.
Cladding materials used with render
| Material | Look | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite boards | Timber-effect, consistent | Low | Popular replacement for tile hanging |
| Timber, such as cedar or larch | Natural, warm | Weathers or needs treatment | Combustible; check use on taller buildings |
| Fibre cement | Crisp boards in painted finishes | Low | Non-combustible options available |
| Render-board systems | Rendered finish on timber frame | As for render | Board fixed to battens, then rendered |
| Brick slips | Brick appearance | Low | Bonded to insulation or carrier boards |
Where render and cladding work well together
- Replacing tired tile hanging on 1960s to 1980s houses, common in Burpham, Woking and Camberley, with composite cladding above a rendered ground floor.
- Feature panels around entrances, gables or projecting bays.
- Timber-framed extensions, which often suit cladding or a render-board system rather than render directly on timber.
- Whole-house remodels combining external wall insulation, render and cladding.
Detailing the junctions
Water gets in where materials meet. We plan:
- a horizontal flashing or drip where cladding sits above render;
- cavity closers and insect mesh at the base and top of the cladding cavity;
- matching drip lines at sills and heads of windows;
- a movement joint or stop bead where render meets cladding vertically.
Costs in 2026
Cladding prices vary widely with the material and fixings. As a guide, uPVC cladding starts around £80 per m² installed, while premium timber, composite and fibre cement often cost more, especially once battens, membranes and trims are included. Silicone render typically runs at £60–£120 per m². See render vs cladding for a fuller comparison.
Planning and fire safety
On Article 2(3) land, which includes conservation areas and the Surrey Hills National Landscape, cladding any part of a house's exterior with render, timber, plastic or tiles is not permitted development. On residential buildings over 18 metres, combustible materials are banned in external walls, and Approved Document B carries guidance for buildings over 11 metres. See planning permission for rendering.
Questions people ask
Is cladding cheaper than render?
uPVC cladding can be cheaper per m². Timber, composite and fibre cement are often similar to or more than silicone render once battens and trims are included.
Can you clad over tile hanging?
The tiles are normally removed and the structure behind checked. New battens and a membrane are then fitted before the cladding.
Can you do the cladding as well as the render?
Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire. At the survey we will confirm what we can include in one programme, so render and cladding junctions are detailed by one team.