In short
- Through-coloured render typically costs £55–£120 per m² in 2026; cladding ranges widely from uPVC at around £80 per m² to premium timber and fibre cement at considerably more.
- Render gives a seamless finish; cladding adds texture and warmth and suits feature areas.
- Timber needs periodic treatment; composite, fibre cement and render need little.
- In conservation areas and the Surrey Hills, both render and cladding on an unclad house need planning permission.
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Comparing the options
| Silicone render | Timber | Composite | Fibre cement | uPVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Seamless, modern | Natural, warm | Timber-effect | Crisp, painted-effect | Plain |
| Maintenance | Occasional clean | Treatment or weathering | Low | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | Varies by species and care | Long | Long | Moderate |
| Fire performance | System-dependent | Combustible | Varies | Non-combustible options | Combustible |
| Typical use | Whole house | Feature panels, gables | Upper floors, extensions | Whole elevations | Budget refresh |
When render is the better choice
- You want a whole-house transformation with a clean, continuous look.
- The walls are brick or block with sound surfaces.
- You want to add external wall insulation at the same time.
When cladding makes sense
- Replacing tired tile hanging on upper floors, common on 1970s and 1980s houses in Camberley and Woking.
- Adding texture or warmth to part of a rendered house.
- Timber-framed extensions where cladding is part of the structure's design.
Combining the two
A render lower storey with cladding above, or render with a timber or composite feature panel around the entrance, is a popular remodel. The junctions need care: flashings, cavity closures and consistent drainage lines. See render finishes explained.
Planning and fire safety
In conservation areas, the Surrey Hills National Landscape and on Article 2(3) land generally, cladding the exterior with render, timber, plastic or tiles is not permitted development. On taller residential buildings, combustible cladding is restricted by Building Regulations. See planning permission for rendering.
Weight and structure
Render and most lightweight cladding add modest load to a wall. Heavier options, such as some stone-effect systems, may need structural checks. Where cladding is fixed to battens, the fixings must go into sound masonry or structure, which is worth checking on older or non-traditional homes.
Maintenance compared over 20 years
Timber cladding needs regular treatment, or it weathers to grey if left untreated. Painted timber needs repainting. Composite and fibre cement need occasional cleaning. Through-coloured render needs occasional cleaning. Painted render needs repainting every five to ten years.
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 render over tile hanging?
No. Tile hanging must be removed and the structure behind assessed, then a suitable substrate such as render boards installed.