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Roughcast Rendering Quotes

Traditional external render with aggregate thrown into a wet backing coat — highly durable, textured finish used extensively in Scottish and northern English housing. Compare up to 3 free quotes from vetted local tradespeople within 24 hours.

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About Roughcast Rendering

Roughcast rendering is a traditional external wall finish in which aggregate (gravel, coarse sand, or stone chippings) is thrown into a wet render backing coat, creating a heavily textured surface. Similar to pebble dash, roughcast differs in that the aggregate is mixed into the topcoat rather than thrown onto a separate sticky receiver coat.

Roughcast is extremely common in Scotland (where it is often called "harling"), Ireland, and northern England, where it has been applied to millions of homes over the past century. It is robust, weather-resistant, and can last for decades when properly applied and maintained.

Our network includes rendering specialists experienced in roughcast application, repair, and matching. Get free quotes from vetted local tradespeople.

What’s involved

Condition survey — check adhesion, crack patterns, blown sections
Removal of failed areas back to sound substrate
Application of base coat render (scratch coat)
Topcoat mixed with aggregate thrown on to create texture
Surface left to set — no trowelling or smoothing
Painting with masonry paint where desired

Typical costs

Job type
Typical cost
Roughcast repair (per m²)
£20 – £45
New roughcast application (per m²)
£22 – £40
Full re-roughcast semi-detached
£2,500 – £5,500
Remove roughcast + re-render (per m²)
£35 – £75
Roughcast overpaint (per m²)
£5 – £12
Guide prices only. Get 3 quotes for accurate pricing in your area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between roughcast and pebble dash?
In pebble dash, stones are thrown onto a separate wet "dash receiver" topcoat. In roughcast (harling), the aggregate is already mixed into the topcoat material before application. The result looks similar — a coarse, textured, stone-studded surface — but the application method differs.
How long does roughcast last?
Quality roughcast can last 40–60 years or more if properly applied and maintained. Signs that roughcast needs attention include large cracks, hollow-sounding areas, persistent damp on internal walls, or sections falling off.
Can roughcast be painted?
Yes — roughcast is frequently painted with masonry paint in Scotland and northern England. Use a thick-pile roller to get paint into the texture. Repainting is required every 8–12 years typically.
Can I match existing roughcast for a repair?
Matching roughcast is possible but requires care — the aggregate type, size, and mix ratio all need to replicate the original. An experienced renderer working in your area will usually know the local roughcast traditions and be able to achieve a good match.
Is harling the same as roughcast?
Yes — harling is the Scottish and Irish term for roughcast rendering. The technique and result are essentially the same. Harling has been the dominant external finish on Scottish domestic architecture for centuries.
What customers say
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 from verified customers
★★★★★

“Used this to compare quotes for re-skimming our lounge and hallway. Had 3 plasterers contact us the same day. Went with the middle quote and the finish is absolutely perfect. Highly recommend.”

Claire B. Surrey
★★★★★

“Really straightforward. Described the rooms, entered my postcode and had calls from local plasterers within a couple of hours. Saved a significant amount compared to my first quote.”

Mark T. Manchester
★★★★★

“Had a whole house replaster after buying our Victorian terrace. The plasterer recommended through this site was brilliant — on time, tidy and the finish was excellent. No hesitation recommending.”

Janet R. Bristol
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