Choosing the right exterior finish for a home isn’t just about looks. There are important factors like durability, maintenance, cost and long-term performance to consider. No surprise then that brick and render remain two of the UK’s most popular choices.
Each comes with its own set of perks—and a few quirks. So, what suits your home best? A classic brick façade, built to stand the test of time? Or a sleek, modern render with a fresh, contemporary finish?
In this article we’ll break down the differences so you can decide what suits your home best.
The case for brick
Brick has held up British homes for centuries. Strong, durable and full of character, it gives homes that solid, ‘built to last’ look. Red-brick terraces line Manchester streets, yellow London stock bricks stand firm in the capital and reclaimed brick cottages in the countryside ooze rustic charm. No questions asked, this material has shaped the country’s streets for generations.
The pros of brickwork
- Long-lasting and low-maintenance. A well-built brick exterior will last a century or more with minimal upkeep. Unlike render, brick doesn’t need repainting, refinishing or much attention beyond the occasional repointing.
- Weather-resistant. The UK isn’t known for gentle weather. Rain, frost, wind… brick can handle it all. A well-constructed brick home resists damp issues better than many rendered finishes, provided the mortar remains in good condition.
- Strong resale appeal. A traditional brick façade often boosts property value. Buyers associate it with strength, character and reliability.
- Eco-friendly options. Brick is a natural material made from clay, and many manufacturers now offer reclaimed or recycled options. Plus, because of its thermal mass, it helps regulate indoor temperatures to keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The downsides of brickwork
- Limited aesthetic flexibility. Brick looks great, but it doesn’t leave much room for change. Unlike render, which can be repainted or refinished, once you’ve chosen a brick type, you’re stuck with it unless you cover it over.
- Can be expensive. Bricks are durable but they aren’t always the most budget-friendly option, especially for new builds or extensions. High-quality brickwork comes with labour-intensive installation, which can push up costs.
- Not always the best insulator. On its own, brick doesn’t offer much insulation. Modern cavity walls help, but in some cases, a rendered or insulated finish might provide better energy efficiency.
The case for render
Render has become a popular choice, especially for modern homes with a clean, contemporary look. Smooth white surfaces, textured finishes and coloured options offer a sleek, adaptable alternative to traditional brick.
The pros of render
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- Wide range of finishes. Render can be smooth, textured, coloured or even mimic other materials.
- Covers imperfections. Got tired, mismatched or weathered brickwork? Render can hide a multitude of sins. It can be a great way to give old property a fresh, unified look without major structural work.
- Improves insulation. Modern renders like spray cork boast impressive insulation properties to boost a home’s energy efficiency. This can help lower heating bills and create a more comfortable indoor environment.
- More control over maintenance. Unlike brick, which weathers naturally, render can be repainted or refinished when needed.
The downsides of render
- Requires maintenance. Render looks fantastic when freshly applied, but it does require occasional upkeep. Over time, it can stain, crack or discolour, particularly in exposed areas with high rainfall or pollution.
- Prone to cracking. Older or cheaper renders can develop cracks due to natural movement in the building. It’s best to get cracks repaired ASAP to avoid structural damage.
- Not always suited to traditional homes. While render works beautifully on contemporary properties, it can sometimes look out of place on older, characterful homes. Choosing the right colour and finish is key to making it work with period architecture.
Cost comparison: brick vs render
Cost is usually a consideration for homeowners. Here’s a closer look at how brick vs render compare:
Initial costs
Brickwork tends to be more expensive upfront due to material and labour costs. Skilled bricklayers charge higher rates, and the construction process can take longer than applying render.
Render, by contrast, is usually cheaper to install. A professional team can apply a render finish relatively quickly, cutting down on labour costs.
Long-term costs
Brickwork wins the long game in terms of cost-effectiveness. Once installed, it needs little maintenance beyond occasional repointing. A well-built brick wall will outlast almost any render finish.
Render, while cheaper initially, comes with ongoing maintenance costs. Repainting, cleaning or repairing cracks may be necessary over time, especially in areas exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Durability and weather resistance
The UK’s unpredictable weather plays a big role in choosing the right exterior finish.
Brick holds up well in all seasons. It’s resistant to rain, frost and wind, and weathers naturally without much intervention.
Render performs well but needs care. Modern render systems boast excellent durability (at Total Trades we offer a 25-year warranty on cork rendering) but traditional render can suffer from staining, cracking or algae growth in damp conditions.
For homes in coastal areas or regions with frequent heavy rain, brick might be the safer option. However, certain high-quality render systems come with weatherproof coatings that boost resistance.
Aesthetic considerations
At the end of the day, much of the choice between brick and render comes down to looks.
Brick offers classic look and timeless appeal that never goes out of style.
Render options like External Wall Insulation Systems (EWI Pro) provide a sleek, modern finish. It’s popular in contemporary designs and promises a smooth, uniform look that fits well with minimalist architecture.
Which one is right for you?
Still undecided? Here’s a quick summary:
Choose brick if:
- You want a low-maintenance, long-lasting exterior
- Traditional style and resale appeal matter
- Your home is in a high-exposure weather area
Choose render if:
- You prefer a modern, flexible look
- Insulation and energy efficiency are priorities
- Your property has mismatched or worn brickwork that needs covering
Get it right with Total Trades
Each option comes with its own benefits, and neither is a one-size-fits-all solution. The best thing you can do to make the right decision? Seek help from a professional. Total Trades offers tailored solutions for both brick and render finishes. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating or expanding an existing one, or just exploring your options, our team is here to help.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat and expert guidance on choosing the best exterior finish for your home.
