At a Glance
External rendering in Australia typically costs $2,000–$18,000 per job, using Sydney metro as the baseline. Perth and Adelaide can run 10–15% higher due to trade labour rates and logistics. The final price depends on total wall area, render type (cement vs acrylic), whether scaffolding is needed, and the condition of the existing surface.
What's Included
A standard external rendering job covers:
- Surface preparation (cleaning, repairing cracks, priming)
- Application of render coat(s) to external walls
- Finishing to the specified texture and colour
- Cleanup and protection of surrounding areas (windows, paths, gardens)
Scaffolding for anything above single-storey height is a separate cost that may or may not be included in the renderer's quote. Always ask. Painting after cement render is also a separate scope, because cement render is applied in a natural grey finish and needs painting for colour. Acrylic render has colour mixed through, so no painting is required.
All rendering work must comply with the NCC Volume 2 weatherproofing requirements. Where scaffolding is needed above 4 metres, it must be erected by a licensed scaffolder to AS/NZS 1576.
What Affects the Cost
- Total wall area. Rendering is priced per square metre. A single feature wall (10-20m2) carries a minimum-job premium. A full single-storey house (100-150m2) is more cost-effective per square metre.
- Render type. Cement render is the cheapest option but needs painting afterwards. Acrylic render costs more per square metre but includes colour and is more flexible (fewer cracks). Textured finishes add a further premium.
- Number of storeys. Single-storey homes are straightforward. Two-storey homes require scaffolding, which typically adds a substantial amount to the total price. Three-storey or split-level homes increase scaffolding costs further.
- Surface preparation. The render is only as good as the surface underneath. Crumbling mortar, loose old render, peeling paint, or dirty surfaces need cleaning, repair, and priming before new render goes on. On some properties, prep work is a significant portion of the total job.
- Stripping old render. If the existing render is cracked, hollow, or pulling away from the wall, it must be removed before re-rendering. Rendering over a bad base will fail within one to two years.
- Substrate type. Bare brick and concrete block are ideal substrates. Painted brick needs additional prep. Fibro or fibre cement sheets may contain asbestos in pre-1990 homes and need testing before any work begins.
- Weather constraints. Render should not be applied in extreme heat (above 35 degrees C), rain, or frost. Scheduling around weather conditions can affect project timelines.
A single feature wall on a modern brick home with good access and no scaffolding sits toward $2,000. A full-house re-render on a two-storey home requiring old render removal, scaffolding, and acrylic finish pushes toward $18,000.
City and Regional Price Comparison
Prices vary across Australia based on labour rates, predominant construction methods, and climate considerations.
At the city level, Sydney is the baseline at $2,000–$18,000 per job. Melbourne tracks close to Sydney pricing with strong demand driven by brick-to-render conversions. Brisbane tends to sit slightly lower, with acrylic render preferred for its flexibility in subtropical heat. Perth and Adelaide typically run 10–15% above eastern capitals, reflecting higher trade rates and smaller trade pools.
Within any city, costs shift based on property size, height, and existing surface condition. A single-storey brick home in a newer suburb with clean walls and good access is a straightforward job near the lower end. A two-storey home in an older inner suburb, with peeling old render to strip, scaffolding required, and heritage considerations, pushes toward the upper end. The render type chosen (cement vs acrylic) creates a further split: cement is cheaper upfront but needs a painter afterwards, while acrylic is more expensive per square metre but the colour is built in.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on surveyed trade rates for licensed renderers and plasterers, adjusted for each state and typical property types. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential external rendering. Commercial properties, multi-storey buildings requiring specialist access equipment, and heritage restoration may fall outside these ranges.