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Pebble Dashing specialists - what you need to know

Pebble dashing is a rustic-looking wall finish, with tiny stones embedded into a layer of wet render. Typically used on exterior walls, it’s a traditional technique that’s been around for decades and stands the test of time.

If you’re trying to decide what type of wall coverage is right for your house, then this hard-wearing, low-maintenance option could be a real contender. For a tidy and professional finish, you’ll need a specialist plasterer or renderer with plenty of experience, as it’s not as easy as it looks.

The fundamentals are simple in theory (a wet render and stones), but the application itself is the tricky part. The pebbles are applied with a flick of the wrist, which is a laborious and lengthy process, depending on the size of the wall being dashed. To give you the best chance of decent and long-lasting coverage, it’s best for the work to be carried out during a spell of good weather.

Cost of pebble dashing

Most tradespeople will charge per job, as opposed to per day, because the drying process can take time. Your quote should take into account labour costs, scaffold hire and materials, as well as preparation costs to get the wall ready for rendering.

To pebble dash a full exterior, you can expect to pay the following:

• Terraced house: £3,000-£4,000
• Semi-detached house: £4,000-£5,000
• Detached house: £5,000-£6,000

Pebble dash repair

Although this method of wall coverage is hardy, it may occasionally need repairs. This can be a result of general wear and tear or weathering. Because we’re prone to frequent bad weather in the UK, it’s important to keep your walls well maintained.

Leaving crumbling render compromises the quality of the wall, as water can find its way in and cause damage. A plasterer or renderer will be able to determine the extent of the problem and quote accordingly.

Can you render/paint over pebble dash?

If your pebble-dashed walls are in need of decoration, and you’re not sure if you want to maintain this style, then you have a few options.

It’s possible to paint over pebble dash, as long as any damage and cracks have been repaired beforehand. Painting over pebble dash can be a tricky task though, as the surface is uneven and difficult to roll or brush over.

The other alternative is to re-render your walls. This can give a fresh look and alternative finish to your property. And it’ll then be easier to paint too. Re-rendering is a big job, which may require your plasterer to strip the pebble dash back to the building’s original brick work. Read more about how to remove pebble dash here.

The qualifications your tradesperson needs

Although pebble dashing is a skill that requires a good level of experience, having a qualification is not essential for working on a domestic property. Some tradespeople may choose to gain qualifications from reputable bodies such as City & Guilds.

Planning permission for pebble dashing jobs

Generally, you won’t need planning permission for pebble dashing the exterior of your property, or for repair work, as long as it’s in keeping with the current appearance.

However, if you live in a listed property or conservation area then you may require approval from the local authority. It’s also worth speaking to neighbours before pebble dashing your house, as it can drastically change the appearance of a building.

Insurance your tradesperson needs

A reputable plasterer or renderer should have public liability insurance to protect against any accidental damage when pebble dashing your property.

Questions you should ask your tradesperson

• Do they have plenty of relevant experience?
• Can they provide a warranty on their work?
• Can they remove pebble dash?
• Can they repair existing pebble dash?