Traditional render
Pebbledash & Roughcast
New pebbledash and roughcast render — matching existing dash or specifying a fresh application.
Pebbledash has an image problem in England and is standard practice in Scotland, where it is called harling and has protected buildings from driving rain for centuries. There is a good reason for that: a dashed surface breaks up wind-driven rain and presents far more surface area for drying than a smooth wall, which is why it performs so well on exposed and coastal elevations.
We apply both dry dash, where spar or flint chippings are thrown onto a wet backing coat, and wet dash or roughcast, where the aggregate is mixed into the render before it is thrown on. We also match existing dash on repair work, sourcing aggregate to match the original as closely as possible in size and colour — a mismatched patch of dash is far more visible than a mismatched patch of smooth render.
When it is the right choice. Choose dash for exposed, coastal and high-rainfall locations, for matching existing dashed elevations, and where minimum maintenance matters most.
Specification at a glance
| Typical guide price | £58–£88 per m² supplied and installed |
|---|---|
| Applied thickness | Backing coat plus dash |
| Curing / drying | 3-7 days between coats |
| Guarantee | 15 years |
| Category | Traditional render |
Guide prices are indicative only and exclude scaffold, stripping and repairs. Your written quote follows a free survey.
What is included
- Dry dash and wet dash options
- Aggregate colour matching
- Spar, flint and granite chippings
- Traditional roughcast (harling)
- Excellent weather resistance
- Very low maintenance
- Hides minor substrate variation
- Matches existing dash on repairs
- Popular in exposed coastal areas
- 15-year workmanship guarantee
Get a quote for pebbledash & roughcast
Tell us about the property and we will call you back to arrange a survey.
Related services
What happens next
Four steps from enquiry to finished wall
Free survey
We visit, test the substrate, measure up and identify what caused any existing failure.
Written quote
An itemised fixed price with the system named, materials specified and scaffold included.
Booked in
An agreed start date, scaffold arranged, and a clear run of days set aside for your job.
Finished and guaranteed
Site cleared, scaffold struck, guarantee documents and system warranty issued.
Coverage
Pebbledash & Roughcast by county
We carry out pebbledash & roughcast across all 74 counties below. Pick yours to see local detail.
East of England
South East
South West
North West
North East
East Midlands
Yorkshire
London
West Midlands
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
FAQs
Pebbledash & Roughcast — your questions
What is the difference between pebbledash and roughcast?
Pebbledash (dry dash) throws dry chippings onto a wet coat, so the stones sit proud. Roughcast (wet dash) mixes aggregate into the render first, giving a more integrated, slightly softer texture.
Is pebbledash still used?
Yes, widely — especially in Scotland, Ireland and exposed coastal areas where its weather resistance is a genuine advantage.
Can you match my existing pebbledash?
Usually. We source aggregate to match the original size and colour. An exact match on weathered dash is difficult, but a close match on a repair reads far better than smooth infill.
Does pebbledash need painting?
No. The aggregate provides the colour and finish. It can be painted, but that then commits you to a repainting cycle it did not previously need.
What time of year is best for rendering?
Spring through autumn is ideal. Render should not be applied in frost or in very hot direct sun, so winter work needs protection and settled conditions.
Can you render over existing render?
Sometimes, if the existing coat is completely sound and well-bonded. We hammer-test it first. Anything hollow has to come off, because covering failure just hides it.
Are you insured?
Yes — full public liability cover, and we can send the certificate before we start. We are happy to provide RAMS for commercial and contractor work.
Thinking about pebbledash & roughcast?
Book a free survey and we will confirm whether it is right for your walls before you commit.