Pebble Dashing: Types, Costs and Benefits Explained
Published: 26/02/2024 12:00 by Spray Render Services
Spray Render Services applying pebble dashing to a property in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Pebble dashing, also known as Rough Casting, is a popular exterior wall finish, often chosen for its outstanding durability and relatively inexpensive cost compared to finishes such as renders. Furthermore, it requires little maintenance and comes in a broad range of colours and textures to suit any style. It's easy to see why this finish is popular among homeowners in Britain!
Read on to find out how pebble dashing works, how much it costs and how it compares to alternatives such as rendering.
What is Pebble Dashing?
Pebble dashing is a well-established method of finishing the exterior walls of a property. Although it dates back to 16th century Scotland where it was used as an alternative to the more pricey stone, Pebble Dashing has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
The usual modern application process involves applying a layer of polymer mortar to the exterior walls of your property, followed by a layer of pebbles in the colour and style you have chosen.
At Spray Render Services, we prefer the traditional craft of manually adding pebbles using a shovel and a bucket. By doing so, we ensure an even and beautiful finish on your property - every time.
What types of pebbles are there?
You generally get a choice of three kinds of pebbles: Marble, Flint and Limestone. Here is a breakdown of how they compare to each other:
Marble Dashing | Flint Dashing | Limestone Dashing |
|---|---|---|
Pro: A wide range of colours to choose from Pro: Gives your property an elegant appearance with its glistening effect Con: It is often more expensive than other options Con: Over time, it may develop some staining | Pro: A wide range of colours to choose from Pro: Scratch, stain and corrosion resistant Pro: Beautiful appearance Con: Generally more expensive than other options Con: The colour can fade over time due to sunlight | Pro: It's the budget-friendly option Pro: Offers a natural appearance Con: It is prone to damage Con: It is likely to develop staining over time |
Are there alternatives to pebble dashing?
If you feel that Pebble Dashing may not be the perfect match for your property or home, other finishes are available. Rendering, whether silicone or monocouche, is the main alternative to pebbles. Arguably, rendering offers even more personalisation; various textures, expansive colour ranges and diverse materials are available.
How much does pebble dash removal cost?
The price of removing pebble dashing is generally between £2,000 for a 2-bed terraced house to £8,000 for a large detached house. Incorrect removal can cause damage to the underlying wall; a qualified removal expert is a must! When removing the pebble dash, you can either have the original brickwork restored or a fresh render applied instead.
How much does pebble dashing cost?
The cost of pebble dashing can be as low as £3,000 for a bungalow or as much as £8,000+ for large detached homes. To get an accurate estimate, it is best to ask for an inspection of your property.
If you'd like how much pebble dashing would cost for your home, contact us today for a free quotation!