How to Cover Unsightly Brickwork:
Unsightly brickwork can drag down the aesthetic of an otherwise beautiful home. Whether it’s discoloured brick, mismatched extensions, cracks, repairs, staining, or simply an outdated style, homeowners often look for ways to hide or transform the appearance of brick without undertaking full demolition. Fortunately, there are many effective methods—ranging from simple cosmetic fixes to full-scale cladding systems—that can completely refresh a property.
This guide explores every major method of covering unattractive brickwork, including approximate UK costs, materials, pros and cons, and suitability. It also includes tables for easy comparison so you can choose the best solution for your situation.
1. Why Cover Brickwork?
Before exploring the options, it helps to understand why brickwork may need covering in the first place:
- Weathering and staining – Rain, algae, pollution, and biological growth can cause permanent discolouration.
- Previous repairs – Patches of new or mismatched bricks may be obvious.
- Damaged pointing – Poor or eroded mortar creates a neglected appearance.
- Structural movement – Historical cracks or uneven surfaces remain visible even if structurally sound.
- Old-fashioned aesthetics – Some brick types (e.g., yellow stock bricks or engineering bricks) may not suit modern tastes.
- Additions or extensions – New brickwork sometimes clashes with older sections of the home.
- Interior renovations – Inside the home, exposed brick might feel too industrial, dark, or dated.
Covering the brickwork is often cheaper, faster and less disruptive than replacing it.
2. Methods for Covering Unsightly Brickwork
Below is a comprehensive list of the most common solutions, including internal and external options.
Option 1: Rendering (Traditional Sand & Cement)
Rendering is one of the most popular ways to cover damaged or unattractive brickwork. It creates a smooth (or textured) finish that can be painted in any colour.
How it works
A sand-and-cement mixture is applied in layers over the brick surface. Once dry, it is painted or coated.
Average UK cost
| Property Type | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small wall section | £300–£600 |
| Semi-detached house (entire exterior) | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Large detached house | £6,000–£10,000+ |
Pros
- Transforms appearance completely
- Hard-wearing
- Paintable in any colour
- Hides cracks, mismatched bricks, and deep stains
Cons
- Cracking can occur if not applied correctly
- Requires painting every 5–10 years
- Moisture problems if no breathable system is used
Best for
- Exterior brickwork in poor condition
- Homeowners wanting a modern, smooth façade
Option 2: Silicone or Acrylic Thin-Coat Render (With Insulation Optional)
A more modern version of rendering that is flexible and resistant to cracking.
Average UK cost
| System | Approx. Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Thin-coat coloured render | £70–£110 per m² |
| External Wall Insulation + thin-coat render | £100–£160 per m² |
Pros
- Crack-resistant
- Pre-coloured (no painting required)
- Wide choice of textures and colours
- Can improve insulation if used with an EWI system
Cons
- More expensive than standard render
- Requires specialist installation
Best for
- Homeowners wanting a long-lasting modern façade
- Homes needing better insulation
Option 3: Cladding (uPVC, Timber, Fibre-Cement, Composite)
Cladding panels can cover the brickwork fully while adding a decorative finish.
Types of cladding
- uPVC – Lightweight, low maintenance
- Timber – Warm, natural appearance
- Fibre-cement – Weather-resistant and stylish
- Composite – Durable, modern look
Cost comparison
| Cladding Type | Approx. Cost per m² | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £40–£80 | Very low |
| Timber | £70–£140 | Medium–high |
| Composite | £80–£150 | Low |
| Fibre-cement | £90–£160 | Low–medium |
Pros
- Completely transforms the exterior
- Long lifespan
- Good for modern or contemporary designs
Cons
- Not always suitable for entire houses (aesthetically)
- Timber needs regular treatment
- Requires battens and weatherproofing layers
Best for
- Covering heavily damaged or mismatched brickwork
- Adding architectural interest
Option 4: Painting Brickwork
Painting brick is the quickest and cheapest method of improving appearance.
Average UK cost
| Area | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small exterior wall | £30–£80 | £150–£300 |
| Full house exterior | £150–£300 | £900–£2,000 |
Pros
- Fast and cost-effective
- Hides light staining
- Can modernise instantly (e.g., white, grey, black)
Cons
- Needs repainting every 3–7 years
- Not ideal for damp or moisture-prone walls
- Hard to fully reverse
Best for
- Clean but unattractive brickwork needing a cosmetic lift
Option 5: Limewash or Mineral Paint
Limewash gives a soft, natural finish that allows the brick to breathe.
Average UK cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Limewash (per 15L tub) | £20–£40 |
| Full exterior application | £500–£1,500 |
Pros
- Breathable and good for older buildings
- Soft, matte, chalky finish
- Ages attractively
Cons
- Requires multiple coats
- Needs reapplication more often than paint
- Not as opaque as acrylic paint
Best for
- Period properties
- Homes needing breathable finishes
Option 6: Wall Panels (Interior)
For interior walls, decorative panels can add style and hide uneven brick surfaces.
Types
- MDF painted panels
- Shaker-style panels
- PVC bathroom panels
- Slatted acoustic panels
- Faux-brick or stone panels
Cost table
| Panel Type | Approx. Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| MDF panels | £20–£50 |
| Acoustic slatted panels | £70–£150 |
| Faux-brick panels | £20–£60 |
| PVC panels | £15–£40 |
Pros
- Easy to install
- Immediate decorative impact
- Covers rough or damaged brick
Cons
- Panel edges must be finished correctly
- Wallpapering or painting may still be required
Best for
- Interior feature walls
- Quick aesthetic transformation
Option 7: Plasterboard (Dry-Lining) Over Brick
Internally, attaching plasterboard to battens or using dot-and-dab adhesive is a traditional method for hiding unattractive brick.
Average UK cost
| Area | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small room | £300–£600 |
| Full house interior walls | £2,000–£5,000 |
Pros
- Creates a completely smooth wall
- Allows insulation boards to be added
- Provides a modern finish
Cons
- Reduces room size slightly
- Requires skimming and decoration
Best for
- Interior refurbishments
- Covering uneven or damaged interior brick
Option 8: Tiling Over Brick (Interior or Exterior)
Tiles can cover brick surfaces indoors (kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces) and outdoors (porches, garden walls).
Average UK cost
| Type of Tile | Approx. Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | £20–£40 |
| Porcelain | £30–£70 |
| Stone | £40–£100+ |
| Professional installation | £30–£60 per m² |
Pros
- Durable and attractive
- Good for moisture-prone areas
- Covers stains and imperfections
Cons
- Requires a flat, stable surface
- Adds weight—sometimes unsuitable outside
Best for
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Decorative exterior walls
Option 9: Faux Brick Slips (Recreate a Brick Look)
Brick slips are thin sections of real or imitation brick that adhere to the wall like tiles. They allow you to hide poor brickwork while retaining a brick appearance.
Typical UK cost
| Product | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Brick slips per m² | £20–£60 |
| Adhesive + grout | £10–£20 |
| Professional installation | £25–£50 per m² |
Pros
- Gives the appearance of real brick
- Suitable indoors and outdoors
- Many colours and textures
Cons
- Time-consuming to install
- More expensive than paint or render
Best for
- Feature walls
- Maintaining a rustic or industrial aesthetic
Option 10: Vines and Greenery (Exterior Only)
Although not a building material, covering brickwork with climbing plants can soften harsh walls.
Common choices
- Ivy
- Wisteria
- Climbing rose
- Virginia creeper
Pros
- Natural and attractive
- Hides large sections of brick
Cons
- Some species can damage mortar
- Requires maintenance
- Not an instant solution
Best for
- Garden-facing walls
3. Cost Comparison Table (At a Glance)
| Method | Typical Cost (UK) | Lifespan | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | £150–£2,000 | 3–7 years | Exterior/Interior |
| Limewash | £500–£1,500 | 2–5 years | Exterior |
| Sand & Cement Render | £300–£10,000 | 10–20 years | Exterior |
| Thin-Coat Silicone Render | £70–£110 per m² | 20–30 years | Exterior |
| Cladding | £40–£160 per m² | 15–50 years | Exterior |
| Paneling (interior) | £15–£150 per m² | Long-term | Interior |
| Plasterboard | £300–£5,000 | Long-term | Interior |
| Tiling | £20–£160 per m² | 10–25 years | Both |
| Brick Slips | £20–£60 per m² | 20+ years | Both |
| Climbing Plants | Low cost | Varies | Exterior |
4. Choosing the Right Method
A. Based on Condition of Brick
| Brick Condition | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Light staining | Painting, limewash |
| Severe staining | Silicone render, cladding |
| Cracked or uneven | Rendering, cladding |
| Damp walls | Limewash (exterior) or EWI render |
| Mismatched brick | Cladding, render, brick slips |
B. Based on Budget
Low Budget (£0–£500)
- Painting
- Limewashing
- Climbing plants
- DIY panels
Medium Budget (£500–£3,000)
- Plasterboard dry-lining
- Brick slips on a feature wall
- uPVC cladding for small areas
High Budget (£3,000+)
- Full exterior rendering
- Composite/fibre-cement cladding
- External wall insulation systems
C. Based on Style Preference
| Desired Style | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Modern smooth finish | Thin-coat render, composite cladding |
| Traditional cottage look | Limewash, timber cladding |
| Industrial / loft | Brick slips, faux-brick panels |
| Minimalist interior | Plasterboard + paint |
| Natural look | Timber cladding, climbing plants |
5. Practical Considerations
Moisture and Breathability
Brick walls need to breathe. For older homes, breathable solutions like limewash or lime render may be better than acrylic paints or dense cement render.
Planning Permissions
Most cosmetic changes don’t require permission, but cladding and major render changes may be restricted on:
- Listed buildings
- Conservation areas
Always check local rules.
Insulation Benefits
If you choose External Wall Insulation (EWI) with thin-coat render, you can dramatically improve thermal performance, reduce heating bills, and modernise the façade at the same time.
Maintenance
Some methods require more maintenance than others:
- Timber cladding: Treat every 2–5 years
- Render: Inspect periodically for cracks
- Paint: Repaint every few years
6. Step-by-Step: Preparing Brickwork Before Covering
Even if your goal is to hide the brick, some preparation is necessary:
1. Clean the brick
Remove:
- Dirt
- Algae
- Flaking material
- Loose mortar
2. Repair structural issues
Seal cracks and repoint if needed.
3. Apply primer or mesh (if applicable)
Rendering and cladding systems often require:
- Mesh reinforcement
- Primer coats
- Battens for cladding
4. Apply the finish
Choose your preferred finish based on the methods described above.
7. Realistic Scenarios and Solutions
Scenario 1: Old, patchy brick extension
- Best fix: Silicone thin-coat render or composite cladding
- Budget: £2,000–£5,000
- Outcome: Modern, unified finish
Scenario 2: Interior brick chimney breast looks dated
- Best fix: MDF shaker panels or plasterboard
- Budget: £150–£600
- Outcome: Smooth painted wall or decorative panelled feature
Scenario 3: Garage wall with damaged bricks
- Best fix: uPVC cladding or brick slips
- Budget: £300–£1,500
- Outcome: Clean, sharp appearance
8. Environmental Considerations
If you want an eco-friendly option:
| Option | Description | Eco Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Limewash | Natural, breathable, low environmental impact | ★★★★★ |
| Timber cladding | Sustainable if sourced well | ★★★★☆ |
| Composite cladding | Long-lasting but not biodegradable | ★★★☆☆ |
| Silicone render | Durable but synthetic | ★★★☆☆ |
Conclusion
Covering unsightly brickwork doesn’t need to be a daunting or expensive task. Whether you prefer a traditional look with limewash, a modern façade with silicone render, a natural finish with timber cladding, or a quick upgrade with paint, there are solutions for every budget, style and wall condition. Consider the long-term maintenance, breathability, and aesthetics when choosing the right method for your home.
9. Option 11: Stucco-Style Finish (Polymer Render Blend)
A stucco-style finish uses a fine polymer-enhanced coat to create a textured, decorative surface over brickwork. It’s similar to traditional render but tends to have a smoother feel and greater flexibility.
Average UK cost
| Area | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Small feature wall | £300–£600 |
| Full exterior application | £3,000–£8,000 |
Pros
- Provides a decorative, slightly textured look
- More durable than standard sand-and-cement
- Can be tinted to a range of colours
- Flexible, reducing the risk of cracking
Cons
- More expensive than standard render
- Repairs can be difficult to blend seamlessly
- Requires experienced installers
Best for
- Homes aiming for a Mediterranean or smooth architectural finish
- Covering brick where a soft texture is preferred
10. Option 12: External Insulation Boards With Timber Battens
Instead of applying render directly to insulation, another method is to install rigid insulation boards fixed to timber battens, then finish with plasterboard inside or cladding outside. This hides the brick and boosts insulation.
Average UK cost
| Component | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulation boards (per m²) | £15–£40 |
| Labour (per m²) | £20–£50 |
| Final finish | Depends on cladding or render type |
Pros
- Significant thermal improvement
- Creates a straight, flat surface even on uneven brick
- Works well with cladding or panel systems
Cons
- Increases wall thickness
- Battens must be properly treated
- Costs rise depending on final finish
Best for
- Homes prioritising energy efficiency
- Brick surfaces with severe unevenness
11. Option 13: Decorative Cement Boards (Exterior or Interior)
Cement boards are solid, weather-resistant sheets that can be installed over brickwork and then painted or textured. Some boards come in pre-finished decorative patterns.
Average UK cost
| Board Type | Approx. Cost per Board |
|---|---|
| Standard cement boards | £15–£30 |
| Decorative boards | £40–£90 |
Pros
- Durable and moisture-resistant
- Can be painted or left in a raw industrial finish
- Ideal backing for tiles, paint, or render
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Requires a supporting frame if the brick is uneven
- Heavy—installation is labour-intensive
- Joints must be sealed carefully
Best for
- Bathrooms, utility rooms, or outdoor areas
- Homes wanting an industrial or contemporary feel
12. Option 14: Cork Panels (Interior)
Cork wall panels are rising in popularity for interiors due to their acoustic and thermal benefits. When installed over brickwork, they hide imperfections and add warmth to the space.
Average UK cost
| Cork Product | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Cork tiles/panels per m² | £20–£60 |
| Adhesive | £10–£20 |
Pros
- Excellent thermal and sound insulation
- Natural, eco-friendly material
- Warm, textured appearance
- Easy to install with adhesive
Cons
- Not suitable for high-moisture areas
- Can fade with strong sunlight
- Limited style variety compared to MDF or PVC panels
Best for
- Home offices, bedrooms, living rooms
- Feature walls needing insulation and aesthetic character
13. Option 15: Metal Sheet Cladding (Contemporary Exterior Finish)
Metal cladding—such as aluminium, galvanised steel, or zinc—can be installed over battens to completely cover brickwork. It creates a bold, modern architectural appearance.
Typical UK cost
| Metal Type | Approx. Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | £60–£120 |
| Powder-coated steel | £80–£150 |
| Zinc | £120–£200+ |
Pros
- Very long-lasting and durable
- Weather-resistant
- Striking, modern aesthetic
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Among the most expensive cladding options
- Can dent if hit hard
- Requires expert fitting
Best for
- Contemporary homes or extensions
- Covering severely damaged or mismatched exterior brick