Cladding in Ireland — Render, Brick, Timber, and Zinc, Compared by Cost and Planning
On this page
Render €80–€140/m². Brick €140–€220/m². Timber €110–€180/m². Zinc €180–€300/m². Planning matters in rural areas.
Cladding in Ireland: render (cement, lime, silicone, acrylic) at €80–€140/m², the cheapest and most common; brick at €140–€220/m², the most durable; timber (cladding boards) at €110–€180/m², repaint every 8–12 years; zinc standing-seam at €180–€300/m², the premium option, 60–100 year lifespan. Planning matters in rural areas: slate, brick, and timber are more likely to get planning consent than render alone. In sensitive rural locations (Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence, areas of high landscape value), the planner may require a specific cladding. The architect picks, often with planning constraints. The visible cladding is the planner's view; the insulation is the BER assessor's view; both matter.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to choose a cladding.
When this doesn't apply
The cladding is fixed.
Sources
Building Regulations 2023, TGD-L and TGD-A. https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest cladding in Ireland?
Cement render on blockwork: €80–€140/m² installed. Brick is €140–€220/m². Timber is €110–€180/m². Zinc is €180–€300/m².
What is the most durable cladding in Ireland?
Brick. 80–100+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance. Render needs repainting every 15–25 years. Timber needs repainting every 8–12 years. Zinc standing-seam is 60–100 years.
What cladding gets planning consent in rural Ireland?
Slate, brick, and timber are most likely to get consent in rural areas. Render alone is acceptable in many areas but may be refused in sensitive landscapes. Check the county development plan.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to choose a cladding.
When this doesn't apply
The cladding is fixed.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Airtightness in Ireland — Part L 1–3 m³/m²·hr, Passive House ≤0.6, and the Blower Door Test →
- External Insulation in Ireland — The EWI Decision for Blockwork, BER, and Thermal Bridging →
- Lintels and Reveals in Ireland — The Detailing That Makes or Breaks Airtightness →
- Wall Insulation in Ireland — PIR, EPS, Mineral Wool, and What Hits the U-value Target →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.