Blue Board vs Cement Render: Which is Right for Your Sydney Home?

If you’re building a new home or renovating, you’ve probably heard of various products or terms thrown around, such as cement render or blue board render. While both have a similar end result, they are made for different purposes.

Continue reading to learn more about both processes, so you can make an informed decision about which one to use on your home.

What is Blue Board Render?

Blue board is a fibre cement sheet, and not technically a render on its own. It is usually attached to timber or steel-framed surfaces and then has a thin acrylic-based texture applied to the surface.

It is named ‘blue board’ due to the special paper found on the sheet, which allows the acrylic coating to bond more effectively than plain plasterboard and is also better at preventing scratches, holes and minor imperfections.

Blue board is commonly used by Sydney builders on new home builds, alfresco areas, extensions, and wherever a lightweight wall system is more suitable than traditional brick. It’s also a popular construction choice for double-storey homes since the structural load isn’t as heavy compared to brick.

The Benefits of Blue Board Render

The benefits of blue board render include the following:

• Lightweight: Blue board render is lightweight, meaning there is minimal load on timber or steel frames. This makes it ideal for multiple-storey homes, renovations and extensions.

• Modern appearance: When applied well, it has the same appearance as a solid rendered wall, but at a fraction of the cost and weight.
• Smooth finishes: It has a smooth finish and a pre-primed base designed to bond well with an acrylic coating without cracking.

• Faster labour times: Blue board is made from fibre cement sheets, making installation easier and faster.

• Resistant properties: Resists any damage caused by the elements, rot and termites due to its tough surface.

• Cost-effective: Blue board render is generally less expensive than other render options, such as solid brick construction and masonry.
• Versatile: You can apply a wide range of coloured textures and paint colour options to the blue board render.

What is Cement Render?

Cement render is a coating made of cement, sand, lime, and water, applied over a wide range of substrates, including brick, block, or masonry. It’s a popular construction and design option for many home styles across Sydney. Traditional cement render typically doesn’t require a fibre-cement sheet underneath, as it bonds well with the material.

The Benefits of Cement Render

The benefits of cement render include:

• Affordability: Cement render is one of the cheapest render options available due to its inexpensive materials (sand, cement and water).

• Aesthetic appeal: Cement render can quickly turn a tired-looking house into an elegant, new-looking home, giving it new life and increasing its kerbside value and appeal.

• Protection from the elements: It withstands rain, sun, and moisture, protecting the structure from damage.

• Durable: When applied by a professional and maintained regularly, cement render can last anywhere from 15-25 years.

• Versatility: Cement render can be painted over or have textures added, so it suits all design styles.

• Wide range of uses: Cement render can be used indoors or outdoors and in a wide range of applications, including exterior walls, feature walls, renovation projects, fountains, entries, and decorative elements.
• Improves insulation: Cement render adds an extra layer of insulation that helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This saves you money on your energy bills.

Blue Board vs Cement Render

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Which Option Is Best for Your Home?

The straightforward answer is that it depends more on the type of surface you are rendering rather than your personal preference.

Homes made from solid brick or concrete blocks are best suited for cement render, which is why it is a common sight across Sydney suburbs.

If you’re building an extension, constructing a multi-storey home, or working with timber or steel-frame walls, blue board is the best choice, as it’s lighter, faster to complete, and very flexible, making it ideal for newer, lightweight construction.

It is also common to feature both products in homes: brick walls and the exterior of a home covered in cement render, and extensions completed with blue board and an acrylic coating.

Cost Considerations

Cement render typically has a set price (around $34- $70 per square metre), which increases if painting is required.

The pricing for blue board depends on the sheet installation, plus the coating system. Material costs can be competitive, but the labour costs for blue board and acrylic finish can bring the total cost into a range similar to cement render. However, it can go even higher for textured finishes.

We recommend getting quotes from a professional rendering company for both, so you have an accurate idea of what you will be spending.

Common Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Sydney Cement Rendering recommends avoiding the following errors:

• Applying cement render to blue board: Cement render is not designed for application on fibre cement sheeting. It is less flexible and has a higher risk of cracking. Blue board is better suited for acrylic-based renders.
• Skipping a proper inspection: For the best outcome, a professional renderer should inspect your walls before recommending the best product for you and your home.

If your walls are not properly inspected and you apply the wrong product, you risk damaging them, which can cost you extra time and money.

• Assuming any option is the right one: Mixing up materials may work in some cases, but definitely not all of them. If you treat a timber-framed extension as a brick wall, it can cause the coating to fail later.

• Inadequate waterproofing or coating: Leaving the top of a blue board wall unsealed or uncapped will allow water to enter the wall, causing moisture damage.

• Poor surface preparation: Failing to prepare the surface properly can affect how the render or blue board adheres to the substrate.

Make sure the surface has been cleared of all debris or damaged substrate.

• Wrong ratios: Using the wrong ratios for the cement render and the coatings for the blue board can damage the installation of both products.

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. From residential jobs to large-scale commercial projects, we provide our customers with the highest-quality rendering services and adapt to every situation and rendering style. To learn more about blue board render and cement render, and to get an accurate quote, give us a call at 0402 704 984 or visit our website  https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about the services we offer!

FAQs

Is Blue Board Better than Cement Render?

Neither is necessarily better. They are both better suited to different applications: blue board is better for lightweight framed walls, while cement render is the best option for brick or concrete block. Double-check with professional renderers to see what option is best for you and your home.

Can You Apply Cement Render Over Blue Board?

No, we do not recommend it, as cement render is not flexible and will eventually crack once the blue board moves. Blue board is better suited for an acrylic coating, which is more flexible.

Is Blue Board Cheaper Than Cement Render?

Not all the time. The fibre sheets can be a more cost-effective option, but you have to factor in labour costs and the expense of the acrylic coating, which can make the total cost comparable to cement render.

Can I Mix Blue Board and Cement Render On My Home?

Yes, you can. If you have a brick home and add a new framed extension, you can mix the two. A professional renderer will ensure that both the blue board and the cement render match in colour and texture so they blend visually.

Does Blue Board Last As Long As Cement Render?

Yes, both can last for a few decades if they are applied correctly. Blue board’s acrylic coating makes it flexible and better able to withstand natural building shifts and weather conditions, while cement render has proven its durability over many years on homes across Sydney.

Which Option is Better for a Coastal Home?

Both have good track records of holding up well in coastal areas. However, it is well known that the acrylic coating on the blue board tends to handle salty air and natural movement slightly better than cement render does.