Dry dashing (pebble dash) is a classic Irish wall finish: small stones are thrown into a fresh render coat so they bond into the surface. It is hard-wearing, hides small cracks and suits many Dublin estates. Phoenix Maco Ltd carries out dry dashing across Dublin and Leinster — full house re-dashing, extensions finished to match the existing house, and repairs where old dash has blown or cracked. Where homeowners want a smoother, warmer finish, we can also remove or cover old dash and fit external render or external wall insulation instead.
What this service includes
- Full house dry dash and re-dash
- Extensions dashed to match the existing house
- Repairs of blown, cracked or loose dash
- Choice of stone size and colour
- Scaffolding, base coat and preparation
- Removing old dash before render or EWI
Who this is for
- Homeowners with cracked or patchy pebble dash
- New extensions that need to match the house
- Landlords refreshing rental properties
- Owners deciding between re-dashing, render or EWI
Dublin service coverage
Phoenix Maco Ltd provides dry dashing across Dublin city and county. Share your property location, photos and intended scope so we can discuss access, preparation and a suitable quote. See our Dublin service areas.
Why choose Phoenix Maco Ltd
- Dublin-based and locally focused
- Premium finish standard, with proper preparation
- Insured — own tools where required for labour supply
- Honest, clear communication from first message
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FAQs
What is dry dashing?+
Dry dashing is a wall finish where small stones are thrown or pressed into a wet render coat. Once the render sets, the stones are locked in, giving a tough, textured finish common on Irish homes.
How much does dry dashing cost in Dublin?+
Dry dashing is priced per m² after a survey. The price depends on wall area, scaffolding access, how much old dash or render needs to come off, and repair work underneath. We give a written quote after a free site visit.
How long does dry dashing a house take?+
A typical semi-detached house takes about 1–2 weeks including scaffolding and preparation, depending on weather and the wall condition.
Can you repair just part of the pebble dash?+
Yes. We cut out the failed area, re-render and dash it, matching the stone as closely as possible. A perfect colour match on old, weathered dash isn't always possible, so for large repairs a full re-dash or paint can look better.
Can you paint pebble dash?+
Yes, sound pebble dash can be painted with a breathable masonry paint. We check for loose areas first and repair them.
Is it better to dash, render or insulate my walls?+
If the walls are cold or the house has a poor BER, external wall insulation with a render finish adds warmth and may qualify for SEAI grants. If you just need a tough finish, dry dashing or render is cheaper. We'll explain the options on site.
Do I need planning permission for dry dashing?+
Repairing or re-dashing a house usually doesn't need planning, but protected structures and architectural conservation areas can have extra rules. Check with your local council if your home is listed or in a conservation area.