Bagging or Render? What’s the Difference and Which is Better for Brick Walls?

When renovating a brick home, you might think you have just two options: leave the bricks as-is or render them. Well, there’s a third, and it’s called brick wall bagging. Render may be popular, but bagging comes with its own set of game-changing benefits. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about bagging, rendering, and finishing brick walls. Let’s get started.

What is bagging?

Before and after showcasing a bagging project we completed in Wellington Point.

Bagging your brickwork is the middle ground between exposed brick and rendered brick. Where render delivers a smooth surface, bagging allows imperfections and texture to shine through.

Bagging gets its name from the traditional method used to achieve the distinct finish: builders and house painters would use a hessian sack to apply the mortar. Bagging offers a unique aesthetic and protects the brick against wear and tear.

Bagging, render, oh my!

Bagging is similar to rendering – in both instances, a mixture is applied to the brick’s surface and left to dry. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the differences between the two:

Bagging

Bagging, also known as plastering, is lighter than render and demands less material. It’s also much quicker and easier to apply, making it a more economical option for homeowners. Bagging provides a robust, long-lasting protective layer that can be left as-is or painted.

Rendering

Rendering is more expensive and involves applying a mixture consisting of sand and cement to brickwork. After the initial layer is applied, renderers finish the surface with paint or other mediums to achieve the desired texture and appearance.