🧱 Face Brick vs. Plastered & Painted Walls

A Cost, Maintenance, and Aesthetic Comparison

When building or renovating in South Africa, one of the most impactful choices is your wall finish. Should you go with the timeless durability of face brick or the clean versatility of plastered and painted walls? Here's a breakdown of how they compare in terms of initial cost, long-term maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, with real-world rand values to guide your decision.

💸 Initial Costs (per m²)

Component	Face Brick Wall	Plastered & Painted Wall
Brick Material	R450 – R600/m² (premium face bricks)	R250 – R350/m² (stock bricks)
Labour (Bricklaying)	R300 – R350/m²	R150 – R220/m²
Plastering	Not required	R180 – R220/m²
Painting (2 coats)	Not required	R60 – R120/m²
Total Estimated Cost	R750 – R950/m²	R640 – R910/m²

🔹 Verdict: While face brick has a higher upfront cost due to both material and skilled labour, the gap narrows when you factor in the finishing costs of plaster and paint.

🛠️ Long-Term Maintenance

Aspect	Face Brick	Plastered & Painted
Maintenance Frequency	Low (clean every few years)	High (repaint every 5–7 years)
Repainting Cost (5 yrs)	None	R60 – R120/m²
Crack Repairs	Rare, localized (R150 – R300 per repair)	Common, may require full replastering (R200+/m²)
Lifespan	50+ years with minimal upkeep	20–30 years with regular maintenance

🔹 Verdict: Face brick is a long-term winner. It weathers naturally and requires minimal intervention, while plastered walls need ongoing upkeep to maintain appearance and integrity.

🎨 Aesthetic Appeal

Aspect	Face Brick	Plastered & Painted
Visual Texture	Natural, rustic, timeless	Smooth, clean, modern
Colour Flexibility	Limited to brick tones	Unlimited (any paint colour)
Style Adaptability	Best for classic, industrial, or earthy styles	Easily updated to match trends
Weathering	Ages gracefully with patina	May fade, peel, or stain over time

🔹 Verdict: Aesthetics are subjective. Face brick offers a grounded, authentic look that suits traditional and rustic designs. Plastered walls offer more flexibility for modern or evolving tastes.

🧾 Summary Table

Category	Face Brick	Plastered & Painted
Initial Cost	R750 – R950/m²	R640 – R910/m²
Maintenance Cost	Minimal	R60 – R120/m² every 5–7 years
Lifespan	50+ years	20–30 years
Aesthetic Flexibility	Moderate	High
Long-Term Value	Excellent	Moderate

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you're building for low maintenance and long-term value, face brick is a smart investment — especially in coastal or high-rainfall areas like Cape Town. If you're after design flexibility and a modern aesthetic, plastered and painted walls offer a versatile canvas, though they come with recurring upkeep.