Stucco is the most popular siding in the United States. Its exterior is durable and long-lasting, and its aesthetic appeal dates back to Ancient Greece. In our guide below, we cover everything from stucco’s pros and cons to the costs associated with investing in modern stucco and application methods. Read through for tips on stucco maintenance, proper inspection methods, and performing small stucco repairs.
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Stucco Application Process
Stucco application is a complex process that requires special tools and experience. Homeowners with do-it-yourself (DIY) experience may be able to handle stucco application, but others should consider outsourcing installation to stucco contractors.
If you feel confident in your skills, follow these DIY installation steps:
- Prepare the Surface: Prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly. Remove dirt, debris, and loose materials, and repair any damages. Dirt and cracks can interfere with adhesion.
- Attach a Metal Lath: The metal lath, also called a wire mesh, provides support for the stucco layer. It strengthens the siding against external forces such as impacts or structural movements. You must install the latch carefully to avoid issues with bulging or separation.
- Apply the Scratch Coat: The scratch coat is the base coat of stucco, which you apply to the metal latch to help adhere additional layers. It typically consists of Portland cement, sand, and water but may also have other additives. Scratch this layer while it’s still wet to create a rough texture.
- Apply the Brown Coat: The brown coat is thicker than the scratch coat and has a different cement, sand, and additives ratio. The brown makes the stucco stronger and more stable.
- Apply the Finish Coat: The finish coat determines the texture and appearance of your stucco siding and adds an extra protective barrier against the elements. This coat may include a pigment, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. After application, the stucco must be kept moist for 48 hours. It takes about 90 days to cure completely.
Pro Tip
- Mark, a TOH contractor, explains the purpose behind scoring the scratch coat: “We’re going to notch all this stucco. And then it’s going to set up a little bit. And then when we come back with our finish coat, the finish coat is going to bind into these scratch marks and just bond a little bit better.” For the finish coat, he recommends using a sponge float in a circular motion to match the texture of the existing surface.
Advantages of Stucco Finish
Stucco finish remains the most popular choice for United States homeowners, even amid the rising popularity of vinyl, metal, and wood types of siding. See why stucco has remained popular for centuries below.
- Durability: Stucco’s multiple coat system makes it weather-resistant. It prevents issues such as rot, mold growth, and insect damage. Stucco doesn’t fade easily and maintains a fresh appearance for years, which translates to cost savings for homeowners.
- Versatility: Stucco can be applied to a variety of substrates, such as wood, concrete, and masonry. You can choose either traditional or synthetic stucco and paint it with a wide range of colors. Stucco can suit most property designs.
- Fire Resistance: Stucco is very fire-resistant, which is especially important for houses in fire-prone areas or regions with strict building codes. It also doesn’t emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Stucco siding typically costs more than other siding materials, such as vinyl, but its impressive longevity and durability make it cost-efficient in the long run.
Built to Last: Stucco’s remarkable longevity is something This Old House has seen firsthand on its own projects. During the show’s winter TV project in West Palm Beach, Florida, veteran stucco mason Ken Howard — who began his apprenticeship 58 years earlier at his father’s side — was called in to patch and repair a Mediterranean Revival house clad in stucco that was still standing strong after more than seven decades. “My daddy told me, ‘You learn this trade, and no machine will ever replace you,’” Howard recalls
Pro Tip
- One factor that can affect long-term stucco costs is finding a qualified installer. As This Old House Magazine noted, the hardest part of stucco work may be finding a pro who knows how to wield a hawk and trowel — and prices will be higher where stucco experts are relatively scarce. Investing in a skilled applicator upfront helps ensure the material lives up to its full durability potential.
Disadvantages of Stucco Finish
Stucco finishes do have some downsides. Review the issues you may encounter with different types of stucco below.
Susceptibility to Moisture Damage
If you don’t properly install and maintain your stucco walls, it may trap moisture against your home’s exterior wall. This can lead to mold growth and structural damage.
If you don’t properly address cracks in the stucco siding (even hairline cracks), damage can turn into entry points for moisture, leading to water damage expenses.
Initial Installation Costs
Stucco has a higher upfront installation cost than other exterior finishes, and the installation is complex. But its return on investment is impressive.
Possibility of Cracking
Stucco is susceptible to cracking, especially in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations. Inspect the stucco surface regularly and thoroughly to avoid unexpected siding repair costs.
- On one TOH project at an East Boston house, what appeared to be a seamless, bulletproof coat of stucco was actually hiding a mess of cracks and buckling beneath a layer of ivy — signs that water had gotten in and damaged the underlying wood lath. As TOH reported, when properly installed, stucco is about as carefree and long-lived a cladding as anyone could wish — 100 years is not uncommon. But when water infiltrates, the damage can be extensive and hidden from plain sight.
Maintaining Stucco
Stucco maintenance isn’t complicated or time-consuming, but you must be consistent with it. Consider the steps below to keep your stucco strong and stable.
Regular Inspections
Inspect stucco siding at least once per year or before or after harsh weather seasons. Check for the following issues:
- Cracks and gaps
- Efflorescence (white powdery residue that indicates moisture intrusion)
- Staining and discoloration
Pay attention to caulking and sealants around windows and doors. If they start deteriorating, the stucco may lose its ability to repel moisture.
Proper Cleaning and Care
Clean stucco siding with a mild detergent solution and a soft-bristle brush twice a year. Pressure washing may seem like a quick solution for cleaning stucco, but it can damage the surface and force water into cracks. Wash with low pressure or use manual cleaning methods.
Pro Tip
- TOH contractor Mark advises that when assessing stucco damage, it’s important to distinguish between cosmetic and structural cracks. As he explains on site: “When you have softer material above that sitting onto this hard concrete, because of expansion and contraction, they move at different rates. Thus that corner will want to fall off.” Minor cracks at material transitions are typically cosmetic, but wider, diagonal cracks may signal a deeper structural concern that needs professional attention.
Our Conclusion
Stucco is one of the most popular siding options in the country due to its durability, flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance. However, the installation process is complex and requires a sizable upfront investment.
If stucco siding fits into your home improvement budget, we recommend making the investment. It can last for as long as you own your property.
FAQ About Stucco
What is the average cost of stucco installation?
The average cost of stucco installation is $5,564.* The final price tag depends on your home’s size, your siding texture, associated labor costs, and permit expenses.
The multi-layer application process is one reason stucco installation costs more than some other siding options. As TOH host Kevin O’Connor learned on the Arlington project, a traditional stucco job starts with wire mesh, followed by a scratch coat applied with a notched trowel, then a brown coat floated on and screeded smooth, and finally the finish coat. Some projects also incorporate an interim base coat with nylon mesh for added durability — an extra step that increases both material and labor costs.
*Price data in this article sourced from Angi.
How long does stucco last on a house?
Stucco can last for 80 years or longer on a house. Its longevity depends on the installation quality and how consistently you maintain it.
Can stucco be applied over existing siding?
No, stucco cannot be applied over existing siding. You need to remove the existing siding before applying stucco.
How does stucco fare in different climates?
Stucco fares well in a majority of climates. You need to inspect the surface at least twice a year for cracks if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather.
Is stucco a good insulator?
Yes, stucco is a good insulator from temperature and noise.
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