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Stucco Siding Cost per Square Foot

Stucco siding is a unique way to clad a home. Rather than applying a solid material to the exterior, stucco is applied while wet and then dries. It has lower material costs but higher installation costs than other types of siding. Most stucco costs between $6 and $8 a square foot installed, but decorative finishes may cost more. Thin-coat or single-coat stucco can cost less, while newer insulating stucco forms may cost more:

Stucco Siding Cost by Type

Stucco comes in a few types. Traditional stucco was made with cement and lime and is still used today. However, other types of stucco can be easier and faster to install and longer-lasting, more durable, and insulating. The type you choose impacts your project’s cost:

Cement Stucco Siding

Traditional, or cement, stucco is a hard form of stucco made from Portland cement and lime. Cement stucco 8 costs between $0.50 and $3 a square foot 9, including all materials. It can be applied in the traditional manner, which is done by layering up to three different coats over a metal lath. It can also be used for quicker and easier thin-coat applications that use one layer of material for a faster installation. Cement siding is strong and durable, but it does not last as long as other types. It also varies in texture over the surface, which means that it is most commonly used with certain styles, such as tabby shells. 

Synthetic Stucco Cost

Synthetic, or acrylic, stucco is a newer form of stucco that provides some extra uniformity. It is suitable for all three layers of application, thin-coat installation, and EIFS installation. Synthetic stucco 2 is softer than traditional stucco 8, which is hard and rigid. Synthetic stucco 2 costs between $1 and $4 a square foot 9 for materials, depending on the type. Aside from some slight variations, it is hard to tell the difference between natural and synthetic stucco unless you know what to look for. If there is a hole in your stucco, you can look for the underlayer. Natural stucco usually has a mesh underlayer, while synthetic stucco usually has a foam core. You can also touch the stucco and consider the texture. 

EIFS Siding Cost

EIFS is the latest development in stucco materials. This is the most expensive stucco 8, with a material cost of $3 to $5 a square foot 9. It stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System and comprises many thin layers over foam insulation, with a topcoat designed to resist moisture. It is made by using an adhesive to apply the foam to the substrate, then a base coat is put on the foam board. Mesh or lath is embedded in the base coat and allowed to cure. From there, the finish coat is added. The finish coat contains polymers that make it more flexible, less likely to crack, and more water-resistant. Like the other types of stucco, it can be pigmented and finished with different textures. 

Stucco Siding Cost by Finish

Your stucco’s finish heavily impacts your home’s appearance. The final coat of stucco is hand-troweled onto the home’s exterior. This can take on many shapes and designs, depending on your preference and the installer’s skill level. Some methods are more common than others, but a few are highly specialized. Most do not add additional costs to your project. Projects that require additional material like tabby shell stucco have higher costs than standard finishes.

Dash Stucco

Dash is the most common stucco texture and the one associated with most stucco homes. This is a rough texture with a pronounced appearance and deep shadows. This texture is sometimes called “roughcast.” If you do not request a specific finish for your stucco, you will likely get the dash finish. This texture works on nearly any type and home style.

Pebble Dash Stucco

Pebble dashing is the process of putting small pebbles or pea gravel into the wall after the final coat of stucco. This gives you a solid, textured wall of stones. This is a less common finish than most stucco walls using only the plastering materials. This texture may have similar costs to other textures or increase costs by around $1 a square foot, depending on the stones and technique. It often has no additional costs because the pebbles can be tossed or thrown on the wall quickly, and the finish needs less plaster.

Skip Trowel Stucco Finish

A skip trowel finish, also known as a lace finish, is a fast and easy way to texture a stucco home. It can be sprayed or hand-troweled on and works best with traditional stucco. This is considered a “forgiving” texture, meaning it can hide wear on the home’s surface. It can also hide repairs easily. This texture can be rough, with high casts and shadows, or smoother and more refined. This can also change over the house and add more depth.

Float Stucco

Float stucco is the more commonly known name for the sand texture. This is a more lightly textured stucco than the popular dash texture. It is created by “floating” or lightly pressing the trowel into the stucco, rather than pressing hard. The result gives the stucco a wet sand appearance. A float stucco is a good option if you want something smoother than dash but want some texture.

Cost to Smooth Stucco a House

If you do not like textured stucco, you can give it a smooth finish instead. This is a much less common option than most other stucco finishes. It takes time and must be applied by hand. It is achievable with all stucco types, but its costs are at the higher end of the labor range - $5 to $10 a square foot, depending on the type, rather than the more common $2 to $4 a square foot for dash finishes. Smooth stucco is not very forgiving for the home’s structural flaws. If it cracks, like stucco frequently does over time, the cracks are more noticeable in the smooth finish. It can also be more difficult to repair and blend this texture than others.

Santa Barbara Stucco Finish

The Santa Barbara finish is most popular in California, where it originated. This is often the preferred method for the California-Adobe look for the home’s exterior. The Santa Barbara finish is halfway between a smooth and textured finish. It is very lightly textured, with some small sand particles added to the plaster. The finish is applied with a pool trowel, which helps get the specific semi-smooth appearance.

English Stucco

The English stucco pattern is very distinctive from other textured stucco appearances. Instead of a rough finish, the English stucco is made by smoothing the stucco in a circular pattern. The half-circles overlap continuously across the home’s face. This is a slightly more decorative finish than most of the others. It is not as common and should be done with the traditional stucco rather than one coat or synthetic materials.

Cat Face Stucco Finish

One of the more unique textured stucco finishes is the cat face. This unique texture is mostly smooth, with textured areas showing through. When done correctly, it looks as though a cat is peeking through the stucco. The cat face texture can be large or small, and it can be close together or more spread out. This means that there is still a lot of room to customize your stucco with this finish.

Tabby Shell Stucco Cost

The tabby shell stucco is a unique finish for stucco homes. Rather than allowing the plaster to show or covering it in pebbles or sand, the plaster is completely covered in shells. It must be applied to traditional stucco and cannot be used with thin-coat or synthetic materials. The shells create a unique textured appearance with depth and shadow on the home’s surface. It also adds some strength - tabby walls last longer than other stucco walls without repair. Tabby costs an additional $1 to $2 a square foot on top of traditional stucco costs.

Average Cost to Stucco a House

Applying stucco to a home is a fairly labor-intensive process. No matter which system you use, the various layers and materials must be applied by hand. With traditional stucco, there is also a considerable curing time between each layer. This curing must proceed at the correct rate to prevent cracking and shrinkage in the siding.

Each of the three types of stucco has related labor costs. Traditional stucco tends to be the most costly to install because of the time needed between coats, while thin-coat stucco is the least expensive. The most common labor costs tend to be between $4 and $5 a foot, but the finish and your home’s condition can make a difference.

Thin-Coat Stucco Installation

Thin-coat stucco is sometimes known as one-coat stucco. It is also a hard stucco, like the traditional, and may sometimes be referred to as hard-coat stucco. It is relatively uncommon in most areas, and it may be difficult to find an installer who has worked with it before.

In this case, a metal lath is used like in traditional stucco. But rather than applying a scratch coat and brown coat, a single coat of material mixed with fiberglass is applied directly. This makes the installation process much faster because you do not need to wait for each coat to cure before applying the next. The finish coat is applied right away and has the necessary strength from the beginning. It can also be pigmented and finished with various textures. However, thick textures and textures that require other materials like pebble dash or tabby cannot be used with this system.

Because it takes less time to install and requires less material, it is also less expensive. Labor costs are closer to $2 to $5 per square foot, while the material costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

EIFS Installation

EIFS stucco is much more labor-intensive than one-coat stucco, but it can be easier than three-coat. This system starts by applying a layer of foam insulation to the exterior. Then a scratch coat is applied, with the lath embedded in it. From here, thin layers of synthetic material are applied one at a time. They cure faster than the three-coat system, even though there are usually more layers involved. The exact number varies by installation, but 4 to 6 layers is not uncommon. The final coat can be tinted or textured like traditional stucco. It can handle most of the same textures and appearances but cannot handle very deep textures, and it cannot be used with pebble dash or tabby. Labor costs for this process are between $4 and $7 a square foot on average.

Three-Coat Stucco System

Traditional stucco is sometimes called 3-coat or hard-coat stucco because it is applied in three layers over several days. After the water-resistant wrap is applied to the house and the metal lath installed, the first coat (“scratch coat”) is applied. The scratch coat is a thin layer of cement-based stucco applied roughly to the lath. It is meant to give the home a rough surface for the next coat of stucco to adhere to. For masonry or brick houses, a scratch coat is unnecessary because the wall’s rough texture is enough for the next coat.

The second coat of stucco is the brown coat. The brown coat is the structure of the siding. It adds strength and integrity to the walls and provides the final coat a surface.

The finish coat is the final layer of the job. This is hand-troweled on in various textures and aggregates for the final look.

Labor costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot. The stucco can be purchased pre-mixed in each of the coating materials, or aggregate can be added separately. This adds around $2 to $3 per square foot to the project’s costs.

Stucco Replacement Cost

It is much more common to repair old stucco than to replace it. Most older stucco can be repaired and given a fresh topcoat that makes it appear new. This costs around $5 a square foot on average.

If you want to replace it completely, the removal cost is added to the installation costs. Removing the old stucco costs between $1 and $3 a square foot, depending on the condition, how hard it is to remove, and the condition of your home beneath the stucco. You may have additional repair costs before you can begin the installation of the new stucco.

Total costs per square foot for replacing stucco range from $7 to $10 a square foot, but they can be higher or lower, depending on the stucco you choose and your home’s condition.

Stucco Over Siding Cost

If you have existing siding on your home, it can be tempting to leave it in place and stucco over it. Unfortunately, stuccoing over wood or vinyl siding is not a good idea. The stucco needs to adhere to a firm surface. Existing siding is not as secure as the home’s frame or a brick-sided or cinder-block home. If the vinyl or wood siding were to crack under the stucco’s weight or become damaged by moisture, the stucco fails with it.

Suppose you have wood or vinyl siding currently on your home. In this case, it is best to remove it, examine and repair the substrate as necessary, and install the stucco, rather than attempting to stucco over what is already there.

Stucco Over Brick Cost

You can stucco over brick, including both masonry brick and brick siding. Expect costs to be between $4 and $6 a square foot 9 to install stucco 8 on a brick home. The scratch coat can be excluded from the process because the brick gives it the strength and integrity it needs. This cuts a 3-coat stucco down to two coats and can save time and money. Stucco over brick costs slightly less on average than stucco over a timber home.  EIFS stucco installs the same way over brick and has no cost reduction.

Stucco Over Cinder Block Cost

 Costs for stuccoing 8 over cinder block are usually around $4 to $6 a square foot 9. Cinder block operates the same way that brick siding does with stucco. The strength and integrity of the cinder blocks mean that you do not need the scratch coat. Instead, the brown coat can be applied on top. This also saves time and money for traditional stucco installations. Like with brick, there is no difference in the installation process or costs for EIFS stucco.

Stucco Siding Pros and Cons

Like any siding material, stucco has positive and negative attributes. Stucco can last 50 or more years when treated properly and is extremely fire-resistant. It is also insect-resistant and can be applied to many home styles and materials. While it is primarily used in Spanish-style architecture, it also works well in modern and contemporary home styles. Newer materials can be used in more moderate and hot climates.

Stucco cracks if the home’s foundation settles and may sometimes crack with no settling. It has a very low R-value, much lower than wood siding, and does not do well in particularly damp climates. Moisture can infiltrate if the stucco cracks, which can lead to mold issues. It can also be difficult to repair, often necessitating repainting the entire home to match the new section.

Stucco Maintenance Cost

Stucco does not require much maintenance, but keep up with it to ensure that it lasts its maximum lifespan.

The biggest issue that stucco faces is a settling foundation. For that reason, it is generally recommended to have your soil checked regularly and to take steps to ensure it is not shifting or moving.

If the stucco becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with a soft to medium-bristled brush and a garden hose. Do not use a high-pressure washing system on stucco because this can cause damage.

Mold can be removed with a water-and-bleach solution and gentle scrubbing, while efflorescence can be removed with a vinegar-and-water solution. Most maintenance can be performed DIY for the bleach solution and brush’s cost. Or, you can hire house cleaners to do this for around $75 an hour.

Stucco Repair Cost

Stucco can crack over time, particularly when exposed to moisture or the home settles. The stucco can be repaired if this happens, usually with a new coat of stucco. Sometimes, the existing stucco needs to be completely removed, and new stucco applied. It is then tinted or painted to match.

Often, the repair does not match the home’s color when repairing stucco, especially if the color is older, has faded, or gotten dirty. For that reason, if your repair is large, consider painting your home to ensure the repair is invisible.

The cost of repairs starts at around $50 an hour. Small repairs can often be completed in 2-3 hours, but large repairs may take 8-10 hours.

Stucco Resurfacing Cost

Costs for resurfacing stucco are usually around $4 to $5 a square foot 9, including labor and material. If your stucco is old and has a lot of minor cracks or damage, it may be better to resurface it rather than make many small repairs or remove and replace it. Resurfacing gives the stucco a new top layer and texture and is often done with synthetic materials to last longer. Resurfacing is the application of a new topcoat, so it can often be applied to the existing stucco. This can hide cracks and other imperfections and give the stucco a fresh, new look. 

Cost of Stucco vs Brick

Stucco and brick are low-maintenance and long-lasting siding materials. Both are flame-retardant and insect-resistant. Brick siding is also completely moisture-resistant, while some types of stucco may develop problems in wet or high-moisture areas.

Brick siding costs between $7 and $16 a square foot installed, depending on the type and installation style. Most stucco siding installations range from $6 to $8 a square foot, but they can be more expensive, depending on the type and finish. This means that there is some overlap between the costs of the two materials, but brick tends to be slightly more expensive.

Stucco vs Wood Siding

Stucco and wood siding are different types of materials. Stucco siding is applied evenly over the entire home, giving it a textured appearance. Wood siding is installed in boards or planks in various patterns and styles. Stucco is resistant to insect activity and is flame-retardant. Wood is susceptible to both these issues, and while both materials are affected by moisture, wood is more likely to develop problems from moisture than stucco. Stucco is less expensive, costing between $6 and $8 a square foot on average. Wood siding costs around $3 to $10 a square foot installed, and some types of wood may cost even less.

Stucco vs Vinyl Siding

Many people who want a low-maintenance alternative to wood siding should consider vinyl. Vinyl siding is made of plastic that has been molded to look like wood. While it is insect and moisture-resistant, it is not flame-retardant. Vinyl does not do well in very hot or very cold climates. Stucco has no problems with heat or cold, but it does not do well in high-moisture climates.

Stucco is more expensive at $6 to $8 a square foot, while vinyl is $2 to $4. However, stucco lasts more than twice as long as vinyl. Stucco lasts 50 years or more with good maintenance, while vinyl only lasts 20.

Fiber Cement Siding vs Stucco

Another low-maintenance alternative to wood is fiber cement siding. Fiber cement is made of a blend of cellulose fiber, sand, silica, and Portland cement. It can be formed into many plank and board sizes and can take on different textures. Many fiber cement companies also make a board that looks like stucco. These fiber cement stucco siding panels cost around $6 to $10 a square foot, while most fiber cement costs between $4 and $7 a square foot, making costs fairly comparable with stucco. The biggest difference between the two is the increased durability of the fiber cement. It resists cracking better than stucco and needs less maintenance. Both materials last around 50 years on average.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Old Siding Removal

If you remove old siding to stucco your home, you may have a siding removal and disposal fee of around $1 a square foot added to the project’s cost. This cost may be higher or lower, depending on the material, how easily it comes off, and disposal.

Painting Stucco

While stucco can be pigmented in several colors, many people choose to paint it, particularly after a repair to match the old and new sections. Painting your stucco adds around $2 to $5 to the project’s cost. Always wait at least a few weeks for new stucco to cure before painting it.

Stucco Chimney Cost

If you have a chimney in your home, you can have stucco applied to this for a cohesive appearance. Because most chimneys are made of brick or cinder block, their costs to stucco are slightly less than stuccoing on a stick-built home. Expect costs to be around $4 to $6 a square foot.

Stucco Fence Cost

While less common than some fencing styles, you can also apply a stucco finish to a fence. Stucco can be applied to wood, stone, and brick fences, provided that they have a solid surface for the stucco to apply to. Prices are similar to applying stucco to a home. Costs to install stucco on a wood fence are around $6 to $8, while applying it to a concrete or brick fence is around $4 to $6 a square foot.