How Much Does It Cost To Stucco A House?

Stucco Siding Installation Cost

The average cost to install stucco siding on a house is $8,500 to $12,100 with most homeowners spending $9,300 for materials and labor. Stucco installation costs $3 to $9 per square foot depending on if its a new install, re-stucco, or applying stucco over an existing surface.

Stucco is a high-end siding material that costs 60% more installed than vinyl or aluminum siding, but the long-term stucco cost can end up cheaper because of its durability. Stucco is composed of natural materials and can last for decades if it’s well looked after; and modern-day stucco is of even better quality than previous decades because of the addition of epoxy, which causes the stucco to be less likely to crack or chip.

Table of Contents

1. Stucco Siding Installation Cost
2. Cost to Stucco a House
• Cost Per Square Foot
• Materials Cost
• Labor Cost
• Cost Factors
3. Stucco Siding Cost Estimator
• Stucco Over Brick
• Exterior Wall Cost
• Stucco vs. Siding
• Stucco vs. Brick
4. Cost to Re-Stucco a House
• Stucco Removal
• Stucco Resurfacing
• Stucco Repair
5. Pros and Cons of Stucco
• Tips for Maintaining Stucco
6. Types of Stucco Finishes
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. DIY Stucco Vs. Hiring a Pro
9. Stucco Contractors Near Me

Cost to Stucco a House

The average cost to stucco a house is $7 to $9 per square foot with most homeowners spending $8. Stucco siding installation on an average home costs $8,000 to $12,000 for materials and labor. To re-stucco a house, add $1 per square foot for stucco removal costs.

Stucco installation costs about $7,500 for a small house, $11,000 for a medium-sized house, and $14,000 for a large house. Applied as a textured or smooth look, stucco should be installed by a professional to ensure correct coverage and a specialized finish.

Stucco Cost Per Square Foot

Stucco costs $3 to $9 per square foot installed with most spending $8 per square foot on average. Applying stucco over bricks will cost as little as $3 per sqft., whereas a new application can cost $9 per sqft..

Stucco Materials Cost

Stucco materials cost between $5 and $6 per square foot, which includes acrylic or cement stucco, weather wrapping, wire mesh, and coloring. Exterior stucco prices range from $0.05 to $0.50 per square foot with acrylic costing about five times more than cement.

This cost is factored for mid-grade materials and covers the three layers of stucco necessary to give the wall the correct finish. The first coat is the scratch cost, the second coat is the levelling coat or brown coat, and the last is the finishing coat. The type of stucco you opt for (traditional or synthetic) and the finished texture will change the pricing as well.

• Acrylic stucco – Costs $40 to $60/5-gallons and covers 100–250 square feet.
• Cement stucco - Costs about $10–$15/90-lb. bag and covers 100–180 square feet.
• Finishing Coat Stucco costs $20 per bag or about $400 for a whole house.

Stucco Labor Cost

Stucco labor costs range from $2 to $3 per square foot or about 30% of the total cost, with equipment costs adding $0.40 per square foot. The labor cost to install stucco is $35 to $50 per hour per worker, and it takes 3 laborers 3 days to complete the project.

The three coats of stucco needed for a 2,000-square-foot house (1,431 SF of siding) will cost $3,330 to $4,320 to apply depending on whether you want a sand float or trowel finish. The region you live in will better determine the labor cost.

• Natural gray cement with a sand float finish will take 34 minutes per square yard or 4 minutes per square foot = 90 hours for a 2,000-square-foot house. Divide this time by the number of plasterers on the job to see how many days it will take.
• White cement with a trowel finish will take 1 hour and 10 minutes per square yard, or 9 minutes per square foot = 105 hours for a 2,000-square-foot house.

Stucco Labor Process

A wire mesh is wrapped onto the weather wrap around the house, so the stucco has something to grip onto. This first layer of stucco, the scratch coat, is lightly raked over with a tool called a scarifier. The second leveling coat sticks to the scratches and smooths out the surface for the third coat. The third coat is where you can lightly or heavily texture the stucco.

Additional Cost Factors

• Building Permits – The cost of a building permit to install stucco is $75 to $225.
• Scaffolding – Required for walls 14’ or taller.
• Type of Finish – The most popular finishes usually cost more due to the additional time it takes to create the desired pattern.
• Trim – Installing foam stucco trim around your windows and doors will cost $3–$7 per linear foot.
• Condition of Exterior Walls – You’ll have to pay to prep the walls before setup is begun for the stucco.
• One or Three-Coat System – A one-coat system reduces the work by 25% and should lower the cost slightly.
• Quality of Stucco – Better grades of concrete will cost more, adding hundreds or thousands to your stucco siding installation cost, but you’ll save money in the long run by not having to resurface a few years later.

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Stucco Siding Cost Estimator

Siding costs will depend if it's a new install or a re-stucco project, if you're applying stucco over brick or concrete, and the type of stucco used, whether engineered, synthetic, or traditional stucco.

Stucco siding costs more than the more favored vinyl, wood, or aluminum siding. However, it is the most coveted siding on expensive homes in hotter climates for its unique textured or smooth finishes. The most stucco homes are found in California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona which have quickly adopted this Spanish-style siding.

Stucco Over Brick Cost

Installing stucco siding over a brick, concrete, or masonry surface that's in good condition costs $3 to $6 per square foot or about $4.50 per sqft. on average. Installing stucco over brick is a great option to add extra insulation to your home.

Stucco adheres to brick without needing a wire mesh unless the brick is in bad shape and doesn’t have 3/8”–1/2” mortar joints, but some installation experts prefer to use a lath for everything as it gives the stucco a better grip.

Stucco Exterior Wall Cost

Building a stucco exterior wall costs between $7 and $8 per square foot, or $58 per linear foot for an 8' high wall. Most costs are attributed to materials with labor costing $1.68 per square foot on average. A stucco exterior wall must be applied over a supporting structure such as wood, concrete, or brick with a metal or wood lath base and three layers of stucco.

Cost of Stucco vs. Siding

When comparing stucco to other siding costs, it's cheaper to put vinyl, aluminum, or wood siding up than to install stucco, but stucco can require less maintenance and last longer. It can also insulate a house better than most siding and lessen exterior noise.

Stucco vs. Brick Cost  

Brick siding costs $8 to $18 per square foot installed compared to stucco’s $3 to $9 per square foot installed, or about double the cost. Despite the expense, a brick exterior will last longer over time than stucco will. Stucco will need to be repaired much sooner than brick will. Brick requires very little maintenance and doesn't get as affected by moisture as stucco does. Brick can also better withstand heat.

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Cost to Re-Stucco a House

A stucco re-coat costs between $3 and $6 per square foot depending on the current condition and texture on the stucco, and what type of finishing will be applied on top. You might need to re-stucco your house if you have found moisture underneath, or you’d like to fill cracks. The cost to re-stucco a home has many factors, like removal and how large the area is that needs to be redone.

Stucco Removal Cost

The cost to remove stucco on metal lath is $1.05 per square foot and $1.20 per square foot if the stucco is on wood lath. Expect to spend between $900 and $2,100 to remove stucco on the average home. Prices go higher if your walls are over 8’ high and require scaffolding.

Old stucco siding is removed and broken down into movable sizes with hand tools. Add the cost of any necessary flashing and caulking. The old siding will need to be trashed, so you may or may not be charged a disposal fee, depending on the company you hire. You might find it challenging to locate a stucco removal specialist in your area because not many professional plasterers do this anymore.

Stucco Resurfacing Cost

Stucco resurfacing costs $3 to $6 per square foot and may need to be applied if there are several unsightly cracks on the wall. Prices vary depending on the condition of the existing stucco and the finish you want. However, if there is moisture underneath or if the lath is loosening from the studs, the stucco will need to be completely removed and redone.

Stucco Repair Cost

Professional stucco repair costs $8 to $50 per square foot or $200 to $800 on average for a patch and touch-up painting.

• Vertical cracks imply the house foundation is shifting and requires an inspection, which is typically free.
• Horizontal cracks can be patched DIY with caulk and paint, or a bucket of stucco patch for $8 to $20.
• If other siding materials are damaged, siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot.

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Pros and Cons of Stucco

Pros

• A layer of stucco can add extra insulation to your home, making it more energy efficient, although its R-value is only 0.20 per inch—much lower than wood.
• Stucco can act as a silencer for outside noise.
• It is fire retardant, and the material lasts for an hour in a fire before it starts to deteriorate.
• Stucco acts as a natural repellant to rot, mildew, and mold.
• It only takes 3 to 5 days to install on an entire home or less for smaller projects.
• Stucco can be mixed to produce a custom color.
• It provides a seamless look which accentuates the home’s architectural features.
• It can last up to 50 years and maybe longer.

Cons

• It is a more expensive option for siding a home than wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding.
• It can crack with a shifting foundation or develop moisture problems in heavy rain areas.
• If you wish to paint a new color over it, the old paint needs to be sandblasted off so the fresh paint can stick.

Tips for Maintaining a Stucco House

Maintaining a stucco house is relatively low key. Here are cleaning and maintenance tips to get the most out of your investment.

• Clean – Stucco needs to be washed every once in a while, which you can do without damaging it by using a high-pressure garden hose. Avoid high-powered pressure washing. You'll want to start at the bottom and make your way to the top, then spray from top to bottom.
• Clean Off Efflorescence – White moisture stains—with white vinegar and rinse off after a few minutes.
• Check Surface for Cracks – Examine the walls for any cracks or holes every few months. If you find any, repair them ASAP.
• Moisture Check – You'll want to catch the first warning signs of trapped moisture as this can completely ruin stucco as it pulls away from the lath and disintegrates. It can also cause mold issues, which could turn into a more significant catastrophe if not handled right away.
• Add Gutters – Direct moisture away from the stucco with a good gutter system.
• Paint – Consider adding a water-repellent paint over the stucco, but make sure it’s a breathable paint. Flat-finish paints, like acrylic-based ones, are best to use over stucco. This helps make it more water resistant so it can hold up to moist weather conditions.

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Types of Stucco Finishes

Choose from a variety of stucco finish types to give your home a look you desire—the looks are mainly based on the types of inclusions between the smooth areas of the stucco in the final layer. These finishes are always done manually. Types of stucco finishes include

• Dash Finish – fine, heavy, or knockdown
• Lack and Skip – fine, medium, or coarse
• Sand or Float Finish – fine, medium, or coarse
• Smooth Finish
• Textured Finish (Worm, Swirl, or Putz) – fine, medium, or coarse
• Santa Barbara – smooth but irregular
• English Stucco – a traditional look

Synthetic Stucco

Synthetic stucco will repel moisture rather than absorb it in the way concrete will, but moisture will still pass through it as a vapor, so it will not seal out water. Concrete stucco will work in the same way if it’s applied correctly. Synthetic stucco also limits the user in the number of textures it can show. Homeowners in the southern climates seem to prefer concrete stucco over synthetic versions.

Synthetic stucco is not an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), as it is too lightweight to offer enough insulation. It can also develop water leakage if it’s not applied correctly, especially around doors and windows, thus leading to mold, rotting, and other types of damage. The right expert will prevent this from happening by installing flashing and sealing all joints around the exterior of the home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Smooth Stucco Cost?

If you want smooth stucco over an existing stucco wall that has a rough texture, it will cost about $4,000 or about $3 to $6 per square foot. For fresh installations, the stucco can be smoothed out in the final layer.

Cost to Repaint a Stucco House

The average cost to repaint a stucco house is $1.70 per square foot. Expect to pay $850 to repaint a 500 square foot stucco house, and $2,500 to repaint about 1,500 square feet. Stucco paint costs about $4.21/gallon or $29/gallon for elastomeric paint which will stretch with your stucco.

How Long Does Stucco Last on a House?

Stucco can last 50 years or longer on average, or up to 100 years if it's installed correctly. Most stucco installations will have a warranty of 15 years. Make sure to read the fine print to see what your warranty entails.

How Much Does a Stucco Inspection Cost?

If you see a crack in the stucco or suspect it might have moisture problems, you can get a stucco inspecting for $250 to $350. If the stucco foundation is not easily accessible, then it will cost $100 to $300 more.

How Much Does a Stucco Fence Cost?

The cost to build a stucco fence is $3.50 to $7 per square foot, and stucco must be applied over a supporting structure such as wood, concrete, or brick with a metal or wood lath base and three layers of stucco.

Can You Put Stucco over Cinder Block?

It will cost about $4.50 per square foot to install stucco over cinder blocks. Installing stucco over brick is a great option to add extra insulation to your home. Stucco adheres to brick without needing a wire mesh unless the brick is in bad shape and doesn’t have 3/8”–1/2” mortar joints, but some installation experts prefer to use a lath for everything, as it gives the stucco a better grip.

What Is the Typical Stucco Thickness?

With all three layers put together, the thickness of a finished stucco installation will be 7/8”.

What Is the Price of Stucco Wire?

Generally, mesh netting for stucco is $0.02–$0.04 per square foot.

How Long Does It Take to Stucco a House?

On average, it takes a 3-person crew 3 days to install stucco on a house. For every 1,000 square feet, the installation will take 45–52 hours. Divide this by the number of plasterers doing the plastering to figure out how many days it will take.

Additional questions and answers can be found at Cement.org.

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Do It Yourself Stucco Vs. Hiring a Pro

While repairs might be easy to do yourself, do-it-yourself stucco siding installation might be more than you can handle. If you cannot dedicate 95–105 hours to this project (or longer if you don't know what you're doing), or you don’t have the time to amass all the equipment needed, then it is highly advisable to call in the experts. If an inferior job is done, then the whole stucco will have to be removed and redone.

How to Stucco

Stucco application usually requires three layers that go over the mesh wiring, so you’ll have to work around the house four times until the work is done.

A wire mesh is wrapped onto the weather wrap around the house so the stucco has something to grip onto. This first layer of stucco, the scratch coat, is lightly raked over with a tool called a scarifier. The second coat, levelling coat or brown coat, sticks to the scratches and smooths out the surface for the third coat. The third coat is where you can lightly or heavily texture the stucco.

You’ll need to buy sheathing materials, weep screeds, casing beads, lath, and a trowel to do the work. Make sure you know how to mix the concrete properly. Be sure to check if your HOA will allow stucco siding before installation happens. If you’re not sure how to stucco, check out the numerous online videos that provide step-by-step instructions.

If you want to know how to repair stucco, horizontal cracks are easily fixed yourself by patching them up. All you need is to clean out any debris from the crack, use some caulk to fill in any small cracks, and then paint over it. For larger cracks, you can buy a pre-mixed bucket of stucco patch for $8 to $20/quart.

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