How much does it cost to stucco a house?
How much does it cost to stucco a house?
The average cost to stucco a house is $6 to $9 per square foot, including materials and labor. Applying stucco over brick or resurfacing costs less at $3 to $6 per square foot. To re-stucco a house, add $1 per square foot for stucco removal costs.
$3 – $9 stucco cost per square foot installed
$7,500 – $15,000 average cost to stucco a house
The average cost to stucco a house is $6 to $9 per square foot, including materials and labor. Applying stucco over brick or resurfacing costs less at $3 to $6 per square foot. To re-stucco a house, add $1 per square foot for stucco removal costs.
Stucco Siding Installation Cost
The average cost to install stucco siding on a house is $7,500 to $15,000 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.
| National Average Cost | $9,300 |
| Minimum Cost | $4,500 |
| Maximum Cost | $16,000 |
| Average Range | $7,500 to $15,000 |
Stucco is a high-end siding material that costs 60% more installed than vinyl or aluminum siding, but the long-term cost can end up cheaper because of stucco's durability.
Stucco is composed of natural materials and can last for decades if well looked after. Modern stucco is of even better quality than previous decades because of the addition of epoxy, which makes the stucco less likely to crack or chip.
Cost to Stucco a House
The average cost to stucco a house is $7 to $9 per square foot with most homeowners spending $8 per square foot. 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.
| House Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,500 SF (1,239 SF of Siding) | $7,400 – $11,200 |
| 2,000 SF (1,431 SF of Siding) | $8,600 – $12,900 |
| 2,500 SF (1,575 SF of Siding) | $9,400 – $14,200 |
| 3,000 SF (1,753 SF of Siding) | $10,300 – $15,800 |
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 costs as little as $3 per square foot, while a new application can cost $9 per square foot.
| Item | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $5 – $6 |
| Labor | $2 – $3 |
| Equipment | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Average Total | $7 – $9 |
Stucco Materials Cost
Stucco materials cost $5 to $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.
| Stucco Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Cement Stucco | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Acrylic Stucco | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Stucco Mesh | $0.60 – $0.80 |
This cost is based on 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 impact the pricing.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic ($40 to $60/5-gallons and covers 100–250 square feet.) |
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| Cement (Costs $10–$15/90-lb. bag and covers 100–180 square feet.) |
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Acrylic stucco – Costs $40 to $60 per 5 gallons and covers 100 to 250 square feet.
Cement stucco – Costs $10 to $15 per 90 lb. bag and covers 100 to 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 three laborers 3 days to complete the project.
Applying 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 in labor, depending on whether you want a sand float or trowel finish. The region you live in will also determine the labor cost.
Natural gray cement with a sand float finish will take 35 to 40 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 8 to 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 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 lowers 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.
Stucco Siding Cost Estimator
Siding costs 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 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—areas that 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 square foot on average. Installing stucco over brick adds 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” to 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 $7 to $8 per square foot, or about $60 per linear foot for an 8' high wall. Materials make up most of the cost, with labor costing $1.70 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, installing vinyl, aluminum, or wood siding is cheaper than stucco, but stucco can require less maintenance and last longer. Stucco also insulates a house better than most siding and can lessen exterior noise.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 – $11 |
| Aluminum | $3 – $11 |
| Wood | $2 – $6 |
| Engineered Wood | $2 – $4 |
| Fiber Cement | $6 – $13 |
| Brick | $7 – $15 |
| Stucco | $4 – $8 |
| Steel | $3 – $10 |
| Stone | $10 – $45 |
*Including installation.
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 than stucco and 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.
Cost to Re-Stucco a House
A stucco re-coat costs between $3 and $6 per square foot, depending on the house size, the stucco's current condition and texture, 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 if you’d like to fill cracks.
Stucco Removal Cost
The cost to remove stucco is $1.05 per square foot if it's on metal lath and $1.20 per square foot if it's on wood lath. Expect to spend $900 to $2,100 to remove stucco from the average home. Prices increase 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. You may also 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 be needed 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.
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.
Stucco 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
Stucco is more expensive 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. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips to get the most out of your investment.
Clean – Stucco needs to be washed periodically, which you can do without damaging it by using a high-pressure garden hose. Avoid high-powered pressure washing. Start at the bottom and make your way to the top, then spray again from top to bottom.
Clean Off Efflorescence – Clean white moisture stains with white vinegar and rinse off after a few minutes.
Check Surface for Cracks – Examine the walls every few months for any cracks or holes. 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. Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Paint – Consider adding a water-repellent paint over the stucco, but make sure it’s a breathable paint. Flat-finish acrylic-based paints are best to use over stucco. This helps make it more water resistant so it can hold up to moist weather conditions.
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 is also limited in the number of textures it can show. Homeowners in southern climates typically 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 not applied correctly, especially around doors and windows, thus leading to mold, rotting, and other damage. The right expert will prevent this from happening by installing flashing and sealing all joints around the exterior of the home.
Stucco Siding FAQs
How Much Does Smooth Stucco Cost?
A smooth stucco over an existing stucco wall that has a rough texture costs about $4,000 or $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 $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot. Expect to pay $1,200 to $9,400 to repaint a 1,500 square foot stucco house, and $2,100 to $13,800 to repaint 2,500 square foot house.
How Long Does Stucco Last on a House?
Stucco can last 50 years or longer on average or up to 100 years if installed correctly. Most stucco installations have a 15-year warranty. 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 inspection for $250 to $350. If the stucco foundation is not easily accessible, the inspection will cost $100 to $300 more.
How Much Does a Stucco Fence Cost?
The cost to build a stucco fence is $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot. The 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?
Installing stucco over cinder blocks will cost about $4.50 per square foot. Installing stucco over brick adds 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” to 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 costs $0.02 to $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 to 52 hours. Divide this by the number of plasterers doing the plastering to figure out how many days it will take.
Do It Yourself Stucco Vs. Hiring a Pro
While repairs might be easy to do yourself, DIY stucco installation requires skill, experience, special equipment, and 95 to 100+ hours of labor. If the work isn't done correctly, all the stucco will have to be removed and redone. Call a professional stucco contractor to ensure the job goes smoothly.
Before beginning a stucco project, check local building codes and your Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations to confirm whether you need permits or HOA permission.
How to 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. If you’re not sure how to stucco, check out the numerous online videos that provide step-by-step instructions.
Stucco application usually requires mesh wiring covered in three layers:
A wire mesh is wrapped onto the weather wrap around the house so the stucco has something to grip onto.
The first layer of stucco, the scratch coat, is applied and then lightly raked over with a tool called a scarifier.
The second coat, called the 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.
For repairs, horizontal cracks are easily fixed DIY by patching them up. Clean out any debris from the crack, use caulk to fill in any small cracks, and then paint over it. For larger cracks, buy a pre-mixed bucket of stucco patch for $8 to $20 per quart and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Hiring a Stucco Contractor
Before you hire a professional stucco contractor for your project, be sure to:
Get at least three onsite estimates to compare.
Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, insured, and have been in business 5+ years.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Review their portfolio of previous projects, and ask for local references.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing.
Confirm the estimate includes old siding removal and disposal.
Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment schedule for work completed, and get receipts.
