Stucco siding is a timeless and durable home exterior option.

It is popular for households who want a long-lasting, classic look that combines functionality and curb appeal.

Understanding the cost of stucco siding and the factors that influence it can help you decide if this siding option is the right choice for you. 

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What Is Stucco?

Stucco is a cement-based plaster composed of cement, sand, lime, and water.

It is popular in creating decorative walls and structures and applicable in multiple layers to the exterior of a building as a protective layer.

It has been used for centuries to protect homes from the elements and to provide a beautiful finish. 

Stucco Siding Average Cost

The total cost of stucco siding will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the area, the type of stucco, and the labor costs associated with the project.

Generally, the cost of stucco siding is $6 to $9 per square foot, with the total cost of the project ranging from $2,300 to $9,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home.

Stucco Siding Cost Breakdown

The main expenses for stucco installation are materials (including the plaster itself and all the necessary additional materials), inspection, permits, and labor. You can save on the latter if you have DIY home repair skills.

Expense Type	Cost
Average Total Cost per Sq. Ft.	$6-$9
Cost of Materials per Sq. Ft.	$5.50
Cost of Labor per Sq. Ft.	$2-$3

Materials

Stucco consists of three coats: a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finishing coat.

It costs approximately $5.50 per square foot, with materials such as sealants, weather stripping, caulking, fasteners, and flashing included.

A 12-pound bag of mix covers 320-480 square feet, and an 80-pound bag covers 35 square feet.

Stucco Labor Cost

Stucco installation typically costs $2 to $3 per square foot, so a 1,000 sq. ft. home would cost $2,000-$3,000.

Prices decrease for larger homes depending on their location and job difficulty.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Stucco by Project?

Some common stucco installation projects include replacing stucco, installing stucco over brick, and installing stucco over wood siding.

While the cost of each project will vary, we can examine some average price ranges for each project.

Replacing Stucco

New stucco costs around $4.50 per square foot.

When taking on this project, it’s expectable to spend between $3 and $6 per square foot.

The range depends on the state of the existing stucco and the kind of new plaster.

For 1,500 square feet of exterior wall area, this will amount to an estimate of $7,000. 

Over Brick

Installing stucco over brick costs $7-$9 per square foot.

In total, applying plaster to a 1,500-square feet home will cost approximately $10,500.

Adding this siding to brick and masonry can be an excellent way to enhance the outdoors aesthetically, so it may be a worthwhile investment.

Over Wood Siding

Applying stucco to wood surfaces will set you back around $8.50 per square foot.

To cover an area of 1,500 square feet, you can expect to pay just over $13,000.

Pro Tip: When installing stucco over wood, ensure the structural wood panels are stiff and dimensionally consistent. This will help create a uniform look for the exterior finish.

Where To Buy Stucco Material

You can buy stucco material from various sources, including home improvement stores, specialty suppliers, and online retailers.

The cost of the materials will vary depending on the quality and type of material purchased.

It is important to buy suitable materials for your project and ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies before beginning the project.

You can get pre-mixed cement variants at Home Depot or Lowes.

Stucco Siding Types

There are a variety of different types of stucco siding available.

Each stucco siding type has unique characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and costs.

The most common types of stucco siding include synthetic stucco, smooth-finish stucco, cement stucco, and acrylic stucco.

Let’s take a closer look at them:

Stucco Mesh

Stucco mesh, a metal or fiberglass netting used while plastering, will be a factor in the total siding installation cost.

Stucco mesh usually costs between $0.3 and $1 per square foot.

Synthetic Stucco

Synthetic stucco in an EIFS system is more expensive than cement stucco, costing $12-$14 per square foot.

It provides a moisture barrier, unlike cement stucco, which absorbs water.

Smooth-Finish Stucco

If you are starting from scratch and installing a smooth stucco finish, it will cost you $8 per square foot.

Covering a wall with textured stucco and putting a smooth finish on top will cost $4.50 per square foot.

Cement Stucco

Cement stucco combines cement, sand, lime, and water.

It’s a finish coat for “hard coat” stucco installations, ranging from $7 to $9 per square foot.

Acrylic Stucco

Acrylic stucco is a popular type composed of sand and resin.

This finish offers a richer color and texture.

Installing an acrylic stucco siding system could cost up to $12 per square foot.

How Much Does It Cost To Add Stucco Siding Yourself?

If you are a DIYer, you may be able to save some money by installing stucco siding yourself.

The cost of the materials will be the same, but the labor costs will be significantly lower.

The cost of installing stucco will depend on your skill level, the materials, and the style choice.

You have the option of buying individual components or a pre-mixed compound.

Expect to spend approximately $6 per square foot for a DIY plastering project.

What Are The Advantages Of Stucco Siding?

Stucco is a highly versatile, affordable, long-lasting option for home exterior siding.

The texture and color of your stucco siding can easily be changed by adding different colors before it is applied or simply painting over it.

You can also insert small stones or other objects into the stucco to give it a unique texture and design.

Due to its plaster and cement composition, stucco has high fire resistance, making it an excellent choice for homes prone to wildfires.

On average, stucco siding can last over 50 years with regular maintenance.

This may include pressure washing the siding once per year and repairing any small cracks with sealant from your local hardware store. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Stucco Siding?

Stucco siding is not appropriate for all types of climates and locations.

Areas that experience frequent dampness should avoid using it since the moisture can cause an oversaturation that can bring about rot in the wood foundation and other building materials. 

Additionally, stucco is unsuitable for homes with shifting foundations or in areas where earthquakes are common, as cracks can quickly occur.

As a result, older homes with a changing foundation are not ideal candidates for this type of siding.

Stucco vs Vinyl Siding

The decision between vinyl and stucco siding for a home can be tricky.

Stucco costs slightly more than vinyl – $5 to $9.58 per square foot compared with $3 to $8.50 per square foot.

However, stucco installation is more involved than vinyl, with professional labor costs potentially making up a more significant portion of the total cost.

Stucco may last longer, as well as require less maintenance, than vinyl.

Before deciding, talk to your siding contractor to discuss the best option.

Did you know? While vinyl siding is one of the less durable options available, it can still last for about 20 years or more.

Stucco vs Hardie Plank

The most notable distinction between Hardie Board and stucco siding is their capability to withstand varying climate conditions.

Hardie Board is created using a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber.

It is available in a wide range of colors and textures applicable to a surface to make it more personal.

While stucco is also sturdy, it doesn’t have the same weatherproofing or design choices.

As far as installation goes, Hardie Board is generally easier to install than stucco.

It comes in pre-cut sheets, which can be placed over an existing wall, whereas stucco needs to be applied in layers and needs more manual labor and expertise.

Stucco vs Brick

Stucco siding works well with contemporary designs.

Homeowners can apply it to various surfaces with a wide range of colors.

It lasts for 50 years or more.

Additionally, stucco offers moderate fire resistance and is good in hot, dry climates.

Some cons to stucco siding are that it takes several weeks to cure, has a low R-value, is susceptible to cracking and damage, and can mold or rot in damp climates. 

Brick siding offers several advantages, including suitability for traditional or modern styles, low-maintenance, and extreme resistance to damage.

It also can last over 100 years when maintained, with excellent fire resistance, good resale value, and sound-blocking capabilities.

However, brick siding is limited in color range and has a low R-value and high energy costs in manufacturing and transportation processes.

Is Stucco More Expensive Than Siding?

Stucco siding is typically more expensive than traditional materials, such as vinyl and wood.

The cost of stucco siding is usually around $9 per square foot.

The complexity of installation contributes to somewhat higher prices.

However, stucco is cheaper than some special options, such as brick.

How Much Does It Cost To Stucco A 2,000-Square-Foot House?

Expect to spend at least $12,000 on stuccoing a 2,000-square-foot home.

The labor demand relative to the house’s size significantly contributes to the cost, so a DIY job could cost considerably less.

How Much Does It Cost To Stucco A 1,500-Square-Foot House?

On average, the cost of stuccoing a 1,500-square-foot house is around $9,000.

But it can be higher or lower depending on previously explored factors.

How Much Does It Cost To Stucco A 1,200-Square-Foot House?

The smaller surface area of a 1,200-square-foot house will ensure lower costs.

Generally, covering a 1,200-square-foot home with a stucco siding will set a buyer back around $8,500. 

How Much Does It Cost To Put Stucco On Just A Portion Of My House?

Maybe the cost of using stucco for your entire house exceeds your budget, or you only want to use plaster for some areas as a decorative accent.

Either way, the cost is still determined by the same factors, but it will likely be much lower.

To estimate how much it will cost, take the average cost per square foot and multiply it by the total number of square feet in the project.

For example, if the average price per square foot is $9, then an area of 100 square feet will cost around $900.

How Much Does Dryvit Stucco Cost?

Dryvit is an EIFS synthetic stucco that, on average, tends to be an affordable alternative to the more traditional options.

The cost of Dryvit stucco is usually in the range of $4 to $8 per square foot.

However, Dryvit is less weather-resistant and porous than traditional stucco and has a shorter average lifespan.

Did you know? Lymestone by Dryvit is a 100% acrylic-based finish designed to replicate the look of limestone blocks, and Dryvit TAFS is a great finishing option for ICF walls.

Where Does Stucco Come From?

The ancient Greeks and Romans mixed sand, lime, and other natural ingredients to create a durable plaster-like coating for their buildings.

Churches and cathedrals across Europe used this same technique to adorn and protect their facades during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Through refinement, the formula now contains Portland cement and other modern components to provide extra strength, flexibility, and fire protection.

Nowadays, stucco is a popular choice for residential and commercial sites.

It offers customizable finishes to fulfill various design requirements.

Additionally, stucco may adorn interior spaces like fireplace surrounds or accentuate decor like Venetian plaster.

When Is The Best Time To Stucco A House? 

Stucco is highly temperature-sensitive.

You should avoid applying it in frigid temperatures or direct sunlight.

The ideal time to stucco a house is in late springtime when temperatures are consistently warm, and rain is not a major issue.

How Long Does Stucco Siding Last? 

Stucco is one of the most durable siding materials on the market and can last over 50 years before needing a replacement.

It will often last around 80 years, given adequate weather conditions.

While stucco is tough, it requires regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan.

When Does the Stucco Siding Need To Be Replaced? 

Stucco siding may need replacement if it is cracked or damaged or the color has faded.

If the stucco has been damaged by water, it may need a replacement. It depends on the extent of the damage.

In some cases, a professional may be able to repair the damage, but in other cases, a complete replacement may be necessary.

When Should Stucco Cracks Be Repaired? 

It’s best to repair stucco cracks as soon as you notice them to prevent further damage.

If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair it with a stucco patching compound.

More significant gaps may need cement and sand filling.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Stucco? 

The cost to repair stucco depends on the damage’s extent, the surface’s size, and the materials needed.

A professional may charge anywhere from $50-$100 per hour for their services.

How Do You Maintain Stucco? 

The stucco’s porous nature makes it susceptible to dirt and stains, so it should be power washed (on low settings) at least once a year to remove debris from the surface.

Additionally, inspecting it regularly for cracks and other damage is a good idea.

A professional can check it and repair any damage as soon as possible.

Does Stucco Siding Increase Home Value? 

Stucco siding can add to the aesthetic appeal of a home and can also increase its value.

However, it is essential to remember that stucco will eventually need repair or replacement, and this cost should be a part of the equation when calculating a home’s value.

Should I Avoid Buying A Home With Stucco Siding? 

Stucco is a very durable material, so there is no reason to avoid buying a home with stucco siding.

However, it is important to have a professional inspect the stucco before purchasing to determine if it has suffered any damage that needs repairing.

What’s The Difference Between Stucco And Parging? 

Modern stucco is a cement mortar used as a decorative finish on the exterior of homes.

It can be manually or machine-applied, and pigments can be added for color.

Parging consists of a mortar applied to masonry or concrete to level the surface and refine the wall foundation’s visible above-grade part. It is usually applied manually with a trowel.

Did you know? Parging provides an extra layer of insulation that helps protect your foundation from rain, wind, ice, snow, and extreme temperature changes.

Is Stucco A Good Siding? 

Stucco is a popular siding material for a good reason – it lasts many years and looks good.

It is also relatively easy to maintain and can add to the aesthetic appeal of a home.

However, it is essential to remember that stucco will eventually need to be repaired or replaced, so consider this cost before making a purchase.

Making The Right Choice

Stucco is a good and relatively affordable siding choice.

It can add to a home’s aesthetic appeal and increase its value.

It comes in several forms and boasts many advantages over other siding materials.

However, it is not without its flaws and quirks.

Researching all the available options will ensure that you make an informed decision and purchase the perfect siding that will last for decades.