Stucco vs. Plaster: Which Should You Pick For Your Home Exterior?

Are you considering stucco or plaster? Both building materials offer plenty of benefits. In fact, many people who love classic and vintage homes will only consider these options for walls and siding due to the clout they bring to a property. 

But stucco and plaster aren't necessarily interchangeable just because they have a similar look. Take a peek at how plaster and stucco compare so you can choose the best materials for your siding and walls.

Stucco Pros and Cons

Photo: OliverChilds / E+ / Getty Images

Stucco is made of cement, sand, and lime-based materials. Fiberglass is sometimes added to make stucco more rigid for certain applications. Generally, stucco is used for outdoor surfaces, but some homeowners make the stylistic choice to bring stucco inside.

Pros

• Rigid and durable

• Long-lasting (up to 50 years)

• Variety of textures and colors

• Low maintenance (only needing 1-2 cleanings per year)

Cons

• Doesn’t insulate as well as other materials, so not a fit for colder regions

• Porous so it absorbs moisture more easily

• Prone to chips and cracking

• Can form dark blotches

• Higher risk of mold

Plaster Pros and Cons

Photo: Dariusz Jarzabek / Adobe Stock

Plaster is composed of cement, sand, and gypsum that is used for coating walls and ceilings. It is most suitable for indoor use.

Pros

• Higher tensile strength compared to drywall

• More resistant to wear-and-tear

• A good insulator that can cut down on utility costs

• Noise-blocking

Cons

• Softer than stucco

• More delicate

• Vulnerable to water damage and mold

• Thickness means nailing and drilling is harder

• Can block Wi-Fi signals

• Cracks as it ages

Comparing Stucco and Plaster Characteristics

When you’re building your dream home, watching the walls come up is a magical moment. But you need to make sure you pick the best material that will stand the test of time. See how stucco and plaster stack up when weighing all the important points of choosing a building material.

Appearance

Plaster is more versatile than stucco because you can actually use plaster molds to create custom designs. Stucco options are more limited. In addition, stucco has a rough look. Siding contractors near you can provide information regarding the level of customization available for both options.

Best Aesthetic: Plaster

Durability

Stucco's rougher texture makes it more durable than plaster. Stucco should last for 50 years as long as you're maintaining stucco siding properly. Plaster's lifespan is a bit of a wildcard. Most estimates put the lifespan of a plaster wall somewhere between 30 and 70 years.

Most Durable: Stucco

Price

Stucco costs $8 per square foot on average. The cost of plastering walls is typically between $2 and $10 per square foot. Factors like quality, color, and custom touches can all impact the final cost of any plaster or stucco project.

Most Affordable: Plaster

Versatility

The truth is that both stucco and plaster are considered appropriate for indoor/outdoor application. However, stucco generally performs better outdoors than plaster. The delicateness of plaster can make it a poor choice for an area of the home that's exposed to the elements.

Most Versatile: Stucco

Eco-Friendly Qualities

Both stucco and plaster use natural ingredients without the need for things like synthetic ingredients or unsustainable sourcing. As a result, they are considered "greener" than wood, vinyl, and similar options.

Most Environmentally Friendly: Tie

Installing Plaster vs Stucco

The steps for installing stucco or plaster can be very similar on the surface. Both processes involve buying or mixing a substance, applying it using a trowel, and accounting for curing and drying times. 

The main differences between installing plaster vs. stucco is:

• Material base: Stucco is made out of Portland cement cement, while plaster is made out of gypsum.

• Drying and curing time: Stucco takes up to 90 days to dry, whereas plaster takes 1-2 weeks.

• Number of coats: Stucco usually needs at least two (and sometimes up to three) coats, while plaster is usually done in two coats.

If you’re installing either of these materials yourself, you’ll need to have basic masonry skills and feel comfortable working quickly before they dry. Improper installation can result in costly repairs down the road, especially if water trapped in the plaster or stucco starts to grow mold. Once mold begins to appear, you’ll need to completely remove your surface, clean the area, and start over again (and depending on the severity of the mold, hire a mold abatement contractor).