Find the perfect product to freshen up your home’s facade
Stucco is a popular option for building facades and interiors because it’s affordable, highly durable, and fire-resistant. There are five main types of stucco: traditional stucco, synthetic stucco (also known as EIFS), acrylic stucco, lime stucco, and colored stucco. Combined with different application systems and finishes, stucco can create long-lasting surface finishes to elevate the look of your home. Our guide will help you narrow down your stucco options.
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Traditional stucco | $6–$9 per sq. ft. |
| Synthetic stucco | $8.50–$12.50 per sq. ft. |
| Acrylic stucco | $40–$70 per 5-gal bucket |
| Lime stucco | $6–$9 per sq. ft. |
| Colored stucco | $1.50–$8.00 per sq. ft. (add-on cost) |
Traditional stucco is made with sand, lime, and water, although modern formulas are mixed with cement, which makes the stucco more durable. Incredibly durable, traditional stucco can withstand harsh weather conditions, but it’s much more affordable and easier to install compared to fiber cement siding. Traditional stucco costs about $6 to $9 per square foot.
The major downside to traditional stucco is that it’s vulnerable to moisture and cracking. A licensed professional should be your go to if you decide to stucco your house. You’ll need to inspect the stucco regularly for minor cracks, which should be repaired promptly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Needs frequent upkeep |
| Durable and weather-resistant | Vulnerable to moisture and cracking |
Best for: Homes in warm, dry climates
Synthetic stucco is also known as EIFS, which stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. It usually consists of six layers, including insulation board, fiberglass mesh, a water-resistant base coat, and an acrylic finish coat. When it comes to synthetic stucco vs. traditional stucco, synthetic is less likely to crack and offers superior insulation.
Synthetic stucco is pricier than traditional, costing $8.50 to $12.50 per square foot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dries faster and more evenly | Higher material cost |
| Superior insulation | More complex to install |
| Less prone to cracking | Susceptible to moisture damage |
Best for: Homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency
Acrylic stucco is similar to traditional stucco but has the addition of acrylic resin for improved water resistance. The mixture is not completely waterproof, but it works better in wet climates than traditional stucco. Many brands also add in other chemicals to prevent mildew and mold growth.
Acrylic stucco comes in many color options, thus offering more design flexibility. It also has a more even, smooth finish compared to traditional stucco. Acrylic stucco usually comes in 5-gallon buckets, which cost $40 to $70 each.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More water-resistant | Higher upfront cost |
| More color choices | Less natural-looking |
| Smooth, consistent finish | Not as widely available |
Best for: Homeowners concerned about cracking and water damage
Lime stucco contains sand, lime, and water but no cement. This formula has gradually exited the mainstream construction market, but it’s still used for restoring historical buildings. Without the cement element, lime stucco has a higher fluidity and works better on buildings with potential settling. However, since it is not necessarily a modern material, you should make sure to consult a stucco professional near you before using lime stucco on your home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More flexible than traditional stucco | Not commonly used |
| Great choice for historical buildings | Less durable |
Best for: Historical homes
Colored stucco consists of a base stucco mixed with your chosen pigment to create a colored effect. The base can be traditional, synthetic, or acrylic stucco, and you will find a wide variety of pigments available to mix in.
If you know you want a particular color, using colored stucco is the preferred method compared to painting the stucco because it lasts longer. Many homeowners choose to use colored stucco and then use paint for touch ups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improves curb appeal | Can be hard for DIYers to get an even finish |
| Lasts longer than painting stucco | May fade or discolor in harsh weather |
Best for: Boosting curb appeal
Generally, there are two popular systems used for stucco application nowadays.
The one-coat system is the most common application system with one coat of cement. It’s sometimes referred to as a “two-coat” system since a foamboard backing is included. It is simple, but not as weather-resistant and durable as more complex options.
The three-coat system is often used in EIFS. While it’s commonly referred to as a three-coat system, realistically, it may contain five to seven layers. The first coat refers to a water barrier often made with asphalt-infused paper. The second coat includes all the wired layers in the middle. The third coat refers to the finishing coat.
Once you decide on a type of stucco, you’ll want to consider the various stucco finishes available to you. Each creates a unique texture, and some have specific application requirements. Popular finishes include:
Float or sand
Dash
Lace and skip
English
Santa Barbara
Cat face
Smooth texture
Worm
Float or sand finishing is the most common type of stucco finish. This method is applicable on traditional and synthetic stucco. It creates a sandy surface and is one of the fastest and easiest finishes to use. The finish can be sprayed on or applied with a trowel.
Dash is applied in one to three coats and can be sprayed on at low, medium, or heavy volumes. Dash finish can provide additional protection against crackling and can be used with traditional and synthetic stucco.
Lace and skip is another popular finish option for both commercial and residential projects. It is a rough finish that can easily hide any imperfections in the original stucco application. The finish consists of a base coat and a top coat with a fine, medium, or coarse pattern.
English finish looks like fish scales on your wall and is often seen in older buildings since it can only be applied to traditional stucco. To create this finish, apply a base coat to the entire wall, then add a second coat using a trowel, making short strokes.
As the name suggests, Santa Barbara finish is a popular option in California. Again, this finish only works on traditional stucco. It uses colored sand to create an adobe look with a smooth finish and intricate variations. Santa Barbara finish is prone to cracking, however.
Cat face finish gets its name because its smooth areas and rough patches look like cat faces laid next to each other. This finish works for traditional and synthetic stucco and creates a one-of-a-kind look that’s unique to your home.
Smooth texture is one of the most difficult finishes to create. It can be customized to fit an aesthetic using dots and colors. Synthetic stucco is more suitable if you want to create a smooth texture, although fine cement traditional stucco would work too.
While worm finish creates extremely bold textures, it is very difficult to repair and is less common nowadays. The finish is created by adding aggregated stucco to the surface and swiping the material across with a trowel.
