How Much Does it Cost to Stucco a House?

Stucco House Siding Cost Per Square Foot 

Stucco costs per square foot vary with the footprint size of the home. Stucco installation costs, including labor, materials, and equipment, for a 1,000 square-foot house averages about $8.03 per square foot and ranges from approximately $6.53 to $9.55. Costs for a 2,000 square-foot house range from $4.25 to $6.45 and average $5.70 per square foot. A 5,000 square-foot home’s stucco cost per square foot averages $4.50.

Stucco Material Cost

Stucco consists of three coats. The first is a “scratch coat” that gives the second, heavier coat something to stick to. The second coat is the “brown coat” or “leveling coat.” It provides a smooth surface for the third or “finishing coat.”

Stucco material costs $5.50 per square foot, with $5 per square foot at the low end and $6 per square foot at the high end, for a 1,000 square-foot home. The square-foot price decreases slightly for larger houses. The cost includes the base stucco, which costs around $31 per a 12-pound bag of mix that covers between 320 and 480 square feet when applying two coats.

It also includes finishing coat stucco, which costs around $17 per 80-pound bag that can cover 35 square feet. The coverage of the bag depends on the manufacturer, so check this specification carefully. Finally, it also includes sealants, weather stripping, exterior grade caulking, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and flashing.

Stucco Wall Cost

A stucco wall costs $7.50 per square foot or $60 per linear foot for a one-story, eight-foot-high wall.

Cost Factors 

The most important stucco price factors to consider are the type of finish you choose, the area you want to cover, and the labor costs. Keep the following cost factors in mind when budgeting for this project, and remember that these considerations should be included in the price quote, with the possible exception of the condition of the wall underneath the existing siding. 

Condition Of The Wall

Stucco installation cost is affected by the current condition of the existing walls. While the wall’s condition is not usually a factor in new construction homes, the condition of the wall under existing siding may increase costs if it’s in poor condition and requires extra labor and materials to repair before installing new stucco. 

Quality of the Stucco 

The quality of the cement and other materials used in the stucco installation can significantly affect the overall price of the project. High-quality stucco products cost more initially but could provide a longer lifespan or require less frequent repairs. 

Permits and Inspections

A permit includes the cost of inspections. A stucco project permit costs $900 on average, with most people spending between $600 and $1,200, depending on their location, the home size, and the square footage of stucco. A stucco inspector performs a visual inspection, and, if needed, moisture probes and thermal imaging inspections.

Labor Costs

Stucco installation costs $2.50 per square foot. Most homeowners spend between $2 and $3 per square foot on labor,for a 1,000 square-foot home. The square-foot price significantly decreases for larger houses and depends on their location and the difficulty of the job.

Size of the House 

The size of the home is one of the most important pricing factors for a stucco installation project. The average cost to install stucco on a 1,000-square-foot home is $8,025. The project cost increases by approximately $1,000 to $1,500 for every 500 additional square feet of living space in the house. The cost increase is due to additional labor and materials necessary to complete the project. 

Stucco System Used

There are two main types of stucco systems in use. The more traditional system is known as a “hard coat” system, and it applies more than one layer of cement over a metal lathe structure. The second type is called Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which is a type of stucco that uses layers of insulating foam base and acrylic coating. EIFS systems cost about $7 per square foot for labor alone. 

Stucco Cost by Finish Type 

Types of stucco installations and the type of finish can have significant effects on the cost of the project. 

Smooth Stucco Finish Cost

Smooth stucco finish costs $8 per square foot or $770 for a single-story wall if it’s a fresh installation. When installing smooth stucco over a wall that already has textured stucco, it costs $4.50 per square foot or $435 for an 8-foot by 12-foot wall.

Cement Stucco 

Cement stucco consists of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and lime mixed with water. It’s used as a finish coat over base coats of cement to complete a “hard coat” stucco installation. The average price of finished cement stucco ranges from  $7 to $9 per square foot. 

Acrylic Stucco

Acrylic stucco is a stucco finish that consists of resins and sand aggregates to achieve a deep color and texture. An acrylic stucco siding system can cost as much as $12 per square foot. 

Stucco Mesh 

Stucco mesh costs around $0.90 per square foot for traditional metal lathe, and about $0.25 per square foot for the fiberglass mesh that reinforces EIFS stucco systems. Although it’s not a finish type, stucco mesh will be a cost factor in the stucco finish you choose. 

Synthetic 

Synthetic stucco is part of an EIFS stucco system that creates a barrier to prevent water from entering the siding as opposed to cement stucco, which absorbs water. Synthetic stucco in an EIFS system is significantly more costly to install than traditional stucco. Expect prices for this type of stucco system to cost $12 to $14 per square foot.

Hard Coat vs. EIFS System of Application 

A hard coat stucco system is the traditional means of installing stucco. The system uses cement to create a base layer over a lathe material, followed by one or more finish coats of Portland cement to achieve a specific color and texture. The installation cost is between $7 and $9 per square foot. 

EIFS is a siding system that keeps water out from underneath the siding. Each manufacturer has its own products and installation methods, but they generally consist of an insulating foam layer under one or more coats of synthetic finish materials. A typical EIFS system costs between $8 and $14 per square foot to install. 

Cost to Replace Siding with Stucco

It costs between $5 and $12 per square foot to replace existing siding with stucco. Replacing siding with stucco is especially popular in warm climates, because many homeowners value stucco’s unique texture as a design feature.

Cost to Re-Stucco a House

Re-stuccoing a house costs between $9,195 and $12,295. If you hire a contractor for these jobs, you can expect to pay these additional costs to remove the old stucco:

• Sandblasting costs: $940

• Power washing costs: $300 (Do not use pressure washing to clean stucco surfaces that you want to keep! Use power washing, which heats the water and uses wet steam to clean the surface.)

For best results and to save you some hassle, contact a siding professional today.

Cost to Replace Stucco

Replacing stucco costs $4.50 per square foot of finished exterior wall area. Most homeowners spend between $3 and $6 per square foot, depending on the condition of the old stucco and the type of new stucco.

Cost to Stucco Over Brick 

Installing stucco over brick costs $7 per square foot, or $5 per square foot at the low end and $9 per square foot at the high end. You can easily apply stucco over brick and masonry to give your home extra curb appeal.

Cost to Stucco Over Wood Siding 

Installing stucco over wood substrates costs $8.50 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $5 and $12 per square foot.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Although applying stucco yourself is the least expensive option, you’ll need to rent or buy expensive specialized equipment and up to five days for the job. Hiring a local stucco pro is highly recommended for any stucco project. Professionals have the equipment, knowledge, and experience needed to complete the job successfully. It costs more to complete than the DIY route, but it can save you money by ensuring the job is done correctly and under warranty. 

FAQs

How much does Dryvit stucco cost?

Dryvit bases its prices on a number of variables. Reach out to an installer for a consultation and a quote.

How much does it cost to repair stucco?

Professional stucco repair costs $29 per square foot, with $8 per square foot for minor repairs and $50 per square foot for more difficult ones. You can also repair small horizontal cracks yourself. Pre-mixed stucco patch costs around $8 for a one-quart bucket.

What is synthetic stucco?

Synthetic stucco is the same as “exterior insulation and finish systems,” or EIFS. It consists of six layers:

• Water-resistant barrier (optional)

• Adhesive

• Foam insulation board

• Base coat

• Reinforcement mesh

• Finish

These layers bond together to form a non-permeable covering. Note that if moisture seeps in behind the covering, it can’t evaporate. This can lead to dry rot.

How do you maintain stucco?

Maintaining stucco is relatively easy. Periodically wash it with a high-pressure garden hose to avoid the potential damage of high-powered pressure washing. Start at the bottom and spray your way to the top, then rinse back down again. Inspect each wall for cracks or holes and repair them as needed.

What’s the difference between stucco and parging?

Some houses have a stucco-like finish on the foundation, especially if the foundation is made of cinder blocks. This finish is called parging and is a simple spreading of mortar over the blocks to prevent moisture and insects from getting into the crawlspace. Unlike stucco, parging is very inexpensive and a great DIY project.

Does stucco add to home value? 

Professionally installed stucco in good condition can add value to your home. However, its main benefit is the additional curb and selling appeal. If you’re planning to reside your home before putting it on the market, stucco siding averages a 70% return on investment.  

What are the main problems with stucco? 

Traditional stucco siding naturally absorbs some water, which can lead to efflorescence and cracking that is difficult to repair. Stucco is also prone to staining and mold growth in wet areas and can be difficult to paint.