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Siding

Stucco Siding Installation

Average Cost:

$23,250 - $42,250

The average installation cost for stucco siding ranges from $23,250 to $42,250 for a standard 2,500-square-foot home. This estimate is based on prices of $9.30 to $16.90 per square foot. Stucco requires a flat surface or real brick; vinyl siding must be removed first, which can add extra costs. Replacement expenses also vary based on home size, design, and local labor rates.

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Updated: Nov 15, 2024 · Written By: Emily Bloch · Reviewed By: Kat Gayol

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  1. What is Stucco Siding?
  2. Benefits of Stucco Siding
  3. Stucco vs. Vinyl Siding: Which is Best?
  4. Insulation and Energy-Efficiency of Stucco
  5. Disadvantages of Stucco Siding
  6. Maintenance Tips

What is Stucco Siding?

Stucco is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water. These three materials combine to create a very durable substance that dries into a hard, rock-like consistency that is smooth or rough, depending on how it is finished. Stucco is applied over a rough wire framework, which helps the material adhere effectively, or any other flat siding surface.

If you have ever seen a house that looked like it was coated in clay or cement, it was probably covered in stucco siding. Stucco is an age-old building material that was used heavily by the Greeks more than 1,000 years ago. Stucco is one of the oldest types of home siding materials, and it is one of the most effective options still available to this day.

In fact, according to the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction in 2020, stucco was chosen by 28% of homeowners for newly built homes. It tends to be the most popular as a siding option in the Pacific (63%), Mountain (50%), and South Atlantic (39%) regions of the U.S.

stucco siding installation

Benefits of Stucco Siding

There are several advantages to using stucco as your home’s siding. It is highly versatile, affordable, long-lasting, and durable, which makes it such a popular option. We explore the top benefits of this type of siding below.

Versatile
Stucco siding can be finished to a smooth or rough texture. It is also possible to place stones and other little objects in the stucco to give it a unique exterior look.

Not only can you change the texture of stucco, but you can change the color as well. Add some different colors straight into the mixture to alter it, or paint over top of it after it is finished.

Fire resistant
Made from plaster and cement, stucco is highly resistant to fire. Compared to options like wood siding or even vinyl siding, stucco is much more effective at smoldering a fire and keeping a home from burning down. This is one reason that stucco is so popular for homes in regions that are prone to wildfires.
Long lifespan
Stucco siding is very durable and has an impressive average lifespan. It is possible for stucco to last up to 50 years before it must be replaced. That means that many homes will only have to be refinished once during the lifetime of the occupant at the most. Many people will only see one stucco application before switching to a different house.
Low maintenance
Homeowners with stucco siding will enjoy the very low amount of maintenance it requires. Because stucco is so sturdy and durable, it can be pressure washed without worry of damaging the exterior.

You can plan to pressure wash the siding just once per year. Any small cracks can be repaired with sealant, which can be bought at any hardware store.

Stucco vs. Vinyl Siding: Which is Best?

Because vinyl and stucco are two of the most popular siding materials for homes today, many homeowners wonder which is the best option. Let’s break down a few factors.

Cost

Stucco itself is very affordable. Vinyl is just slightly cheaper than stucco, at $2.10 to $3.80 per square foot. However, stucco is still considered one of the cheapest and most durable types of siding today, at just $2.60 to $4.80 per square foot.

Application and labor

Stucco is a bit more challenging to install compared to vinyl siding. It requires skilled siding installers to get the job done. For this reason, stucco installation and labor costs can add to the bill.

Longevity

Stucco siding tends to last longer – and requires less maintenance – compared to vinyl siding. It is also more durable than vinyl. For these reasons, stucco siding tends to yield a higher return on investment for homeowners. Stucco siding installations can provide a 75% return on investment, while new vinyl siding installations land closer to a 68% return.

Before deciding between stucco and vinyl, be sure to talk to your siding contractor about the best siding option for your home and region.

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Insulation and Energy-Efficiency of Stucco

Stucco is thicker, tougher, and more durable than most siding options. It is also made from dense material that serves as a powerful insulator.

Stucco siding can help your home with more energy efficiency and saving you on heating and cooling bills.

During installation, several layers of stucco will be applied to the outside of the house. For this reason, stucco is a highly effective insulator that is good for making a home more airtight than it once was.

stucco siding house

If you want to improve the insulation or energy efficiency of your home, it makes sense to have stucco put on as the siding. You will even notice that it blocks out some exterior noise as well.

Disadvantages of Stucco Siding

As you do your research on stucco siding, it is important to take note of its potential downsides. Note that these disadvantages will not apply to all homes and climates, so be sure to consult with a professional when making a final siding decision.

Not best for wet climates
There are certain environments that are not a good match for stucco siding. One of the main areas where stucco should not be used is in very damp locations.

While it is effective at repelling moisture in standard climates, in highly rainy locations, stucco can become oversaturated. This can lead to the home’s wood foundation and other building materials becoming wet over time, which causes moisture damage and rotting.

Foundation stability
When a house begins to shift, perhaps from a sinking foundation or an earthquake, stucco can be prone to cracking. Stucco should only be applied to very stable homes that are not subject to any environmental shifting. This means that this type of siding likely is not a good candidate for older houses that are experiencing foundation shifting.

Maintenance Tips

Like most siding materials, stucco needs some maintenance to stay in good shape. While it does require a bit of time, the upkeep is minimal. Most homeowners pressure-wash stucco once a year to remove watermarks and stains.

Hairline cracks may appear over time but are easy to patch with an elastomeric sealant. These simple maintenance tasks make stucco a strong competitor to popular options like vinyl siding.

Stucco is a preferred siding choice in certain regions, but it’s the best option only in the right climate.

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