Stucco Siding Installation: Costs, Finishes, and How It Compares to Other Siding Types

How Much Does Stucco Siding Cost?

For a typical home, stucco siding costs $30,000 on average. A good rule of thumb is that materials make up 40% to 60% of the total, while labor and installation account for 40% to 60% — stucco is labor-intensive. Factors that affect your costs include wall area, number of stories, substrate prep, climate and finish type, and design details like arches or foam trims. Below, we break down pricing per square foot and whole homes, plus how stucco stacks up to other siding types.

Cost of Stucco Per Square Foot

• Materials: $6 to $10 per square foot (cement, sand, pigments, lath, trims).
• Labor and Installation: $4 to $8 per square foot (prep, moisture barrier, lath, scratch/brown/finish).
• Total Cost: $10 to $18 per square foot for traditional stucco.
• 1-Coat Stucco: typically $8 to $14 per square foot.
• EIFS (Synthetic Stucco or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems): typically $8 to $16 per square foot.

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Whole-home estimates by size (exterior wall area, not floor area):

Is Stucco Cheaper Than Siding?

At $10 to $18 per square foot, stucco generally costs more than vinyl, which is about $6 to $12 per square foot. Additionally, because stucco is labor-heavy, it’ll cost more to install than vinyl and about the same price as fiber cement for the same wall area.

Related: Your guide to the cheapest siding options.

Cost of Replacing Siding With Stucco

• Tear-Off and Disposal: add $1 to $3 per square foot. This varies, depending on original siding type.
• Total Cost After Tear-Off: typically $11 to $21 per square foot.
• Whole-Home Example (2,000 square feet of wall area): about $22,000 to $42,000+ including removal.

Cost to Replace Stucco With Siding

• Stucco Removal and Disposal: $2 to $5 per square foot.
• New Vinyl Installed: $6 to $12 per square foot (plus removal).
• New Fiber Cement Installed: $10 to $18 per square foot (plus removal).

What to Know About Stucco Siding Installation

Stucco is a durable exterior made from Portland cement, sand, and water. It is applied in layers over building paper and metal lath (or over approved sheathing systems), then finished smooth or textured. Proper weather barriers, weep screeds, and flashings are critical to manage moisture.

How Many Types of Stucco Finishes Are There?

• Smooth: Gives you a clean, modern look, but it shows imperfections more.
• Sand or Float: Provides a fine, even texture and is very popular.
• Lace (Heavy or Light): This is your traditional example. It helps hide surface variations.
• Dash (Fine, Medium, Heavy): You’ll get a speckled texture sprayed on.
• Mission: This is a natural, unpainted finish.
• Spanish: Gives you a semi-smooth finish similar to early adobe buildings in California.
• Cat Face: Uses a trowel to create a smooth finish with random rough patches for character.

Stucco vs. Other Siding Types

Stucco excels in dry or mixed climates, offers fire resistance, and delivers long life with minimal upkeep. Here is how it compares to other common options.

Vinyl vs. Stucco Siding

• Cost: Vinyl ($6 to $12) is typically cheaper than stucco ($10 to $18).
• Durability and Look: Stucco is thicker, more solid, and more fire resistant; vinyl is lower maintenance and budget-friendly.
• Best for: Vinyl suits tight budgets and humid climates while stucco suits dry to mixed climates and long-term ownership.

Stucco vs. Concrete Siding

Many people say “concrete siding” when they actually mean fiber cement. True poured concrete isn’t used as siding. It’s a structural material for slabs and foundations. Fiber cement is a cladding made from cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, formed into boards or panels.

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Stucco vs. Fiber Cement Siding

• Aesthetics: Stucco gives a seamless look. Fiber cement mimics wood or can be panelized for modern lines.
• Cost: Both fiber cement and stucco run from $10 to $18.
• Maintenance: Both are low maintenance. Fiber cement requires periodic painting, while stucco may need patching and occasional repainting.

Wood Siding vs. Stucco

• Cost: Wood siding varies widely ($9 to $18) installed.
• Maintenance: Wood needs more upkeep and is less fire resistant. Stucco is sturdier and typically lower maintenance.

Stucco and Brick

• Blend: Many homes combine brick accents with stucco fields for a premium, classic look.
• Cost: Brick ($18 to $38) is typically higher than stucco per square foot.

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Answering Your Stucco Siding Questions

What Is Fiber Cement Stucco Siding?

It is fiber cement panels finished to look like stucco. You get a stucco-like texture with a panel system instead of a hand-applied plaster wall.

What Is Stucco Panel Siding?

Factory-made stucco-textured panels (true stucco or synthetic) installed over sheathing. It is faster to install and offers consistent finish lines at panel joints.

What Is Cementitious Stucco?

Traditional stucco made from cement, sand, and water — the classic, durable plaster exterior.

Can You Have a House With Stucco and Siding?

Yes. Many designs mix stucco with vinyl, fiber cement, wood, or brick for accents, gables, or lower wainscots.

What Are the Advantages and Downsides of Stucco?

• Advantages: Fire resistant, durable, quiet and sound-dampening, low maintenance, premium look, long lifespan.
• Downsides: Higher upfront cost; not ideal for persistently wet climates unless details are perfect; repairs require skilled labor.

What’s Its Lifespan?

With proper detailing and occasional maintenance, stucco can last 50+ years, often the life of the home.

How Do I Maintain Stucco?

Rinse once or twice a year, spot-clean with mild soap, seal hairline cracks early, and keep sprinklers off walls. Repaint or refresh the finish as needed.

Next Steps for Stucco Siding Installation

Stucco typically costs $10 to $18 per square foot installed for most projects, or about $18,000 to $42,000 for a typical home — more than vinyl, similar to fiber cement, and far less than full brick. If you want long-lasting curb appeal and low upkeep, stucco is a smart, durable choice. Ready to price your siding installation project? Modernize can connect you with vetted local siding pros for itemized quotes and finish recommendations.

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