How Much Does It Cost To Install Stucco?

Stucco cost per square foot

The average cost to stucco a house is $10.63 per square foot, with a range between $8.01 and $13.25 per square foot. The following table shows the average cost to install stucco per square foot:

The cost to stucco a house depends on the size of the area that needs to be covered. For example, a small backyard retaining wall will cost much less than the cost of applying stucco to an entire home. Labor costs will vary depending on where the stucco is located. For example, some contractors may charge more for labor if they need to apply stucco to a two- or three-story home. The need for additional equipment, such as scaffolding, is required to reach all areas of the home, giving the project a higher total price.

Stucco cost by material

There are several different types of stucco to choose from, and they all come at different price points. Various options for stucco have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to make sure you choose the right material for your specific home and location. Talk to your contractor to determine your stucco cost and type based on your unique specifications and needs.

Cement stucco

Cement stucco is up to five times cheaper than other options, making it the most affordable choice. Also known as traditional stucco, cement stucco combines sand and water into a plaster. This stucco can be applied to a variety of surfaces, and it’s the same material used in road construction. Cement stucco is quite durable and comes in a range of textures, providing you with several customization options. Applying year-round is also easier as long as temperatures remain over 35 degrees. Applying cement stucco is time-consuming and takes one full week to dry in between coats.

Acrylic stucco

Acrylic stucco is flexible, making it highly resistant to small cracks and flaking. This stucco material has a sandy finish, so you’ll have fewer options than you would with cement stucco in terms of texture variations. It’s available in a range of finishes and colors, allowing you to create a customized look. Acrylic stucco requires a minimum outdoor temperature of 40 degrees for installation. The material dries quickly, so the installation time is shorter than cement. This material is water-repellent but can get soft when exposed to large amounts of moisture. It might not be the most durable choice if you live in a rainy climate.

Stucco mesh

The cost of stucco siding may include mesh as part of the installation process. This hexagonal wire mesh is purchased in rolls and is affixed to the home’s exterior. Stucco mesh is commonly added to curved or sloped areas of a home where cement or acrylic stucco could potentially slide off. The mesh ensures that your new stucco stays in place, and most contractors simply apply the stucco directly over it for a smooth, even application. If your home needs stucco mesh, then your total cost will be higher. The final price depends on how much stucco mesh is required.

Stucco installation labor cost

When you research “How much does stucco cost?” remember there are several factors involved aside from the type of stucco you choose. The labor to install your new stucco will also impact the total price. In most cases, labor accounts for approximately 30% of the total cost. Check your estimate to see if the contractor added labor to the total. They may provide a detailed breakdown of the charges that separate the labor from the materials. Getting a detailed breakdown is the best way to compare how much each contractor charges for labor.

Most labor costs are between $30 to $60 per hour for stucco installation, but it depends on where you live and the current demand for stucco in your area. Your contractor may send a crew to handle larger jobs, which means the bigger your house or project is, the more you’ll pay for labor.

Additional installation cost factors for stucco

Many factors impact the cost of stucco per square foot. This includes the type of stucco you choose, if you want to add color or have it painted, any prep work required, cleanup, the total square footage that needs to be covered, and the difficulty of installation. Understanding how your estimate is broken down will help you find the right contractor to do the job.

Type of Stucco

Each type of stucco comes at a different cost. Concrete stucco is the cheapest, but it has an extended dry time that could make the project timeline take longer. Acrylic stucco costs more than concrete but ensuring an even application is challenging for some contractors. Talk to your contractor and ask for their recommendation when choosing a stucco type. While cost is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing you use to determine which stucco type is best for your home.

Paint

When applied, stucco is a neutral gray or white shade. Most people opt to paint their stucco to customize it to their home and their design preferences. Adding some color and enhances your home's curb appeal as well. However, you're on the hook for the cost of paint, which can cost $30 to $50 a gallon. Expect paint costs to set you back between $750 and $900 for every 1,000 square feet of stucco.

Cleaning

Your contractor won't want to apply stucco to a dirty exterior. Dirt can inhibit the application of stucco, so your siding will require a thorough cleaning before the stucco application begins. While cleaning may not be necessary in all cases, it's a cost factor to consider as you evaluate the expenses of this project. Expect to pay around $200 to $300 to powerwash your home's exterior, if needed.

Square Footage

The square footage of the area you want to stucco impacts how much this project will cost. Size determines how much stucco and paint you need, how long the project will take, and how many people you will need on the job. All of those factors can drive up costs. So, the larger the home, the costlier the project.

Difficulty of the Job

The difficulty of the job also plays a role in your stucco house cost. If your project includes adding stucco to hard-to-reach areas or high spaces, it will be a more labor-intensive job that will take longer and, as a result, cost more. The need for extra equipment like scaffolding can impact the cost as well, so consider the scope of your job when preparing to price it out.

Cost to re-stucco a house

You may need to have existing stucco repaired, or you may want to replace sections of existing stucco rather than needing a brand-new installation. Stucco repair costs vary based on how damaged it is and how much needs to be repaired. A crack or chip in your stucco could cost from $250 to $1,000, depending on the size and severity of the damage. Repairing large stucco sections may cost between $3,000 and $8,000. A complete re-stucco job will be much higher, averaging around $10,000. It may cost even more to repair or replace if you have mold issues due to excess moisture.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Applying stucco is a job best left to the professionals, particularly if you’re planning to stucco a large area like an entire home. Working with stucco requires skill and patience; most homeowners don’t have prior experience working with this material. Whatever you save on labor costs doing it DIY, you’ll end up spending on the stucco itself, special tools, equipment, and extra materials like paint or stucco mesh. Unless you have a lot of experience working with stucco in the past, this job is usually best left for qualified, experienced contractors to complete. Many contractors also include a warranty on their work.