why is stucco so expensive

Full Answer

Is stucco cheaper than siding?

This is if you are comparing the basic stucco with the basic vinyl siding, depending on the quality they both go up in price. But for the basic price vinyl is cheaper although stucco usually looks a lot better than the basic vinyl siding.

Is stucco cheaper than brick?

In addition to being recyclable, brick is a cheaper material than stucco although installation and repair costs are more expensive than that of stucco. Stucco, just like brick, has been a chosen material for home construction for a long time and brings a significantly different appearance than what brick has to offer.

How much does it cost to install stucco?

Stucco generally costs $6.00 to $9.00 per square foot to install. The materials cost about $9.00 for an 80-pound bag of mix, which will cover about 25 square feet at 3/8” thickness. Finishing coat stucco costs $17.00 to $22.00 per bag, but as the finishing coat is thinner, you will need fewer bags.

What is the best brand for stucco?

• Standard Colors
• Premium Colors
• Parex Color Collection

How much does it cost to stucco a 2000 square foot house?

Stucco siding costs between $5 to $9.58 per square foot on average to install....Average cost: $7,500 - $14,370.Home SizeVinyl Siding ($3.50 per sq. ft)Stucco Siding ($7 per sq. ft)1,500 sq. ft$5,250$10,9352,000 sq. ft$7,000$14,0002,400 sq. ft$8,400$16,8003,000 sq. ft$10,500$21,000

What is the main problem with stucco?

There are several stucco problems that you can encounter. The most common ones are staining and discoloration, stucco cracking, and moisture intrusion. Other problems include stucco extending below grade and caulking. Some of these issues will need either repair or remediation.

How much does it cost to stucco a $3000 square foot house?

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 Replace Stucco.Home SizeAverage CostTypical Range1,000 square feet$4,500$3,000-$6,0001,500 square feet$6,750$4,500-$9,0002 more rows

Does stucco increase value of home?

Whether you're building a new home or simply renovating your existing one, stucco installation is something you should consider in your plans. Stucco is a durable and reliable siding material that can increase the value of your home.

How long will a stucco house last?

50-80 yearsStucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

Why do builders use stucco?

But for the owner builder in the Southwest, 9 times of 10, it is the siding of choice. Why is stucco so popular? It provides a hardened exterior that can be manipulated and textured to suit the owner's preferences. It also provides an air barrier, moisture barrier, and insulation while allowing the house to breath.

Is stucco cheaper than siding?

You'll be Paying Way More with Stucco Siding Stucco costs about $6-$9/square foot which is the most expensive home cladding option available. While vinyl siding prices range greatly, even the most expensive option doesn't cost nearly that much money. So, stucco is way more expensive.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn't coat your stucco with paint is because stucco is porous. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

What can I use instead of stucco?

4 Stylish Alternatives When Replacing Stucco with SidingFiber Cement Siding. Fiber cement siding offers a similar look as stucco. ... Composite Siding. Composite siding is engineered to be weather-resistant and mimics the style of rustic siding. ... Vinyl Siding. ... Stone Veneer.

Is stucco a good investment?

Stucco, on average, goes as high as $16.50 per sq. ft. installed, which translates to $33,000 for 2,000 square feet of stucco installed on a typical house. Being more budget-friendly is a significant reason why vinyl is such a popular siding option.

What are the pros and cons of stucco?

The Pros and Cons of a Stucco ExteriorPro: Stucco Is Durable. Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it stays rigid, even in strong winds. ... Pro: Stucco Is Aesthetically Appealing. Stucco beautifully transforms a home's appearance. ... Con: Stucco Requires Some Maintenance. ... Con: Stucco Is Absorbent.

Is it common for stucco to crack?

In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.

What Time of Year Should I Install Stucco?

Stucco is a little more finicky than some other types of siding when it comes to the ideal time for installation. Temperature-wise, at least. If yo...

Is it Expensive to Repair Stucco?

Perhaps you are dealing with existing stucco siding that needs a little TLC. Do you have to remove all the stucco and start from scratch, or can yo...

What is engineered stucco? How is it different from traditional stucco?

The price break-downs above are based on the costs of traditional stucco (the type made from cement and limestone). You do have another option, how...

Compare Quotes From Top-rated Stucco Installation Contractors

Stucco, made from a mix of Portland cement, limestone, sand and water, is durable, weather-resistant and easy-to-repair. All are great traits for any building material, especially one that plays such a key role in protecting the rest of your home from the elements (as siding does).

Average Cost of Stucco (Materials and Labor)

Expect to pay between $6 and $9 per square foot to add stucco to your home. This includes labor and materials. The labor portion, if you decide to hire the job out rather than DIY, will set you back between $2 and $3 per square foot.

Cost to Stucco an Entire House

Overall, the cost to stucco an entire house will depend on the size of said house. The average cost nationwide ranges from $8,000 to $11,100 for labor and material or, more specifically, $9,525 for a typical 1,500-square-foot home.

How Much Does it Cost to Put Stucco on Just a Portion of My House?

If the total cost of stucco is out of your budget, or you simply like the idea of using stucco on just a portion of your home or as a decorative accent, this is certainly doable. The average cost is still based on the same considerations, but the total cost is conceivably a lot less.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stucco is a little more finicky than some other types of siding when it comes to the ideal time for installation. Temperature-wise, at least.

What is stucco siding?

Stucco siding is a plaster-like cladding, specially blended for exterior weathering. It’s a very popular siding option with over half of new single-family homes sold in the western quadrant of the US. having such an exterior.

How long does stucco siding last?

The Good: Stucco Siding is a low maintenance, very durable material that can last 40 years or longer. Colors tend to fade evenly and other than occasional cracking, it generally is not subject to ongoing repairs. Being stone-like, it is resistant to critters and burning.

What is the first factor to consider when removing stucco siding?

Arguably, the first factor to consider is whether the previous siding needs to be removed. In most cases, it does when it comes to stucco siding. For a newly constructed home, obviously that is not the case. The number of coats is a primary consideration.

What is the base of stucco?

The base of stucco consists of sand, cement, and lime. It may sound plain a bit like “Plain Jane”, and in many regions it may even be applied in its most simple form. But there are so many variations to texturing and coloring of stucco that it may deserve a second look by a discerning homeowner.

Does stucco hold up over time?

Another disadvantage is in rainier climates, stucco doesn’t hold up over time as well as it does in drier/hotter climates. The Oh So Pretty: When stucco siding is done well, from a design perspective with well blended color options between the roof, and exterior fixtures, it has a majestic but simplistic feel.

Does stucco need masonry?

Application of stucco requires solid masonry skill, as cement can harden quickly . It’s usually applied in one of the two installation methods; Both entail the wooden wall sheathing as the first layer, or substrate, followed by a water barrier sheet, which in turn is followed by a metal lath so the cement layer has something to bind to.

Is stucco siding the #1 siding option?

But, given that stucco is now the #1 siding option in the U.S. and not an outlier of all the options available, the market in many regions may be more competitive than it used to be some 10 to 20 years ago.

Why is it so expensive to remove stucco?

The average cost to remove stucco can be quite high because there are fewer contractors that will do this and even less stucco companies who specialize in stucco removal/stucco repair.

How much does stucco cost per square foot?

If you are applying stucco over a concrete or masonry surface that is in good shape, then the cost will be a little lower than the above average and will come in at around $3 - $6 per square foot.

What is the higher end of the price spectrum?

The Higher End Of The Price Spectrum: Recoats that fall into the higher end of the spectrum are usually surfaces that require more prep work (pressure washing, crack repair, patching, etc.) before the new coat of stucco can be applied.

Why is acrylic finish more expensive than stucco?

Type Of Finish: In general, an acrylic finish will cost more than a traditional type of finish because there is a price difference between the two materials. There are slightly different stucco textures and finishes out there and some textures will require less time and plasterers and will be a little bit less expensive.

Can stucco be applied over masonry?

Applying stucco over masonry surfaces will be a little bit less than going over wood substrates because they generally don't need lath installed and base coats and/or finish coats are applied directly over the substrate.

Is stucco repair cost a variable?

Stucco repair cost is a huge variable (like I stated) and can really depend on the existing condition of your stucco, what damage has been done because of stucco related issues and many other aspects.

Does where you live affect stucco prices?

If you live in an urban area and there are one or more stucco supply yards within 10 miles of your location, then it will require less fuel, less delivery charges, etc.

How much does stucco cost?

Stucco costs $3 to $9 per square foot installed with most spending $8 per square foot on average. Applying stucco over bricks will cost as little as $3 per sqft., whereas a new application can cost $9 per sqft..

How much does stucco cost per sq ft?

Installing stucco siding over a brick, concrete, or masonry surface that's in good condition costs $3 to $6 per square foot or about $4.50 per sqft. on average. Installing stucco over brick is a great option to add extra insulation to your home.

How much does it cost to build a stucco exterior wall?

Building a stucco exterior wall costs between $7 and $8 per square foot, or $58 per linear foot for an 8' high wall. Most costs are attributed to materials with labor costing $1.68 per square foot on average. A stucco exterior wall must be applied over a supporting structure such as wood, concrete, or brick with a metal or wood lath base and three layers of stucco.

How much does it cost to install stucco on a house?

The average cost to install stucco siding on a house is $8,500 to $12,100 with most homeowners spending $9,300 for materials and labor. Stucco installation costs $3 to $9 per square foot depending on if its a new install, re-stucco, or applying stucco over an existing surface.

How much does brick siding cost?

On average, brick siding costs $7 to $15 per square foot installed compared to stucco’s $3 to $9 per square foot installed, or about double the cost. Despite the expense, a brick exterior will last longer over time than stucco will. Stucco will need to be repaired much sooner than brick will.

What is the first layer of stucco?

This first layer of stucco, the scratch coat, is lightly raked over with a tool called a scarifier. The second leveling coat sticks to the scratches and smooths out the surface for the third coat. The third coat is where you can lightly or heavily texture the stucco.

How long does it take to install stucco?

On average, it takes a 3-person crew 3 days to install stucco on a house. For every 1,000 square feet, the installation will take 45–52 hours. Divide this by the number of plasterers doing the plastering to figure out how many days it will take. Additional questions and answers can be found at Cement.org.

What are the pros and cons of siding?

The Pros of Siding. Siding benefits come down to strength, durability, style, variety, and low maintenance. These are the reasons that make siding the perfect choice and investment for a home renovation.

What is siding made of?

This material is favored by many homeowners because of the classic and crisp-looking look. Siding can be made from weather-resistant materials and created to fit the style of any home.

Does stucco siding crack?

If you're considering stucco vs vinyl siding, think about staining and cracking. Unlike vinyl's smooth and durable surface, stucco tends to trap dirt and show stains. And in areas like California that are subject to natural storms or disasters, stucco presents an increased chance of cracking.

Is stucco cheaper than siding?

The price of stucco vs siding is significant. Stucco typically costs more than siding. Even though the material is cheap and easy to apply, the length of time and mixing takes leg work. So keep these potential costs in mind.

Does stucco have seams?

Unlike siding that involves measuring and matching pieces to your home's exterior, stucco does not have seams. You won't have to worry about mending corners or aligning seams. Just mix, slather, and go!

Does siding fade in California?

In sunny California, the weather could impact the appearance of siding. The sun's strong rays can fade the color of siding. While sun fading is natural, this could be an undesirable effect. To combat this, consider lighter or neutral siding colors like cremes and beiges that conceal changes.

Is stucco good for exterior?

Stucco is a material as old as time. So, if you choose to use it for your home's exterior, know there are some solid and tried-and-true reasonings to support your decision.

What Is Stucco vs Brick?

Stucco is considered one of the most ancient and popular natural siding types. It is made out of water, sand, and cement.

Cost of Stucco vs Brick

If you are planning to install stucco for a 1000-square foot house, the cost might range from $1,000 to $1,500.

Can You Replace Stucco With Brick?

Yes, it’s possible to replace your stucco with brick. Doing that can give various advantages.

Stucco Over Brick Problems

Since stucco and brick are both absorbent, the tendency of putting the stucco over brick might cause moisture problems. The possibility of mold growth underneath the stucco is quite high.

Brick or Stucco – What is Better?

Each of these construction materials has its distinct capabilities and advantages. So, in some aspects, the brick may be better than stucco, or vice versa. But let us try to compare them by category.

Pricing Info – Part 2

Factors Impacting Overall Costs

• Arguably, the first factor to consider is whether the previous siding needs to be removed. In most cases, it does when it comes to stucco siding. For a newly constructed home, obviously that is not the case. The number of coats is a primary consideration. The reasons for having more than one layer are usually tied to the increased durability, which...

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