How much does it cost to stucco a house?
How much does it cost to stucco a house?
$7 – $17 cost per square foot installed
$14,000 – $34,000 average total cost (2,000 SF house)
Stucco siding installation cost
Stucco house siding costs $7 to $17 per square foot with installation or $14,000 to $34,000 total for a 2,000-square-foot house. Stucco prices are $5 to $9 per square foot for materials and $2 to $8 per square foot for labor. Exterior stucco walls are best for dry climates.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 900 | $6,300 – $15,300 |
| 1,000 | $7,000 – $17,000 |
| 1,200 | $8,400 – $20,400 |
| 1,500 | $10,500 – $25,500 |
| 1,800 | $12,600 – $30,600 |
| 2,000 | $14,000 – $34,000 |
| 2,200 | $15,400 – $37,400 |
| 2,500 | $17,500 – $42,500 |
| 2,700 | $18,900 – $45,900 |
| 3,000 | $21,000 – $51,000 |
| 3,500 | $24,500 – $59,500 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Average cost to stucco a house
The following table shows the average cost to stucco a 2,000-square-foot house:
| National Average Cost | $24,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $6,300 |
| Maximum Cost | $59,500 |
| Average Range | $14,000 to $34,000 |
Stucco installation cost breakdown
Stucco installation costs vary depending on home size, stucco type, and texture or finish.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $5 – $9 |
| Labor | $2 – $8 |
| Total | $7 – $17 |
The following factors influence the final cost for stucco:
Home accessibility – Homes with multiple stories or complex architecture may cost more than a simple, single-story home.
Siding removal – Removing existing stucco siding costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average.
Finish / texture – The contractor applies texture in the third and final layer of stucco. Smooth stucco is trickier to get right and costs more than other styles like dash, sand, English, or Santa Barbara.
Mesh type – Traditional cement stucco uses metal mesh to reinforce it. Acrylic stucco, also called an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), typically uses fiberglass mesh.
Permits – Check local building codes or your HOA rules to confirm whether or not you'll need a building permit to install stucco.
Make sure your gutters are working properly to reroute water away from the house and prevent water damage to the stucco. Gutter replacement costs $6 to $17 per linear foot on average.
Materials
Traditional cement stucco is cheap, easy to repair, and cures quickly. Synthetic acrylic stucco costs more but is more flexible, durable, and water-resistant.
| Stucco type | Cost per square foot* | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement | $0.10 – $3.00 |
|
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| Acrylic | $0.50 – $4.00 |
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*Not including installation
Labor
Stucco installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot for labor alone, depending on the stucco type and job complexity. Synthetic and smooth-finish stucco are slightly harder to apply and typically cost more for labor than traditional stucco.
Re-stucco cost
The cost to re-stucco a house is $8 to $21 per square foot if you remove the old stucco and replace it. Removal alone costs $1 to $4 per square foot. If your stucco is in good condition, it may not need to be removed before applying a new coat.
Stucco resurfacing, or adding a new layer over existing stucco, is best if the old surface is fading or there are small cracks in the wall.
Stucco repair cost
Stucco repair costs $8 to $50 per square foot or $200 to $1,500 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. Vertical cracks may indicate a shifting foundation and require an inspection. Horizontal cracks typically aren't as serious and can be patched with new stucco or caulk and paint.
Stucco pros and cons
Stucco is a versatile and long-lasting siding material, but it's not best for all climates or budgets. The table below covers the pros and cons of stucco.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Stucco vs. other siding materials
Siding replacement costs $4 to $13 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Stucco costs more than materials like vinyl or wood but tends to last longer.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost (2,500 SF house) |
|---|---|---|
| Stucco | $7 – $17 | $12,500 – $42,500 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Cedar siding cost | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Wood siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Engineered wood | $7 – $12 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Fiber cement siding cost | $6 – $13 | $10,200 – $31,500 |
| Log siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Masonite siding cost | $4 – $8 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Metal /steel siding cost | $6 – $16 | $17,500 – $40,000 |
| Stone siding cost | $10 – $45 | $10,000 – $25,000* |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
*For partial stone siding to accent the home's architectural features.
Stucco FAQs
What is stucco?
Stucco is a natural siding material made with either cement or acrylic. Stucco costs more than some other siding types but lasts longer than average. Traditional cement stucco made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. This stucco type is cheaper but more prone to cracking.
Synthetic stucco is made with cement and acrylic additives. This stucco type is more expensive but also more flexible, durable, and water-resistant. Synthetic stucco is slightly harder to apply and typically costs more in labor fees.
Is stucco siding worth it?
Stucco siding is worth it if you live in a dry climate because it lasts longer and costs less to repair than average. Stucco is fire-resistant and versatile but does not perform well in humid environments.
How thick is stucco on a house?
Stucco siding typically measures 7/8" to 1" thick, including mesh and three layers of the stucco itself.
Can you paint a stucco house?
Yes, you can paint a stucco house. Painting a stucco house costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot or $2,400 to $8,100 total on average. You can either use acrylic or elastomeric paint or apply a layer of colored stucco mixtures called a fog coat or color coat.
How long does it take to stucco a house?
An average 3-person crew takes 3 to 5 days to install stucco on a house. After that, the stucco will need to fully dry before painting. Stucco takes 30 to 90 days to fully dry or cure, depending on weather and stucco type.
How long does stucco last on a house?
Stucco lasts 50 years or longer on average or up to 100 years if installed and maintained correctly. Most stucco installers offer a 15-year warranty. Make sure to read through it to see what your warranty covers.
Can you power wash a stucco house?
You can power wash a stucco house as long as you keep the pressure to 1,500 PSI or less and if the stucco is in good condition. Pressure washing brittle or crumbling stucco causes chips and cracks and can result in water damage inside the home. Consider gently washing with a hose and detergent instead.
Can you add stucco over existing siding?
Yes, you can add stucco over existing siding as long as there's no structural or water damage beneath. Installing stucco over brick or other siding adds extra insulation to the house.
Getting estimates from stucco contractors
When looking for the best stucco contractors near you, remember to:
Look for installers or plasterers specializing in stucco.
Compare 3+ estimates for similar styles.
Explore reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company with 5 or more years of experience.
Ask for references with contact information.
Get an itemized contract and warranty in writing.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is finished.
Questions to ask
Ask stucco contractors the following questions:
How much experience do you have with stucco siding?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Does this estimate include stucco installation and cleanup?
Do you recommend acrylic or traditional stucco for my home, and why?
How long will it take to dry after the installation?
How soon can I paint the stucco?
Can you install the stucco on top of the existing siding?
How long will the project take?
Do you offer a warranty for your work? If so, what does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.