How much will your stucco application cost?

Columbus, OH 43215

Stucco application costs$1,379 - $7,705

National average fixed price

  • Most common low price:$1,379
  • Most common high price:$7,705

How much does it cost to stucco a house?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Mon, Jul 07

The national average cost to stucco a house ranges from around $1,379-$7,705, and most people pay around $3,663, according to Thumbtack data. The amount you pay to stucco a house will depend on factors such as surface area, the type of stucco needed and whether you need to repair or replace existing siding.

Stucco cost:

National average cost$3,663
Low-end average cost$1,379
High-end average cost$7,705
Whether it's one wall or a whole house, you'll want to get an estimate on stucco costs and how much this project will cost you before you hire a stucco contractor to help.

Stucco cost per square foot

You can estimate it will cost $6-$9 per square foot to add stucco to your house. The bigger the wall, the higher the cost.
Material and stucco costs will depend on the type you use (traditional vs. engineered). Expect to pay around $2,000 on average to replace or install new stucco on one side of an average-sized garage's exterior.

Stucco siding cost factors

The cost to stucco a house depends on the type of stucco used (engineered, synthetic or traditional stucco), the number of square feet of siding and whether old siding needs to be repaired or removed.

Traditional stucco vs. engineered stucco

The material costs for stucco siding will depend on if you're using traditional or engineered stucco, also known as exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS). The average cost for traditional, cement-based stucco is $0.05-$0.10 per square foot, compared to $0.25-$0.50 per square foot for EIFS (just for materials, not installation or labor costs).
Stucco has been used in architecture for centuries and is prized for its durability, heat resistance, and beauty. Traditional stucco is a mix of cement, sand-lime and water and is quite different from the synthetic stucco products on the market, says a Thumbtack pro and stucco specialist in Elk River, Minnesota. Both are used for exterior walls and sidings on houses, while plaster is used indoors.
The application of high-end traditional stucco requires a skilled craftsman and generally costs more upfront, but it will last longer and protect the house in a way that saves money in the long run. Traditional stucco is heavy and handles wet weather well.
EIFS has a much thinner and smoother final texture and is usually applied over a foam-based product. Engineered stucco is also more likely to crack but is still energy-efficient and lends itself to more complex designs.

Stucco repair cost

Stucco repair costs are impacted by the square foot size of the area in need of repair. Most companies will have a base rate that means a basic fist-sized stucco repair might cost nearly the same as a window-sized repair.For stucco companies, it's not just the material and the size of the repair — it's also the company's business overhead and labor costs.
For this reason, many companies will have a flat rate or project cost instead of charging by the square foot.
Here are some examples of average costs for stucco repairs and installation from a Thumbtack pro in Minnesota:
  • Window-sized or smaller stucco repair: $500

  • Stucco repair around two windows and two doors: $1,000

  • Stucco replacement on one exterior wall of a garage: $2,000

  • New stucco installation on three walls of a 12x12 home addition: $4,000-$5,000

The final project required special matching to ensure the three new exterior walls match the home's existing stucco.
Search local Stucco Specialists and check prices.

How stucco repairs can protect your investment

Homeowners should inspect stucco siding regularly for cracks. Compared to more popular siding materials, like vinyl siding, stucco tends to need repairs more often. However, repairing issues early on can prevent leaks and rot — and save you money in the long run.

Water damage

Vinyl, cement and wood siding are all prone to leaks and water damage, but stucco siding material is so airtight that it doesn't let any breeze in to help dry moisture out once it has entered through cracks.
"Stucco water infiltration is near invisible until it's too late. Regular inspections for cracks and failing window sills are a must," says a Thumbtack pro in Minnesota. His stucco company operates in the upper Midwest, where freezes and thaws often occur, raising the risk of water damage.
Concerns about water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles will differ depending on where you live, so this is one home improvement project where your zip code matters. This expansion and contraction of water causes small cracks in stucco, which eventually turn into sizeable leaks. “Homeowners can save thousands of dollars with a few bucks and some preventative work each year," says the Thumbtack pro.
By filling any voids found in stucco right away, homeowners can keep their homes moisture-free and their stucco healthy for life.

Rot

The transition from wood brick mold exterior windows to clad vinyl, aluminum or steel nailing flange windows in the late 1980s caused a lot of problems for homeowners with stucco siding. Wood swells in wet environments. Older wood windows would push against the stucco in the rain, preventing moisture from seeping in. After clad windows became the norm, many homeowners discovered these windows weren't providing that same moisture barrier. Many homes suffered from rot as a result.
In the early 2000s, industry standards changed and building inspectors now check for this issue. In addition, the Lath and Plasters Bureau has developed policies on appropriate stucco installation techniques.

Find stucco contractors near you

Whether you need to re-stucco a cracked wall on your garage exterior, or you're installing new siding on an addition to match the rest of your Spanish-style abode, a contractor can help. Find a stucco contractor near you on Thumbtack.
How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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