Stucco Cost Calculator
* Includes materials and professional installation. Final costs vary by wall condition, accessibility, and local labor rates.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Stucco Cost by Type
| Stucco Type | Price / Sq Ft | 1,500 Sq Ft Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Coat Stucco | $5 – $8 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Traditional 3-Coat | $6 – $9 | $9,000 – $13,500 |
| EIFS / Synthetic | $8 – $12 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Stucco Repair | $8 – $50 | Varies by damage |
* Includes materials and labor. Add $1–$2/sqft for lath, $2–$4/sqft for old stucco removal, $1–$3/sqft for painting.
How We Calculate
Our stucco cost calculator estimates total project costs based on stucco type, wall area, and add-on options. Pricing includes materials and professional installation labor.
How the math works: Stucco cost = square feet x price per sqft (varies by type). Lath/mesh = sqft x $1–$2. Removal = sqft x $2–$4. Painting = sqft x $1–$3. Total = stucco + selected add-ons.
Stucco Types
Traditional 3-Coat ($6–$9/sqft): Portland cement-based stucco applied in three layers over metal lath. Scratch coat (3/8 inch) bonds to lath and provides base. Brown coat (3/8 inch) levels surface and adds strength. Finish coat (1/8 inch) provides color and texture. Total thickness approximately 7/8 inch. Strongest and most durable option. Lasts 50–80 years. Best for new construction and complete re-stucco projects.
1-Coat Stucco ($5–$8/sqft): Fiber-reinforced cement applied in single 3/8–1/2 inch layer over foam insulation board. Faster installation (3–5 days vs 1–2 weeks). Similar appearance to traditional stucco. Slightly less impact-resistant than 3-coat. Adds insulation value (R-3 to R-5). Good for renovation projects where speed matters. Lasts 30–50 years.
EIFS / Synthetic ($8–$12/sqft): Exterior Insulation and Finish System uses EPS foam boards (1–4 inches thick) with fiberglass mesh and acrylic finish. Highest insulation value (R-5 to R-20 depending on foam thickness). Lightweight, won't crack from structural movement. Available in unlimited colors and textures. Must have proper moisture management (drainage plane) to prevent water entrapment. Lasts 20–30 years.
Stucco Repair ($8–$50/sqft): Pricing varies widely by damage extent. Hairline cracks: caulk fill ($8–$15/sqft). Section replacement: remove damaged area, install new lath if needed, 3-coat repair ($15–$30/sqft). Structural repair: address underlying damage (wood rot, settlement), rebuild substrate, full re-application ($30–$50/sqft). Color matching is challenging — budget for repainting repaired wall.
Add-On Components
Lath / Wire Mesh ($1–$2/sqft): Self-furring galvanized metal lath stapled to sheathing over moisture barrier. Required for traditional and 1-coat stucco on wood-framed walls. Creates bonding surface for scratch coat. 2.5 lb or 3.4 lb diamond mesh is standard. Includes fasteners, corner bead, and weep screed at base.
Old Stucco Removal ($2–$4/sqft): Demolition of existing stucco, lath, and moisture barrier. Includes debris hauling and disposal. Required when existing stucco has widespread failure, moisture damage, or when changing to a different siding type. May reveal substrate damage requiring additional repair ($5–$15/sqft).
Painting ($1–$3/sqft): Elastomeric paint ($30–$60/gallon) provides waterproof, flexible finish that bridges hairline cracks. Standard acrylic paint ($25–$40/gallon) is more affordable but less flexible. Two coats recommended. Painting is essential for traditional stucco without integral color. Budget for repainting every 5–10 years to maintain appearance and waterproofing.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and licensed stucco contractors. Material specifications per ASTM C926 and manufacturer guidelines. We review and update costs regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-11
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stucco cost per square foot? +
Stucco costs $5–$12 per square foot installed depending on type. Traditional 3-coat stucco costs $6–$9/sqft, 1-coat stucco $5–$8/sqft, and EIFS/synthetic stucco $8–$12/sqft. For a typical 1,500 sqft exterior, expect $9,000–$13,500 for traditional stucco. Add $1–$2/sqft for lath/wire mesh, $2–$4/sqft for old stucco removal, and $1–$3/sqft for painting. Stucco repair work ranges $8–$50/sqft depending on damage extent.
What is the difference between traditional stucco and EIFS? +
Traditional (Portland cement) stucco uses 3 coats over wire lath — scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. It is breathable, impact-resistant, and lasts 50–80 years. Costs $6–$9/sqft. EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) uses foam insulation boards with a synthetic finish coat. EIFS costs $8–$12/sqft but adds R-5 to R-10 insulation value. EIFS is lighter and more energy-efficient but less impact-resistant and can trap moisture if improperly installed.
How long does stucco last? +
Traditional cement stucco lasts 50–80 years with proper maintenance. 1-coat stucco lasts 30–50 years. EIFS/synthetic stucco lasts 20–30 years. Stucco lifespan depends on climate, application quality, and maintenance. Inspect annually for cracks — hairline cracks are normal (fill with elastomeric caulk, $5–$15/tube). Larger cracks over 1/4 inch may indicate structural movement. Repaint every 5–10 years with elastomeric paint ($30–$60/gallon) to maintain waterproofing.
Can stucco be applied over existing siding? +
Stucco can be applied over most substrates: concrete block, brick, CMU, OSB/plywood sheathing (with vapor barrier and lath). It cannot go directly over vinyl or wood siding — these must be removed first ($2–$4/sqft removal). Applying stucco over existing stucco (re-coat) costs $3–$6/sqft if the base is sound. Always install proper moisture barrier (housewrap) and weep screed at the bottom edge to prevent moisture damage.
How much does stucco repair cost? +
Stucco repair costs $8–$50 per square foot depending on scope. Small crack repair: $8–$15/sqft (fill and patch). Medium damage (holes, delamination): $15–$30/sqft (cut out damaged area, re-lath, 3-coat repair). Large structural repair: $30–$50/sqft (remove section, repair substrate, full re-application). Minimum service call is typically $200–$500. Color matching on repairs can be challenging — repainting the entire wall ($1–$3/sqft) ensures uniform appearance.
What are the pros and cons of stucco siding? +
Pros: durable (50–80 years), fire-resistant (1-hour fire rating), low maintenance, energy efficient (insulating properties), customizable colors and textures, pest-resistant, and increases home value. Cons: cracks over time (especially in regions with freeze-thaw cycles), expensive to repair ($8–$50/sqft), can trap moisture if improperly installed, requires professional application, and limited to certain architectural styles in some markets.
How long does stucco installation take? +
Stucco installation takes 1–3 weeks for a typical home (1,500 sqft). Traditional 3-coat process: Day 1–2 preparation and lath installation, Day 3–4 scratch coat (cure 48 hours), Day 5–6 brown coat (cure 7 days), Day 7–8 finish coat. 1-coat stucco takes 3–5 days. EIFS takes 5–7 days. Weather affects timeline — stucco cannot be applied in rain or below 40°F. Each coat needs proper cure time for maximum strength.
Is stucco cheaper than other siding options? +
Stucco ($5–$12/sqft installed) is mid-range compared to other siding. Vinyl siding costs $3–$8/sqft, fiber cement $6–$13/sqft, wood $5–$15/sqft, stone veneer $10–$30/sqft, and brick $10–$25/sqft. Stucco offers the best value when considering its 50–80 year lifespan and low maintenance. Annual maintenance cost is near zero versus vinyl (cleaning $200–$400/year) or wood (painting $2,000–$5,000 every 5–7 years).
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