When you're working on putting together a design scheme, nothing adds a bit of texture like a layer (or three) of stucco. Stucco offers an impeccably exotic feel that will help your home appear elegant yet inviting. The right types of stucco walls can transform your home into a desert paradise or a European villa, so how do you know which to choose?
There are two main types of stucco, traditional and synthetic, and nine common stucco finishes, including stroke, float, and smooth. Other styles include Cat Face, Spanish Lace, Santa Barbara, Worm, English, and Lace and Skip. Surface materials can be cement based, acrylic or plastic; The application types are single coat, three coat and EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System).
Choosing which stucco to glue to can be a little rough. Luckily, UpgradedHome has all the research you need to make your home's coat worthwhile.
Two main types of stucco
Before we get into the many subcategories, we will talk about the two broad umbrella terms used in stucco. When most people categorize stucco, they mention whether it is traditional stucco or synthetic. These terms refer to how the stucco is made.
Traditional stucco
Traditional stucco is made from Portland cement, sand, lime and water. It's the "old school" way of making things happen. It is generally heavier and more durable than synthetic stucco. The big downside, however, is that it often requires more coats to apply, meaning you may have a harder time installing it.
Most traditional plasterwork is quite expensive to buy and repair. However, homeowners love it, so it's worth every penny.
Synthetic stucco/EIFS
Synthetic stucco is also known as EIFS, the Exterior Insulation and Finishing System. The whole concept is to give a home's exterior a stucco-like finish at a cheaper price. EIFS is a six-ply stucco-like finish that is lightweight in construction and relatively easy to install compared to old-school stucco.
Although it is less expensivesynthetic stuccois not very durable. In the past, synthetic stucco got a pretty bad rap for being prone to mold. Synthetic stucco typically adheres to plasterboard or wood. If plumbers don't apply the stucco properly, it can allow moisture in and lead to rot.
Also, this can attract termites as they love a humid environment. So there is a potentially higher risk of termites entering the walls and having fun.
Nine types of stucco finishes
Knowing whether you should get synthetic or traditional stucco is great, but now you also need to choose the type of finish you want to get. So let's get started!
1st dash
Dash is one of the most popular types of plaster finishes you will find on the market. It has a very gritty appearance with a strong, rough texture. Most of the people prefer to use it outdoors especially if they want a modern look. It looks great with all colors and is pretty easy to install. It is also known as "roughcast" stucco in some parts of the country.
One cool thing about stick stucco is its traditional method of application. The top coat is literally sprayed onto the exterior of the house!
2. Swimmer/Sand
A close cousin of Dash Stucco is Float. Also known as sand stucco, this finish feels more even and grainy than the dash. The idea behind this is to give your home a sandy, floating look that looks flawless. Most homes use lighter colors for this stucco, and it remains popular as an exterior stucco pattern. Due to its filigree look, this stucco is particularly popular for shop facades.
Float filler must be carefully applied by hand with a smoothing trowel. Otherwise, you won't get the results you want. You can choose a coarse, medium or fine sand type for this option.
3. Cat Face
You may have seen stucco that is smooth in some places but contains patches of rough texture in others. This is known as "cat face" stucco, primarily because older versions would look like cat faces poking through the walls. While most people wouldn't see this unless they were under the influence of certain hallucinogens, the name mostly stuck.
This is also known locally as Montalvo or Californian stucco. However, we will just call it a cool interior piece to use on your walls.
4. Spanish Lace
Spanish lace is an interesting, smooth, but not smooth, type of finish. The bumps are there, but they're not rough like paint or sand. Above a certain level, all bumps are a flat surface leaving grooves underneath. These are also known as skip blade finishes or lace and skip finishes. If your home has imperfections, adding Spanish lace can cover them up.
This is one of the few types of plaster that only requires two coats of paint instead of three. With light layers it looks like a cloudy top like in the photo above. When heavily layered, it looks like you've literally applied lace to stone. It's neat like that.
5. Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara look is quite popular in California, mostly because it comes in a wide range of colors. This is a semi-smooth finish composed of ultra-fine grains of sand. This gives it a silky yet sturdy look that's perfectly western. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
If you're a Santa Barbara stucco fan, you'll be delighted. This can be easily achieved via both traditional and EIFS styles, meaning it's affordable for virtually any income level.
6. Smooth texture
Oh, the velvety look of smooth stucco! This is a finish known for being ultra fine and almost velvety to the touch. In terms of visuals, you may notice some color differences that look like spots or even "tie-dye" spots. If you want to add an industrial look to your room, this polished concrete vibe will do the trick.
While visually appealing, it is actually a difficult type of stucco to apply. This often requires the hand of an experienced plasterer. Because installation can be difficult, the price of smooth stucco is high. Repairs are also quite difficult - especially if you have cracks.
7. Worm/vertebra
No, these don't have creepy crawlies in the stucco. Wormplast finishes are easily recognized by their "streaky" appearance with many lines throughout the wall surface. There are many different subgenres of worming, including swirl and "plaster" stripes. This is a good option for people who want a bold interior that has a more geometric look.
Worm stucco is made up of large pieces of aggregate added to the stucco, giving it a striped appearance that stands out. Sometimes it is even rubbed in by hand. This gives it the groovy indents that people enjoy. The problem with worm stucco is that you may struggle to get a smooth repair.
8. English
English stucco is one of the oldest forms of stucco still in use today and is easily recognizable. It's a heavily brushed finish that looks like layered brush strokes when done. Sometimes it even has upward curls that you can feel as they branch out from the surface of the stucco. This gives it a heavily painted look that goes well with older buildings.
Since you can only make English stucco using traditional stucco, this can be quite an expensive option. This, along with its antique appearance, explains why you usually only see this on older buildings. The good news here is that it's remarkably forgiving and can be a no-brainer. So if you have it then you are definitely in luck in terms of durability.
9. Lace up and skip
Lace and outlet stucco is a very common traditional texture. It is excellent for hiding imperfections and is widely used in both commercial and residential applications. Lace and Skip come in countless variations that have subtle differences, but they are applied using the same method.
You'll see lace skipping stucco in fine, medium, and coarse patterns. This texture is applied with a base coat followed by the textured layer itself. In most cases, tip and skip is used with traditional stucco. However, it can also be done in acrylic, although acrylic has less depth to its peak and jump.
Tip and bounce are applied by hand in most cases. Another option is to spray it out and then smooth or tap it off with a trowel. The result is a very forgiving texture that can mask imperfections in the wall surface.
Three stucco finish materials
Aside from stucco types and finishes, there are also finishing materials to think about. The first three are cement based, acrylic and synthetic.
Cement based
You'll often see stucco that uses dark gray Portland cement, but cement-based finishes use white Portland cement instead. The reason for this is that color can be added to the white base resulting in an even coloring across the top coat.
In general, cement-based stucco finishes range from 1/16 inch to ⅛ inch thick. The smoother you prefer the finish, the thinner the finish material.
Acrylic
Acrylic paints consist of acrylic and an aggregate. Essentially, an acrylic finish looks like high quality exterior paint mixed with aggregate, making the finish material thick and tacky. Most acrylic surfaces are about 1/16 inch thick.
synthetic
The third type of stucco finish material is synthetic and this type is very similar to acrylic. Synthetic surfaces are often made from acrylic, but there are some differences. In most cases, plastic surfaces are used for ETICS systems as they help to prevent water from penetrating the wall.
Various unit sizes with a synthetic surface are available to choose from. Your choice of aggregate affects the look and feel of the finished stucco. In general, the options include smooth, fine, medium, and coarse aggregates.
Three types of stucco by application style
Now that we've discussed the different finish types and materials, it's important to remember that there is another way to categorize your stucco: the application methods. The vast majority of types of stucco walls will be either 1-ply or 3-ply stucco. Let's talk about these two main categories to help you navigate a little better.
1-layer stucco
This is actually not a single coat, but a cement base coat followed by a top coat. In many cases, you will also apply a foam that will help the stucco texture grip better. This is a common style for Spanish lace stucco, smooth stucco and line stucco. However, other types may also have 1-layer options.
3 layer stucco
If you are going to be getting traditional stucco which is going to be extra heavy then you will probably need a 3 layer stucco. Again, this is a little misleading. These are the following parts:
- A cement coat.Traditionally it is at least 7/8 inch thick. This serves as the base coat.
- A waterproof barrier.This is usually asphalted paper stapled to the primer.
- One or more scratch layers.Scratches can be a number of different things, including a wire mesh, a rough layer of stucco, or a brown layer.
- A finish coat.Sometimes this is called a primer, sometimes it comes with a primer. Imagine that.
WDVS Stuck
EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System. From the outside,WDVS Stucklooks like a typical stucco installation. It usually has an acrylic finish, but differs from the traditional hard coating system due to its inner layers.
The reason for this is that ETICS has several layers that form a complete wall system. This system has special properties such as increased air barriers and improved protection against water and moisture.
The usual layers in ETICS stucco include a water and air barrier, followed by an adhesive primer and foam. Next comes a primer embedded in a fiberglass mesh. It is optional to add a primer and then all layers are covered with the top coat.
Basic ETICS assembly
A simple ETICS assembly is a cheaper option but has the disadvantage of not including a water barrier. Instead, the system is applied directly to the substrate. The basic assembly system typically includes the adhesive base coat, foam, a fiberglass mesh base coat, an optional primer, and a top coat.
EIFS assembly with water management system
The other option when working with ETICS stucco is an ETICS assembly with a water management system. This ETICS variant includes a moisture barrier that is applied to the substrate. This barrier is also known as the drainage plane and can be applied as liquid or paper.
Although an ETICS assembly with a water management system obviously works harder to keep moisture out, all ETICS types have a top coat designed for this purpose. ETICS systems with water management systems simply have an additional barrier.
Six common stucco color schemes
Let's move on to the different ones nextcolor schemescommonly used with stucco.
Neutral tones
Neutral shades are always a safe bet, and you have a huge range of greys, tans and browns to choose from. You really can't go wrong by choosing a neutral shade for your stucco. One thing to keep in mind is that you also want a more neutral roof color. A living roof paired with neutral stucco doesn't always go well together.
Weiss
If your goal is to create a modern and fresh look, then you can't go wrong with white stucco. White stucco is reminiscent of beautiful Greek buildings and comes in a variety of shades. It can even be mixed with other colors to create a custom marbling effect.
Gelb
Because of its many shades, yellow can be bright and eye-catching or subtle yet warm. Either way, yellow stucco will stand out and bring a refreshing tropical feel.
Green
Looking for a natural, earthy color? Green is an excellent option. You might want to consider a deep green or moss green hue instead of an intense lime green. When paired with light or white wood, green makes for an amazing pop of color.
Rosa
It might not be the most popular choice, but pink stucco really pops and is sure to make your home stand out. Be sure to look at several shades of pink to determine which ones best match your home's architectural style.
Zweifarbig
If you prefer to have something truly unique and individual then you should consider making two tone stucco. Applying two different colors takes extra time and effort, but the result is simply stunning. It looks especially chic on large two-story homes or buildings with interesting architectural features that can be highlighted by the two-tone plasterwork.
What are the easiest to maintain types of stucco?
That's hard to answer, simply because they all do pretty well with regular cleaning with a bleach-water mixture. However, there are still some elements that might make one type of stucco work better for you than others. Here's what you need to know:
- Synthetic stucco is not as water resistant as traditional stucco.This means you may need to space your laundry out, or you may need to take the time to clean up mold stains more often.
- Getting traditional stucco will make the hosing and scrubbing easier to do.Synthetics are more prone to breakage, which means high pressure water and aggressive scrubbing are likely to cause breakage. Finally, synthetic stucco is hollow, so if you hit it with too much pressure, it can crack.
- If you want to maintain or update the look of your exterior, you can paint stucco.Smooth stucco is easier to paint than something along the lines of dash or worm.
- Smooth stucco and sand stucco are generally easier to clean.There is less chance of stucco falling off and even less chance of your stucco becoming clogged with moss or mold.
If you are a smoker, you should check it outWhat is the best cleaner to remove nicotine from walls?
Which types of stucco are the most durable?
In general, most people shouldn't worry about this. Far from being fragile, stucco siding is actually one of the best siding options. Most plasterwork will last between 50 and 80 years with proper care, provided you don't live in an area that is excessively wet or extremely windy.
While stucco is still admirable when it comes to durability, there are some types that appear to be more durable than others. Traditional stucco is obviously the more durable type in terms of manufacture (or system). That being said, there's also a little more information that we know of — at least anecdotally. Stucco that's a little chunkier (like dash or Spanish lace) tends to last a little longer than others.
How can you tell if you have synthetic stucco on your home?
There is no escaping the type of stucco you have on the side of the house. It's important, especially if you're looking to fix any cracks you see or if you're adding a new section to your home. Luckily, it's pretty easy to find out. Just tap on the stucco trim to find out if it's synthetic.
Synthetic stucco paneling tends to have a hollow sound. Traditional stucco, on the other hand, will have a thick, filled-in feel when tapped.Of course, if you have a traditional type of stucco, you can assume that you have traditional stucco.
How much does stucco paneling cost?
Up to a point, Stuck is remarkably stable when it comes to pricing.Most places add stucco to a home's siding for between $7 and $9 per square foot, depending on the type and neighborhood. If you want synthetic stucco instead, the price is far lower at around $3.90 to $7.95 per square foot.
Believe it or not, Stuck is considered one of thethe most expensive types of sidingthat you can buy. The reason for this is twofold. The materials are quite expensive due to the high price of cement and the sheer amount of cement you need for a full wall. In addition, applying stucco is a very labor intensive endeavor.
If you love the look of stucco but don't like the price tag, that's understandable. You can save a significant amount of money by switching to a synthetic stucco. You get the same looks, similar durability, and decent power efficiency at a fraction of the cost.
It's important to note that repairing or replacing stucco does not cost the same as adding siding the first time.If you're looking to replace stucco trim, you can expect to add a dollar to the price of your stucco just from the cost of sandblasting to remove the old ones.
How much does it cost to repair stucco paneling?
This is indeed a surprisingly expensive problem. Although it can vary from type to type, labor makes up the bulk of the cost. Materials are nominal in most cases.Labor costs range from $60 to $120 per square foot, with synthetic stucco being the more expensive choice. Material costs can vary widely, with the full range being between $10 and $50 for the stucco, plus $50 for the finishing materials.
Overall, for a serious repair, expect a repair bill of at least several hundred dollars. If it gets to the point where you've punched a very large hole in your stucco, you may need to get a full replacement order for that wall. That can easily amount to several thousand euros, depending on the extent of the damage.
Are certain types of stucco obsolete?
Believe it or not, the type of stucco you choose can end up giving you a dated design. Some types of stucco finishes are notoriously outdated, while others are considered timeless. If you want to stay on trend, here's what you need to know:
- English, Worm and Spanish lace are all considered fairly outdated.They tend to hark back to the Victorian era, 1970's and 1980's respectively. If you go for this look then that is awesome and you should use it. However, you can run the risk of making your home look too retro for comfort.
- Sand, float, smooth and lined stucco are timeless.Ever since they were first invented, these types of stucco have become and remain stylish. This is mainly because they offer timeless, clean lines that most people find attractive. Because clean lines are versatile, you don't have to worry about these guys hurting your property values.
- Santa Barbara cat faces and stucco tend to be site specific.Both plasterwork are modern, sure, but they have a catch. These are stucco styles typically associated with specific parts of the United States. Strangely, both are closely related to SoCal. If you're looking to channel California or maybe a little bit of the Southwest then these are great options.
- When choosing your piece, remember that color plays a big part in how modern it looks.A good amount of paint can modernize old stucco fairly quickly. For example, cream Spanish lace can give a place a very Tudor look. However, painting it slate gray gives it a more modern and urban look.
Diploma
There are a variety of stucco variations ranging from traditional and synthetic to textures such as cat face, worm and dash. By choosing between textures like Spanish Lace, Santa Barbara, Smooth, Floating, English and Lace and Skip you can really customize the design of your home.
Make it even more unique by choosing between cement based, acrylic or synthetic surface materials and application types like single coat, three coat and EIFS. And of course, you have to choose your color scheme, whether it's neutral, white, yellow, green, pink, or even two-toned.
Stucco never goes out of style and is a great way to highlight beautiful architecture and make your home stand out. Once you know the differences between all the different types of stucco, you can truly make it your own.
Related guides
- Stucco vs. vinyl siding: which is better?
- Is it better to spray or roller paint on stucco?
- Dryvit vs. stucco: which material is better?
Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an experienced author specializing in interior design and general living tips. Writing is her life and what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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FAQs
What are the different textures of stucco? ›
- Sand Finish.
- Cat Face Finish.
- Lace Finish.
- Smooth Finish.
- Santa Barbara Finish.
Lace And Skip Trowel Textures:
These textures are one of the most common and are typically what is ingrained in most people's minds when the think of stucco. This texture can hide many imperfections and is great for virtually any application, residential or commercial.
SMOOTH FINISH STEEL TROWEL
A smooth stucco finish, also known as a fine cement based finish, is one of the most difficult textures to achieve and is also the most popular among homeowners because it's easiest to clean and offers a finish closest to looking like a painted home.
The brown coat covers the first base coat and creates a plane surface, leading to the best possible results for the finish coat. The finish coat is the thinnest of the coats, and its purpose is to impart a decorative surface to the plaster. Scratch, brown, and finish coats all have slightly different proportions.
What are the three main types of texture? ›There are three categories of texture: tactile, visual, and audible. Tactile texture is the feel of a material to human touch. Visual texture affects how an object or room looks, and audible texture affects how the object or room sounds.
What is the most popular color for stucco? ›Most homeowners go with a neutral color like tan, gray, off-white, or beige.
What kind of stucco is best? ›Acrylic Stucco
Designed for durability, it's a suitable material for all weather types as it will not be damaged by moisture. Acrylic is more expensive than traditional stucco but will give you a beautiful siding finish for years to come.
- Knockdown.
- Orange Peel.
- Sand Swirl.
- Skip Trowel.
- Slap Brush.
- Slap Brush Knockdown.
- Hawk and Trowel.
- Venetial Plaster Finish.
Synthetic stucco, also known as acrylic stucco, contains acrylic resins that has sand in it to resemble traditional stucco and give the appearance of definition.
What material is better than stucco? ›Fiber cement technology produces an extremely durable, weather-resistant siding. It holds up well to impact, and doesn't rot or crack the way that other materials such as stucco will. For this reason, fiber cement siding is one of the longest-lasting siding materials available today.
How do I know what kind of stucco I have? ›
Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.
What is the most serious problem with exterior stucco? ›When a home's stucco doesn't have the necessary space or is below the grade, it can trap water and moisture leading to the formation of mold, rotting, cracking, and crumbling. Additionally, the stucco will begin to soak up even more moisture from the ground.
What is acrylic finish stucco? ›Acrylic stucco, also called elastomeric or synthetic stucco are made of acrylic resins and polymers that are glue-like. High quality brands will have sand mixed in to give your exterior finish a more defined look. It comes in different textures and colours so you have a large variety to choose from.
What are textured finishes? ›Textured finish means a rough surface produced by spraying and splattering large drops of coating onto a previously applied coating. The coatings used to form the appearance of the textured finish are referred to as textured coatings.
What is interior stucco called? ›The simplest explanation is as follows: stucco is for the exterior and plaster is for the interior.
What are the 3 coats of stucco? ›Three coat is the original stucco process, consisting of paper and wire, a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish, or “top” coat. In industry terms — lath, scratch and brown.
Is flat or satin better for stucco? ›A flat sheen will help hide the texture and any imperfections in the stucco pattern. If you do use a satin sheen on your stucco you may notice that the texture stands out more. If you want to emphasize the texture in your stucco then use a satin finish. Otherwise, we would recommend a flat sheen on stucco surfaces.
What is better cement stucco vs acrylic stucco? ›Traditional stucco provides a rougher texture with minimal maintenance required, and acrylic stucco provides a smooth texture but may require more routine maintenance (i.e., washing off dirt buildup). The finish of each type can also vary depending on how they're applied (which will cost less or more money).
How thick should a finish coat of stucco be? ›Conventional stucco over masonry surfaces may be applied with two or three coats. Two-coat systems over masonry consist of: first coat = 3/8 inch thick and finish coat = 1/8 inch thick; or over cast concrete consist of: first coat = 1/4 inch thick and finish coat = 1/8 inch thick.
What are 5 examples of texture? ›Physical texture
These can include -- but are not limited to -- fur, canvas, wood grain, sand, leather, satin, eggshell, matte, or smooth surfaces such as metal or glass.
What are the 4 types of texture? ›
Combining timbres is a very important aspect of creating musical textures that make one piece of music stand out from another. There are four types of textures that appear in music, Monophony, Polyphony, Homophony, and Heterophony. These four textures appear in music from around the world.
What are the most popular exterior house colors for 2022? ›- Warm, Earthy Neutrals.
- All-Black Exteriors.
- Dusty Charcoal.
- Warm Whites and Creams.
- Vibrant Greens.
- Muted Gray-Greens.
- Classic Navy.
- Black Exteriors with a Contrasting Door.
Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray will continue to be popular choices for stucco in 2022. These colors provide a clean and classic look that can be easily customized with accent colors. If you're searching for a unique look, consider painting your stucco in a neutral color.
How do I choose stucco color? ›Pick colors that work well with these features, your landscape, as well as any permanent fixtures on/or around your house. If you have a black or gray roof, consider gray, blue, white, or yellow for your stucco exterior. For a brown or dark tan roof, consider tan, brown, red, green, or cream exterior stucco.
What time of year is best to stucco a house? ›Spring & Summer are the Perfect time for Residential Stucco or EIFS.
What is standard stucco finish? ›Float or Sand
The most common finish for stucco of commercial buildings would be “float” or “sand.” This is a versatile finish that can be used on both traditional and synthetic stucco and is applied with a single coat.
The only difference is that Base 100 is white and base 200 is gray.
Which texture is best for exterior walls? ›1. Brick Wall Texture Design – The Classic. If you were to ask any design expert who is the most requested exterior wall texture design by urban Indian homeowners, the answer would most likely be – brick wall texture!
What is the best finish for textured walls? ›Flat finish is also known as matte finish and has the least amount of shine. Because it doesn't reflect light, it's the best choice to hide any imperfections like bumps or small cracks on walls. It also goes on smoother over rough surfaces, so it's a good option for textured walls.
What is the easiest wall texture? ›An easy way to texture walls is by simulating a stucco finish with joint taping compound (also known as drywall mud) which can be purchased at any home improvement store. According to Oliver, this virtually fail-safe method often yields satisfying results for even average do-it-yourselfers.
What is a cheaper alternative to stucco? ›
Fiber cement siding offers a similar look as stucco. It is also less expensive and more durable and long-lasting than stucco. A good fiber cement siding will offer you relief from termites and rot, not retain any moisture and keep the internal walls protected and offer resistance to fire.
What is Hardie stucco? ›Overview. Hardie® Panel Stucco Fiber Cement Vertical Siding has a warm stucco texture making it a great choice for Spanish or Tudor home styles.
What is foam stucco called? ›Also known as “synthetic stucco,” EIFS consists of a multi-layer exterior barrier-type system designed to prevent water intrusion in exterior walls. The system has four main components: Panels of expanded polystyrene foam insulation board (similar to foam coffee cups).
Can I put new stucco over old stucco? ›Ron Webber, owner of Prime Plastering in Irvine, Calif., responds: Applying new stucco over old stucco (often called re-stuccoing) is a fairly simple-process. If the existing wall is in good condition, this job can be straightforward.
What is the least expensive house exterior? ›Vinyl siding is almost always the least expensive way to side your home. You can even find vinyl siding for as cheap as $2 per square foot. Of course, you're going to be looking at your home's siding for many years to come, so it's important to balance the cost with what material you like looking at.
What is the main problem with stucco? ›Made from cement, lime, and sand, stucco is a unique material that— unlike vinyl or fiber siding— is porous, and therefore prone to cracking. In addition, stucco can retain water. That can lead to a number of issues including paint failure and mold.
What is the best finish for exterior stucco? ›Stucco looks best with a flat or low-sheen paint. Kelly-Moore offers a full line of exterior acrylic masonry paints, including flat and low-sheen paints to breathe new life into your stucco home.
Which type of stucco is best? ›Acrylic Stucco
Designed for durability, it's a suitable material for all weather types as it will not be damaged by moisture. Acrylic is more expensive than traditional stucco but will give you a beautiful siding finish for years to come.
Traditional stucco is more durable, fire resistant, and has greater longevity, being able to last up to 50 years with low maintenance. Traditional stucco is also very porous and dries out quickly, while synthetic stucco is not and can have water damage issues if not installed properly.
What is the most common exterior finish? ›In the U.S., siding or stucco and brick veneer are the most common exterior finish types.
Should exterior stucco be flat or satin? ›
A flat sheen will help hide the texture and any imperfections in the stucco pattern. If you do use a satin sheen on your stucco you may notice that the texture stands out more. If you want to emphasize the texture in your stucco then use a satin finish. Otherwise, we would recommend a flat sheen on stucco surfaces.
What is the most durable exterior finish? ›An epoxy sealer with an exterior varnish topcoat is the most durable outdoor finish and can last for many, many years.
What is the most common stucco brand? ›As the leader since 1926, LaHabra Stucco is America's #1 stucco brand. With nearly 100 years invested in making superior products, we offer the most complete line of products including stucco base coats, cement and acrylic finishes and coatings, and air and water-resistive barriers.
What is the fake stucco called? ›Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS).
How many types of stucco are there? ›There are two main types of stucco: traditional and synthetic.
Why is my stucco cracking? ›Stucco cracks are usually caused by wrong mixing proportions, insufficient or excessive mixing, drying shrinkage due to the rapid evaporation of water from the stucco, seasonal changes, and seismic movement.
How do you choose stucco? ›If you have a black or gray roof, consider gray, blue, white, or yellow for your stucco exterior. For a brown or dark tan roof, consider tan, brown, red, green, or cream exterior stucco.