How Much Does It Cost to Stucco a House in 2025?

It costs about $5,660 to stucco a house, with most homeowners paying between $2,201 and $9,145. Stucco installation costs depend on the total square footage, the type of stucco, the finish, and the project’s overall complexity.

Stucco Siding Cost Factors

Finish, square footage, labor, and other costs are the main influences on total stucco project costs.

Square Footage

Stucco costs per square foot vary with the footprint size of the home, with lower unit costs correlating with greater square footage. The average cost to install stucco on a 1,000-square-foot home is $8,025, which works out to about $8 per square foot. Costs can range between $6.50 and $17 per square foot, depending on the finish, system, and other factors, but most fall between $7 and $9. Expect installations to cost approximately $1,000 to $1,500 more for every 500 additional square feet.

These figures are based on a standard 8-by-12-foot wall and single-story home. Homes with multiple stories, complex architectural designs, high-end finishes, and other customization usually cost more to stucco.

Materials

The quality of the cement and other materials used in stucco installation can significantly affect the overall project costs. High-quality stucco products cost more upfront but provide superior durability.

Traditional stucco includes a base coat, bonding coat, and finishing coat. The base and bonding coats cost about $31 per 12-pound bag, which covers between 320 and 480 square feet with a layer of each. The cost for finishing coats depends on the type, but 80-pound bags average $20 and cover 35 square feet.

Other materials for stucco installation include:

• Sealants

• Weatherstripping

• Exterior grade caulking

• Corrosion-resistant fasteners

• Flashing

Stucco System

There are two main types of stucco systems. The more traditional system is known as a hard coat system. It involves applying cement to create a base layer over a metal lathe structure, followed by one or more finish coats of Portland cement to achieve a specific color and texture. The installation cost is between $7 and $9 per square foot. 

The second type is called Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which uses layers of insulating foam base and acrylic coating that keeps water out from underneath the siding. Each manufacturer has its own products and installation methods, but EIFS systems generally consist of an insulating foam layer under one or more coats of moisture-resistant synthetic finish materials. Fiberglass mesh or lathe is embedded in the base coat for reinforcement. With proper installation and care, this system provides improved energy efficiency and insulation. EIFS systems cost about $7 per square foot and between $8 and $14 per square foot all-in. 

Stucco Finish

While most options stay within the same average cost range, stucco finishes can have significant price differences, largely due to complexity and materials. For example, smooth, sand, or sponge finishes usually represent the lower end of the cost range. More intricate or textured finishes equate to greater labor and specialization, translating to increased costs—these styles may include California lace, Spanish, and similarly textured finishes.

Other Stucco Cost Factors

Other variables may affect stucco residing costs, such as permits, inspections, and labor.

Labor

Hiring a stucco contractor for installation costs $2.50 per square foot or between $1 and $3 per square foot. Stucco installation requires specialized expertise, particularly for synthetic and smooth stucco projects that require precision. Other complexity or accessibility challenges may also result in higher labor expenses—for example, a multi-story home may require a larger installation team, scaffolding, and overall time.

Permits and Inspections

Permits usually include inspection costs. Most homeowners pay between $100 and $500 for a stucco building permit, but these costs depend on location, home size, and total stucco area. This step is important since stucco is prone to water damage without proper flashing and weatherproofing, which can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage. A stucco inspector performs a visual inspection and, if needed, moisture probes and thermal imaging inspections.

Wall Condition

While the wall’s condition isn’t usually a factor in new construction homes, poor wall conditions under existing siding may increase costs. Damage or deterioration requires extra labor and materials to repair before installing new stucco. 

Stucco Cost by Type 

Types of stucco installations and the type of finish can have significant effects on the cost of the project.

Cement

Ranging from $7 to $9 per square foot, cement stucco is made with traditional lime, sand, and water elements, with Portland concrete adding durability against harsh weather. It’s applied in multiple layers and creates a classic and rustic look.

Acrylic

Acrylic stucco costs between $7 and $12 per square foot. This material is a synthetic alternative made from acrylic resins and sand aggregates, and it’s generally reserved as a finish coat over a traditional cement base. With its ability to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, acrylic is referred to as flexible stucco and is resistant to cracking. Acrylic stucco is available in numerous colors and delivers a smoother finish than traditional materials. 

Synthetic 

Averaging between $12 and $15 per square foot, synthetic stucco is part of EIFS stucco systems. Made with about six layers, including an insulating layer and an acrylic finish coat, synthetic stucco creates a barrier to prevent water from entering the siding.

Lime

Lime stucco costs $6 to $9 per square foot. Made from lime putty, sand, and water, lime stucco has been used for centuries prior to formulas with Portland cement. While less common in modern buildings, it’s sometimes used for restoring historical buildings or for eco-friendly or traditional structures. Higher costs for lime stucco generally reflect specialized or intensive labor as well as limited material availability.

Colored

Colored stucco is an add-on to regular stucco materials and costs, costing approximately $1.50 to $8 per square foot. By directly adding pigments to the stucco mix, the resulting color is more durable and lasting than painting over stucco. 

Cost by Stucco Project Type

Re-stuccoing a house costs between $9,195 and $12,295. Hiring a contractor for these jobs adds costs for removal and installation tasks, such as:

• Sandblasting costs: $940

• Power washing costs: $300

Cost to Replace Stucco

Replacing stucco costs $4.50 per square foot of finished exterior wall area. Most homeowners spend between $3 and $9 per square foot, depending on the condition of the old stucco and the replacement type. If your stucco has extensive superficial damage but still retains its structural integrity, you can resurface it for $4 to $5 per square foot.

Cost to Stucco Over Brick 

Installing stucco over brick costs $7 per square foot or $5 to $9 per square foot. Applying stucco over brick and masonry can give your home extra curb appeal.

Cost to Stucco Over Wood

Installing stucco over wood substrates, or wood framing, costs $8.50 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $5 and $12 per square foot. 

Cost to Replace Siding with Stucco

Replacing existing siding with stucco costs between $5 and $12 per square foot. Replacing siding with stucco is especially popular in homes with Mediterranean, Southwestern, Spanish, and similar architectural styles.

Does Stucco Siding Increase Home Value?

Installing stucco siding averages a 70% return on investment. Professionally installed stucco in good condition can boost your home’s value, both directly and otherwise. Stucco provides an upscale and timeless look, and it can last for 50 years or more with proper installation and care. It also offers enhanced insulation, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and weather resistance. Altogether, stucco is regarded as a higher-end material and may appeal to buyers who are willing to invest in a premium aesthetic.

Stucco Repair vs. Replacement

Regular maintenance and repair for minor cracks help prolong stucco lifespan. If it's in good condition, stucco repairs, averaging $8 to $20 per square foot, are a cost-effective option.

In case of extensive damage, replacing stucco costs more upfront but helps prevent ongoing repair costs and further damage to your home’s structural integrity. Opt for replacement if you notice water damage, mold, pest problems, or significant cracks.

Budgeting for Stucco Siding

Stucco is a relatively big investment, but these budgeting tips can help streamline and manage costs:

• Opt for materials that provide a balance of affordability, durability, and visual appeal.

• Get estimates from multiple contractors to find the best value for your investment.

• Avoid complex designs, such as intricate architectural details and labor-intensive finishes.

• Inquire about special discounts, promotions, or off-season rates.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.