From wallpaper and plaster to paint and paneling, there are several options to consider when choosing how to finish your walls. While paint and wallpaper are the most common, textured wall finishes like knock-down, plaster, and microcement are on the rise. One such finish, stucco, has as much rich history as it does design appeal. Whether used on your ceiling, your walls, or both, stucco is a textured finish that adds a historic and cozy feel to any room. But what is stucco? The wall finish is commonly confused with plaster or popcorn ceilings, but we're here to set the record straight.
Read on to learn more about the wall and ceiling finish stucco including its historical origins, how it's installed, and how to properly maintain it once you have it.
What Is Stucco?
Similar to plaster or limewash, but made from cement, stucco is a liquid wall finish that is applied wet, and then allowed to dry and set. According to the Portland Cement Association, stucco is made from a combination of cement, water, and color pigment that is applied in layers to build up the texture. This material is quite durable and can be used on both the exterior and interior of the home.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, "stuccowork, in architecture, fine exterior or interior plasterwork, is used as three-dimensional ornamentation, as a smooth paintable surface, or as a wet ground for fresco painting." Stucco even dates back to the Aztec culture in ancient South America. The stucco texture we think of today is that of Ancient Roman ruins and traditional Spanish-style architecture, but in America, the material truly became prominent in 1920s home exteriors in the Southwest and West Coast regions.
The Pros of Stucco
Adds Character
A beautiful way to add character and architectural interest, stucco is great for Spanish-style and traditional plaster home exteriors. The look is quite chic if you prefer a solid color and subtle texturing as opposed to wallpaper or wood paneling. Stucco is also a great option to breathe life back into a historic home or add an old-world feel to a new-build.
Weather and Wind Resistant
Because concrete is the primary material, stucco is incredibly durable. It withstands inclement weather and heavy winds with ease (as long as it's not submerged in water, more on that below). Stucco wears quite well, and while color may fade, just as with any exterior finish, stucco repairs are relatively simple.
Relatively Cost-Effective
According to Angi, the cost to stucco your entire home's exterior averages out around $5,585, but can range between $2,195 to $9,059 depending on the size of your home and the amount of labor your project requires. For a single room, however, stucco costs between $7 and $9 per square foot. This is quite mid-range for exterior finishes, so stucco can be a cost-friendly finish for those looking at the middle-of-the-road pricing.
The Cons of Stucco
Difficult to Clean
Exterior stucco can easily be cleaned with a pressure washer or garden hose, but interior stucco is a bit trickier. Because of the texture, dusters, microfiber cloths, and paper towels are prone to snagging and tearing on the texture. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush, similar to a scrubber you would use on tile grout or pots and pans, for larger cleaning jobs. The bristles will navigate the grooves and texture more easily. To spot clean, a magic eraser for scuffs or marker marks works just as well.
Tedious to Remove
Unlike limewash which fades over a long period, stucco is a relatively permanent fixture. It's very time-consuming to remove, so it's important to be sure before installing. Removing it involves sanding and scraping at the surface to smooth it out and remove the previously applied texture.
Rust and Rot
Stucco has the potential to rust or rot if exposed to too much moisture. Water-damaged stucco can appear as a dark stain, cracking, or crumbling, and should be repaired by removing the affected area and repatching it with additional material. Stucco should not be used in areas prone to flooding, standing water, or prolonged submerging in water.
How Stucco Is Applied
Stucco is traditionally applied using a trowel to swipe the material across the surface in short, angled strokes. Layers are applied thinly to build up the texture, and sometimes sand or smaller pebbles are used to increase the texture size and grain. Lowes' experts recommend each layer be anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick and applied firmly at a 45-degree angle.
Once the layers are complete, the stucco needs at least 36 hours to dry. However, you don't want the material to dry out too quickly because that can cause cracking, so it's important to mist it lightly every few hours while it dries. Once it's dry, allow it to cure for a few weeks (look at your specific stucco's instructions) before painting.
Can You DIY Stucco?
Yes, you can DIY stucco. It's more common to DIY stucco in interior settings. For safety, we always recommend hiring professionals for the exterior of your home, particularly if you have detailed architecture or multiple stories. You can mix stucco yourself, similar to mixing cement but with a different ratio of mix to water.
Stucco Repairs and Maintenance
Stucco is relatively easy to repair. Minor cracks and dry spots can be repaired with an additional coat of stucco or an exterior-use caulk. For any cracks running into your home's foundation, or any excessive water damage, consult a professional before trying to fix the damage yourself.
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Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's Digital Editor, writing in-depth , design inspiration stories, and . With over five years of experience writing commerce and search-optimized content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor where she identified top products and brands in the industry and interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest . Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
