It is better to learn about all the things as a buyer of the house. With the help of knowledge, you will have better chances to get everything you want when you are buying a house. Constructing a stucco house or any other house is one of the largest and important investments that you will make in your whole life. Therefore, you need to be careful and thoughtful during the whole process.
When you are planning to buy or construct a new house, you already have a few plans. Most of you have exciting plans for your kitchen, rooms, and yards but do you have any thoughts about using stucco. You get large options of stucco house ideas. So, do you want a stucco house, and does it affect the aesthetics, longevity, and value of the home? You can’t answer this question until you have full knowledge about stucco house designs. If you want to know all about stucco homes and stucco house exterior, this article will help you.
What Do You Mean By A Stucco House?
Stucco is a cement plaster that covers the exterior walls of your home. You will see that it is one of the oldest types of siding material present around the globe. Moreover, in ancient Greece, stucco was used over 1,000 years ago to create relief designs. These designs are usually seen in Greek architecture and designers also use them today in construction.
The cement plaster material is generally made of a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water. Labors spread this mixture over the exterior of a house while it is still wet. With the help of a wire framework, stucco is applied to the walls, to help them adhere more easily. Furthermore, you need to apply it in several layers. While it is mostly seen on the exterior wall of a building, you can also use it on the interior walls. The stucco includes 4 layers and that are dash coat, scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. Each stucco coat uses the same substances which are as below:
- Hydrated lime
- Fine builder’s sand
- Water
- Polymers, in some cases where you need an increase in flexibility
- Fiber, if you want greater strength
- Portland cement
However, the amount of ingredients differs, and the quantity depends on the type of coat you are applying on the wall. There are some cases in which you need to use mineral oxide pigment to finish the coat for homes that have stucco in some color. There is also a synthetic stucco available in the market.
Stucco Application Process
You get stucco home by installing stucco in layers. The installation of stucco is not a job for even the most ambitious DIYer. You must create a stucco home exterior by a professional and that is why the cost to stucco a house stucco house siding can be heavy on the pocket for a few people.
The cost of a stucco house depends on the type and design of the stucco house exterior. Generally, the cost to stucco a house varies approximately from $4 to $10 per square foot. The application process of stucco varies for different house structures. For example, a wood-framed wall will require more coats of traditional stucco in comparison to block or concrete. Here are some processes of the application of stucco:
Traditional Stucco:
Source: best-stucco.com
It is a three-coat process that you apply on the wood-frame exterior walls. The process starts with a “scratch coat” and creates a rough surface. The rough surface makes it possible for the next layer, that is the brown coat, to adhere. The brown coat increases strength and plays a role as a base for the finish coat. The last coat can be hand-troweled for you if you want to create any surface texture.
Two-Coat Stucco:
Source: vertexeng.com
This is a process that you can use on concrete, brick, and block walls. In this process, a scratch coat is unnecessary because of the existing masonry. In two-coat stucco, laborers apply a bonding adhesive to the masonry wall instead of a metal lath.
One-Coat Stucco:
Source: pinimg.com
It is a relatively new process in which builders use stucco that has fiberglass in the mixture. But currently, it is not the most common process among all stucco contractors. Therefore, if you want to use this process for your exterior, you need to find someone who can do it properly.
Stucco House Ideas
A decorative stucco home is a versatile solution that will help you to individualize the appearance of your house. You can be straightforward and austere, or patterned and delicate with your stucco house siding. It will give your building charm and sophistication. Here are some fanciful stucco house color ideas you:
Attractive White Stucco House
Source: homestratosphere.com
Source: pinimg.com
You can have some simple and delicate white stucco lines on your house. It will transform your ordinary house into a classic estate. Just choose all openings and frames present on the structures and apply a stucco design. Keep the frames and surrounding black or grey to get a better look. It will be a classic and simple white stucco house. For large and dimensional houses, massive and swirling decor with pronounced floristry will be perfect. If you want a black stucco house instead of a white one, use black stucco instead of white stucco. Both a white and black house give the classic look.
Simple Yet Beautiful Grey Stucco House
Source: pinimg.com
Source: dwell.com
If you don’t want pretentious patterns and massive decor on your house, this modern grey stucco house idea is for you. Use a simple, laconic pattern and light, unobtrusive stucco lines. Remember to have expressive stucco cornice under the roof and between floors. It will also look classic, stylish, fashionable, and sophisticated.
Minimalist Blue Stucco House
Source: cloudfront.net
Source: durlock.com
It is another one of the easiest but most effective stucco house designs for you if you want to add individuality to your house. You can emphasize the superior taste of the owner. All you need to do is to make simple stucco structures on doors and windows. But remember it shouldn’t be massive and shouldn’t have many patterns.
For a classic blue stucco house, you can use blue stucco around the doors and windows. But remember to keep the rest of your house in simple colors like white or off-white. With this idea, you can also get a stylish green stucco house. All you have to do is to replace the blue stucco with the green stucco and voila your work is done.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Stucco Homes
Advantages
Sustainability: The ingredients for the stucco mixture are easily available from local, sustainable sources.
Durability: One of the biggest advantages of Stucco homes is that it is durable. A stucco home siding is resistant to fire, rot, mold, impact, and termite infestation. Moreover, the last layer on stucco homes can last up to 100 years. However, the durability also depends on local climate conditions and maintenance.
Color Retention: If you like to paint your house, stucco homes are the best option for you. stucco contains durable pigments that reduce the need to repaint your stucco home color at regular intervals. Therefore, when you are painting a house, it is only a one-time investment.
Sound Resistance: Stucco walls absorb noise that comes from outside the house.
Texture: You get great stucco finishes and you can apply it according to your choice of texture. Moreover, it will give your stucco home an extraordinary, seamless look.
Disadvantages
Labor Cost: Since the application of stucco is labor-intensive and you need professionals to do it, labor cost is high. Therefore, the labor cost of installing stucco finishes is higher than any other method of siding.
Inflexibility: Stucco lacks flexibility. It cracks in the areas where the soil shifts. However, you can use a polymer to fix this issue.
High Maintenance: If you want to keep your stucco in good condition, your stucco walls will need a certain amount of maintenance. Though it is not a difficult job, it is something that you can’t avoid in any situation. The maintenance process of stucco homes includes the below steps:
- Have stucco inspection frequently
- Fill all kinds of holes and cracks as soon as you see them
- For cleaning the exterior, you can use a garden hose. Moreover, you should try to avoid pressure washing and strong spray. Too much pressure can damage the surface of your walls.
A Quick Comparison Between the Pros and Cons of Stucco House Siding
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| You get Sustainability | The labor cost to stucco a house is high |
| It is durable | It is difficult to maintain |
| You get color Retention | It is inflexible |
| Siding is sound resistant | – |
| It adds texture | – |
Source: peckdrywallandpainting.com
Source: jhmrad.com
Source: homestratosphere.com
Source: homestratosphere.com
Conclusion
The cost to stucco a house may trouble you a little bit but the look of a stucco house siding is worth every penny. Also, you know painting these type of houses is very easy, build a modern stucco house and highlight it with any color you want. Stucco homes have many benefits, and you will love your modern stucco house for sure.
I hope you like this blog and keep coming to Homedesignnow for more interesting tips and ideas on home improvement and decoration.