How to Stucco a House: Everything You Need to Know

A stucco exterior offers durability, longevity, and beauty to your home. Learning how to Click stucco a house is a huge undertaking and requires special tools and techniques. But if you have the specialized skills and time, you can apply this house siding option yourself using our step-by-step guide

Prepping to Stucco Your Home
Proper preparation is essential for a high-quality stucco finish with long-lasting results. Carefully plan out the project based on weather and your schedule.

Look at the Weather Forecast
The ideal weather for applying stucco is when the temperature falls between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal wind. Mild weather and cooler temperatures ensure the stucco cures well.

If the weather forecast predicts the temperature could drop below 40 degrees or rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the next week, delay the project. If your stucco mix feels warm to the touch after mixing it, it’s too hot to apply. You can store mixed stucco under a tarp to preserve it until the weather cooperates with your project.

Map Out Your Timeline
You’ll need a span of at least one to two weeks for your stucco installation, depending on the type of framing and how many coats of stucco you apply.

For wood-framed and concrete board walls, you need three coats of stucco after you prep the surface. The project usually takes two weeks or more to allow for cure time between coats. For masonry walls and poured concrete, you only need two coats, which you can finish in about one week.

Check Local Building Codes
Before starting your project, remember to review your local building codes to ensure you meet the wall assembly and moisture barrier requirements in your area. Guidelines vary based on your climate and type of weather your region experiences.

Preparing the Substrate: Wood-Framed and Concrete Board Walls
Metal lath for stucco installed around the house
Photo: 1jaimages / Adobe Stock
Preparing the substrate is an essential, multi-step process if you have standard wood-framed walls, including plywood, gypsum board, OSB, or concrete board. Follow these steps for best results.

Attach a Water-Resistive Barrier
Hang at least two layers of grade D waterproof paper or a drainage house wrap over the entire exterior, keeping in line with your local building codes. Attach the paper with galvanized nails or staples starting at the bottom. Overlap the vertical seams by 6 to 12 inches and the horizontal seams by 4 to 6 inches. Wrap the corners so there’s an overlap of 16 inches on both sides. Seal the seams with the tape provided by the paper manufacturer.