Do you love the look and durability of stucco but already have a wood exterior? You’re not alone. Plenty of property owners find themselves asking, “Can you stucco over wood?”
Our experts at Engel Coatings Inc. are here to provide the answer. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the benefits of stucco siding, how to install it over a wood exterior, and more. If you’re ready to transform your curb appeal, don’t hesitate to contact our Las Cruces-based team.
There’s a reason why stucco is one of the most popular siding materials in the U.S. Made from a mixture of sand, lime, Portland cement, and water, this finish offers several impressive benefits, including:
There’s no denying that this exterior wall finish is worthwhile. But can you stucco over wood or other existing materials?
It’s possible to give your home’s exterior a fresh look by applying stucco over the existing wood siding. Are you interested in tackling this project? Before you can enjoy the final results, there are a few things you should know.
Check out some key factors that experts urge you to consider before moving forward.
If you’re thinking about adding this weather-resistant barrier to your home without professional help, think again. Stucco installation is a complex project that even the handiest of homeowners aren’t able to pull off on their own. It’s a multi-step process with plenty of room for error if you don’t have the proper training or experience.
Leave this home improvement effort to the experts. Licensed contractors understand the correct way to prepare the surface, create the mixture, and apply it smoothly. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration when you let professionals handle stucco installation.
Can you stucco over wood in one day? Not quite. This project includes several steps, and by the end, your property will have multiple layers of the mixture on the exterior.
The wood surface preparation can take some time to complete, depending on the size of your house or building. From there, experts can then apply several coats, with ample drying time in between. The installation itself takes several days, while it could take up to 90 days for the surface to cure completely.
Once you understand the time requirements, you can begin this project with realistic expectations.
Installing stucco on your property’s exterior is no small investment. The total cost depends on the property’s square footage and the contractor you hire. Changing the exterior of a 5,000-square-foot home may cost between $15K and $30K, while the owner of a 2,000-square-foot house could incur costs less than $10K.
Remember that with proper maintenance, a stucco exterior can last 50 years or more. Your initial investment may seem like a lot upfront, but you’ll actually save long-term, thanks to the material’s lasting durability. Research the cost of other siding materials and their average lifespan to help you make an informed decision.
Request quotes from several contractors before you select one. You can compare labor costs to find a contractor who offers the best deal. Don’t forget to ask for references and view a contractor’s portfolio to ensure that they deliver quality results.
So, how can you stucco over wood? Contractors like Engel Coatings Inc. follow a specific set of steps when upgrading exterior materials. Failing to complete any of these steps can make the surface more prone to damage and affect its durability.
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from the process. Before hiring a contractor for this project, make sure they’re familiar with these steps and follow them accordingly.
One of the many reasons why it’s smart to hire a professional is that experts have all of the required tools and equipment. If you take on a DIY project, you’ll likely need to set aside time and money to purchase the following:
Experts come with all of these items and more. Once a crew has these materials ready, they can officially begin the project.
Your home or business may look different with a stucco exterior, but the bones of the property remain. To prevent the wood from rotting beneath the stucco, contractors apply a moisture membrane. They then cover the surface with roofing felt so the stucco can adhere to something other than the wood.
Experts recommend either a plastic or metal lath installation after affixing the felt to the exterior. This offers more stability before the first layer of stucco touches the exterior.
It’s now time to prepare the mixture and begin adding it to the outside of your home or commercial building. This first coat is known as the scratch coat, and it provides a stable base for the other layers. It’s normal for the material to stick out from the lath after applying it.
Contractors spread the mixture throughout one wall at a time. It should be no more than half an inch thick at first. They then take a rake to score the stucco so it’s around an eighth of an inch thick.
Proper curing time is necessary if you want your exterior to look great and remain durable. The scratch coat needs about 48 hours to cure, but it shouldn’t lose all of its moisture. Spraying it with a mist can help the material last longer.
The local climate plays a big role in how often your base coat needs dampening. If crews are installing stucco during the dog days of summer, the intense heat can dry the mixture more quickly. They may have to mist the surface every few hours to prevent any damage.
A second layer, known as the brown coat, makes stucco surfaces stronger. It can be slightly thicker than the base and also needs time to cure after application.
Can you stucco over wood without this coat? Some contractors only apply a base and final coat when putting stucco over wood siding. While a brown coat isn’t necessary, adding one can make your exterior more stable.
Contractors protect your property from the elements with a final layer of this weather-resistant barrier. To save yourself the hassle of painting the exterior, installation crews can add a pigment of your choice directly into the mixture. They’ll thoroughly combine the ingredients before adding a layer with a flat trowel.
This final coat can either have a smooth or textured finish, depending on your preferences. To add texture, crews take a plasterer’s rake to form indents and patterns.
The final layer needs several days to cure, so avoid touching the surface during this time. Like the scratch coat before it, this layer also requires periodic misting as it cures. With the majority of the project complete, you can revel in the transformation and start to enjoy the many benefits of stucco siding.
Perhaps you had a pigment added to the final layer, but don’t love the result. You don’t have to stick with this color long-term. Painting over your new stucco is possible, but it’s wise to wait.
Specialists recommend letting the surface cure for at least six weeks before making any adjustments. After this waiting period, you’re free to paint it whichever color you’d like. Consider hiring professional exterior painters to minimize the labor and ensure impressive results.
The final step in the process is one that no property owner should ignore. Maintaining your new siding is vital for its appearance and longevity. Inspect the surface for damage and reach out to a trustworthy contractor who can perform repairs.
Extreme temperature fluctuations could cause the barrier to crack, increasing the risk of moisture damage inside tiny crevices. Address these issues as soon as possible to protect your investment.
Power washing the siding can do more harm than good, as highly pressurized water could crack the surface. To keep it clean, use a gentle detergent and brush, then rinse with low-pressure water.
Installing a new siding material on your home or business requires care and precision. If you make this a DIY project or hire an unsuitable contractor, there’s a chance of missing some important steps. You must be meticulous when it comes to the installation process to avoid the following consequences:
You no longer have to wonder, “Can you stucco over wood?” However, you might be questioning whether it’s possible to remove a stucco surface. There are two common methods for chipping away at the stucco.
You could spray hot water over the exterior so it soaks into the stucco. This can soften the surface to the point that you can begin cutting into layers with a knife. Bear in mind that there’s a risk of the water damaging the wood beneath the stucco, so you may need to repair your siding.
Another option is to scrape away the siding with sandpaper. This process can take much longer than the alternative, and there is also a risk of damaging the wood if you’re not careful when sanding it down.
Removing stucco is a time-consuming process and usually leaves you at square one. If there’s a chance you want to return to a wood exterior, installing a new material over it may not be in your best interest. Think long and hard about the type of siding you want for years to come.
Not only can you stucco over wood, but the new siding can protect and enhance your property for decades to come. This project will only be successful if you have the right team on your side, so choosing a stucco contractor with the proper training and qualifications is crucial.
At Engel Coatings Inc., we have over 25 years of industry experience and use only the highest quality materials. Our specialists undergo extensive training, and we’re a fully licensed and insured business. Reach out to us today to see why we’re the best contractor for the job.
Call (575) 642-5481 to request a free quote.
