Stucco Cost Per Square Foot Calculator
Stucco costs about $8–$15 per square foot installed in 2026 — roughly $12,000–$22,500 for 1,500 sq ft of wall. Enter your wall area, job type, or coat system below for a low-to-high installed estimate.
New $8–$15/sq ft · re-stucco $6–$10/sq ft · repair $12–$20/sq ft
3-coat $9–$15/sq ft · 1-coat $7–$11/sq ft · EIFS $8–$14/sq ft
Estimates only — not contractor quotes. Stucco costs vary by region, wall condition, and access. Get 2–3 local quotes before committing.
How the stucco cost per square foot calculator works
Stucco is priced per square foot of wall area installed, and the coat system is the biggest lever on that rate: traditional 3-coat stucco over metal lath runs $9–$15 per square foot, 1-coat systems run $7–$11, and synthetic EIFS runs $8–$14. Materials are only $3–$5/sq ft — the rest is skilled multi-day labor.
What moves your number: wall area, new install vs re-stucco vs repair (repairs cost more per foot because of color and texture blending), finish texture (smooth Santa Barbara finishes add $1–$2/sq ft), old siding removal ($2–$4/sq ft), and access — second-story walls need scaffolding.
total = wall × $/sq ft + finish + removal · 1,500 sq ft × $8–$15 = $12,000–$22,500
Keep exploring
Weighing stucco against siding? Compare with the Vinyl Siding Cost Calculator, or price a fresh coat instead with the Exterior House Painting Cost Calculator.
Stucco cost per square foot calculator FAQ
How much does stucco cost per square foot?
About $8–$15 per square foot installed in 2026 for traditional 3-coat stucco. Materials run roughly $3–$5/sq ft; labor is the rest, since proper lath, scratch, brown, and finish coats are skilled multi-day work.
How much does it cost to stucco a 1,500 sq ft house?
Roughly $9,600–$22,500. A 1,500 sq ft home typically has 1,200–1,500 sq ft of wall area; re-stucco over sound existing stucco costs less ($6–$10/sq ft) than new application.
Is stucco cheaper than siding?
No — stucco at $8–$15/sq ft costs roughly twice vinyl siding ($4–$9/sq ft installed). Stucco earns it back in lifespan: 50–80 years vs 20–40 for vinyl, with better fire resistance.
How long does stucco last?
50–80 years with basic care: keep caulk fresh around windows and doors, fix hairline cracks from settling promptly, and recoat painted stucco every 10–15 years.
What is the difference between 1-coat and 3-coat stucco?
3-coat (scratch, brown, finish over metal lath) is the traditional 7/8-inch system — most durable and most expensive. 1-coat is a thinner single base plus finish: faster and cheaper ($7–$11/sq ft) but less impact-resistant.
Can you put stucco over existing siding?
Yes, over wood or brick with proper metal lath and a moisture barrier — but budget $2–$4/sq ft extra for prep and furring. Rotted siding underneath must be replaced first, not covered.
Does stucco need to be painted?
Not if it is integrally colored — the pigment runs through the finish coat and never peels. Painted stucco needs recoating every 10–15 years; use breathable masonry paint so trapped moisture can escape.