The 6 Most Popular Types of Stucco Finishes
- Smooth Stucco Texture
- Sanded Stucco Texture
- Sprayed Cement Stucco
- Spanish Lace Stucco
- Tex Coating Stucco
- Synthetic Sprayed Stucco
In each category, workmanship quality varies significantly, impacting appearance and the ease of patching. As another contractor wisely puts it, “High-quality original stucco work is easily patchable and paintable, while poor workmanship causes lasting headaches.”
- Smooth stucco texture is favored for its elegant appearance.
Pros: Highly regarded for its elegance.
Cons: Often results in wavy walls with visible framing and Styrofoam. Cracks are challenging to repair and remain highly noticeable. Horizontal or vertical cracks indicate underlying movement, leading to recurring issues.
2. Sanded stucco texture offers elegance and a soft ambiance to homes.
Pros: Elegant appearance, adds a soft touch to the home.
Cons: Difficult to patch if air voids or sharp textures occur. More forgiving than smooth stucco, but still challenging to repair without leaving scars or spots. Texture helps hide imperfections, but repairs can still be noticeable due to the texture’s short height. Inexperienced repairs often result in unsightly caulk lines known as “scars.”
3. Sprayed cement stucco, resembling mini volcanoes, is often used for quick application and to camouflage defects in concrete blocks.
Pros: Fast application. Blends new and old construction seamlessly.
Cons: Sharp texture with varying height and density. Difficult to match texture for repairs due to changing densities. Prone to air bubbles and cracking. Matching the texture requires precise control of variables. Typically found in older homes.
4. Spanish lace stucco stands out for its crack resistance and ability to conceal defects, making it a popular choice for new construction.
Pros: Minimal cracking compared to other types. Excellent for hiding imperfections. Often stronger than other textures. Popular for new builds. The added depth of the texture likely contributes to its strength. Cracks are less noticeable in Spanish lace than in sanded stucco.
Cons: Not considered as elegant as sanded or smooth textures.
5. Tex coating stucco, a fast-application option, can be sprayed over wood and pipes.
Advantages: Quick application. Suitable for spraying over wood and pipes.
Disadvantages: Not widely used in the past two decades. Prone to flaking off in large chunks. New patches may eventually detach as the underlying material wasn’t originally intended for stucco application.
6. Synthetic sprayed stucco offers quick application and attractive appearance.
Advantages: Fast application, newer method.
Disadvantages: Some may have noticeable air bubbles up close. Patching may require multiple paint coats.