What is Stucco?

Definition of Stucco

Stucco or render is a material made of an aggregate, a binder, and water. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as a coating for walls and ceilings and for decoration. Stucco may be used to cover less visually appealing construction materials such asconcrete, cinder block, or clay   brick and adobe.

As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant wall covering. It was traditionally used as both an interior and exterior finish applied in one or two thin layers directly over a solid   masonry,   brick   or stone surface. The finish coat usually contained an integral color and was typically textured for appearance.

From ancient origins to today’s modern construction, stucco is one of the most versatile and widely used cladding in history. In use for over 9000 years stucco has kept with the times reflecting changes in material technology and applications methods while maintaining a timeless beauty and lasting appeal. 

Stucco Today  

Today stucco’s popularity continues it’s steady rise. 

Stucco is a defining look in many parts of the country like California, Southwest and Florida. 

Many architectural styles are heavily dependent on stucco. The look of Mediterranean, old mission, spanish, colonial styles are all traditionally stucco. 

Framing & Substrates  

Stucco must be installed over substrate of some sort.  

In the United States, most stucco is applied over one of two types of substrate: Framed walls with sheathing or concrete walls. 

Related Wall Components  

Weather barriers, lath and accessories are used in most stucco applications in the U.S. Understanding their purpose is a vital part of ensuring a quality stucco application. 

Stucco Bases

Stucco bases vary according to differences in composition as well as in the way in which they are installed. We will examine the two most common types of traditional stucco:  

Three Coat Stucco:  Can be produces in two ways, field mixes (job site mixes) are a combination of bulk Portland cement, sand, lime and water. 

The stucco base I self is applied in two coats and these are followed by a third finish coat. 

One Coat Stucco: in recent years one coat stucco has become increasingly popular, as the name implies, one-coat stucco bases are applied as a single coat, rather than as two coats. A finish is then applied over the stucco bases. One coat stucco, like three coat stucco, can be mixed on a job site, but this is less common in practice than it is with three-coat mixes.