Types of Stucco Finishes Explained

Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes, known for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. It’s especially favored in New Jersey, where its resistance to various weather conditions makes it a practical choice. Choosing the right stucco finish can significantly impact the look and longevity of your home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what stucco is, the different types of stucco finishes, and how to select the best one for your home.

dark blue stucco house facade, close up Img

Exterior Solutions has extensive experience installing the most common types of exterior stucco and other less popular types in homes and businesses. We have used textures like ultrafine, heavy, and other non-traditional and traditional stucco finishes for home exteriors. Read ahead to learn more about our finishes.

What is Stucco?

Stucco is a cement-based plaster applied over walls and surfaces to create a durable, weather-resistant finish. Traditionally composed of sand, lime, and water, modern stucco incorporates Portland cement, which enhances its strength and durability. Stucco can be applied to various surfaces, including concrete, brick, and wood. It is renowned for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for homes in New Jersey.

Stucco has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for both decorative and practical purposes. Its enduring popularity is due to its adaptability, as it can be customized with various textures and finishes to suit different architectural styles and personal preferences.

Types of Stucco Textures and Finishes

The finish of stucco refers to its final texture and appearance. Numerous stucco finishes exist, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits. Here, we will delve into the most popular types of custom finishes, explaining their characteristics, application processes, and best uses.

Smooth Stucco Finish

The smooth stucco finish is sleek and elegant, providing a clean and polished look. This finish is achieved by applying a final coat of stucco and then smoothing it out with a trowel or float. The result is a flawless surface with a subtle, understated charm. The smooth finish requires meticulous application to ensure an even surface. After the stucco base coat is applied and cured, a finishing coat is added and carefully smoothed using a trowel. The key to a perfect smooth finish lies in the skill of the applicator and the quality of the materials used.

Pros: Modern and sophisticated appearance, easy to clean, versatile for various architectural styles.
Cons: Requires skilled labor for application, can highlight imperfections if not done correctly, may show cracks over time. Best Suited For: Modern and contemporary homes with a clean, minimalist look.

Float or Sand Finish

The float or sand stucco finish is one of the most common stucco textures. It has a grainy, sand-like appearance achieved using a special float tool during application. Depending on the size of the sand particles, the texture type can range from fine to coarse.

A base coat of stucco is applied, followed by a finish coat. The finish coat is then worked with a floating tool to create the desired texture. The sand particles in the mix give the finish its characteristic roughness.

Pros: Durable, hides imperfections well, and has a customizable texture.
Cons: Rough texture can be difficult to clean and may not suit all architectural styles.
Best Suited For: Traditional and Southwestern homes and buildings with a rustic or earthy aesthetic.

Fine Dash Finish

The fine dash stucco finish is known for its pebble-like texture, created by dashing stucco onto the surface. This finish can vary in roughness from fine to coarse, depending on the size of the pebbles or aggregates used. After applying the base coat, the finishing coat is thrown or “dashed” onto the wall using a special brush or hopper gun. The random nature of the application creates a unique, stippled effect.



Pros
Unique texture, hides surface imperfections, and is durable.



Cons
Rough texture can be difficult to clean and requires skilled application.



Best Suited For
Mediterranean and eclectic styles and homes.

Lace Finish

The lace stucco finish is highly decorative, featuring a textured pattern that resembles lace. This finish adds depth and character to a building, making it a popular choice for decorative exteriors. The base coat is applied and allowed to cure. The finish coat is added, and a trowel or sponge creates the lace-like patterns. The application technique can vary, resulting in different lace textures.



Pros Decorative and visually appealing, hides imperfections well, and is durable.



Cons
Requires skilled application, is more time-consuming, and can be challenging to repair.



Best Suited For
Spanish and mission-style homes and buildings.

Trowel Finish

The trowel finish is versatile and can be customized with various patterns and textures. It is created by manipulating the stucco surface with a trowel, resulting in unique and personalized designs. The finish coat is added after the base coat is applied and cured. The trowel is then used to create the desired patterns, such as swirls, waves, or other artistic designs.



Pros
Highly customizable, artistic, and unique appearance; hides imperfections well.



Cons
Requires skilled application, is more time-consuming to apply, and can be challenging to repair.



Best Suited For
Homes with artistic and personalized touches.

Santa Barbara Stucco Finish

The Santa Barbara finish is a smooth, semi-polished texture that exudes elegance and sophistication. It is often tinted with natural earth tones, giving it a warm and inviting appearance. It works well with traditional stucco. The base coat is applied and cured, followed by a finish coat. The surface is then polished with a trowel to achieve a smooth, semi-polished finish. The finish is often tinted with pigments to create natural earth tones.



Pros
Elegant and sophisticated appearance, smooth texture, customizable with pigments.



Cons
Requires skilled application, can show imperfections if not done correctly, may require more maintenance.



Best Suited For
High-end homes and buildings.

English Stucco Finish

The English stucco finish features a rough, textured surface with an old-world charm. It is reminiscent of traditional English cottages and adds character to any building. The base coat is applied and cured, followed by a finish coat. The finish is then roughened using a brush or other tool to create the characteristic textured appearance. It can be traditional or synthetic stucco.



Pros
Unique and charming appearance, hides imperfections well, and is durable.



Cons
Rough texture can be difficult to clean and requires skilled application.



Best Suited For
Traditional and historic homes.

Knockdown Finish

The knockdown dash finish features a textured surface with a subtle, knocked-down appearance. It adds depth and interest to a building without being overly ornate. After the base coat is applied and cured, the finish coat is added and then knocked down using a trowel or other tool.



Pros Subtle and interesting texture, hides imperfections well, durable.



Cons Requires skilled application, is more time-consuming, and can be challenging to repair.



Best Suited For
Homes that focus on subtle texture and interest and buildings that benefit from a unique appearance.

How to Choose the Right Stucco Finish for Your Home

Choosing the right stucco finish for your home involves considering several factors, including architectural style, personal preference, climate, and maintenance requirements. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision to make your unique exterior pop:

Consider the architectural style of your home. Smooth finishes work well with modern and contemporary styles, while textured finishes like lace or knockdown are better suited for traditional or rustic homes.

New Jersey’s climate can impact the durability of different stucco finishes. Consider finishes resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, such as sand or float finishes.

Think about the look you want to achieve. Do you prefer a smooth, polished appearance or a textured, rustic look? Your personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right finish.

Some finishes require more maintenance than others. Smooth finishes are easier to clean but can show imperfections, while textured finishes hide imperfections but may be harder to clean.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stucco finish for your home involves balancing aesthetic preferences with practical considerations. Each stucco type offers its unique look and benefits, from the sleek modern appeal of smooth finishes to the textured richness of dash and lace finishes. Understanding the characteristics, application processes, and suitability of each finish is crucial in ensuring your home looks beautiful and stands strong against New Jersey’s diverse climate.

If you want to apply a new stucco finish to your home, call Exterior Solutions! We offer stucco services in Jersey City, Newark, and more. Call now and request a quote!

Call now

Understanding the Different Types of Stucco Finishes