Traditional Vs. Synthetic Stucco

How much do you know about stucco? If this is your first experience with home remodeling or exterior products, take a look at what you need to know about the most popular materials and the differences between each type of stucco.

What Is Traditional Stucco?

Traditional (non-synthetic or non-acrylic) stucco is made from cement, lime, water, and sand. Other names for this type of stucco include classic, hard coat, or cement stucco. The cement ingredient adds durability to this type of exterior home product. 

A traditional cement-based stucco requires the use of additional underlayments. These include a wire mesh or lath and a bottom scratch coat. The visible textured exterior is built on top of the other layers to create a strong, long-lasting finish.

What Is Synthetic Stucco?

Synthetic stucco does not include lime or cement ingredients. Instead it has an acrylic resin that you can layer on top of a foam board and fiberglass mesh. The resin in these products adds flexibility. This allows the stucco to move and may make it less likely to crack than traditional stucco.

Unlike traditional stucco, professionals can place acrylic stucco layers over exterior sheathing and not directly onto masonry (bricks) or a concrete home facade. While you can customize synthetic stucco's texture and color, it may not come with as many options as the traditional type of product. 

What Are Stucco Finishes? 

Stucco finishes are the texture and color that is visible. The finish is the outermost layer of either a traditional or synthetic product. All stucco textures are rough—but may vary in the depth of the material or the smoothness. The decision to choose a rougher or more obvious texture depends on the product you choose, your personal preference, and the overall exterior decor. 

Like texture, stucco is available in different colors. Different brands offer different stucco colors. Also like texture, the color choice depends on your aesthetic preferences and home design factors. Popular color options include neutral tones, such as tan, beige, sand, ivory, or pale yellow/gold. Earth tones, such as browns or gray-greens, are also common stucco hues. 

Which Type of Stucco Is the Best Choice?

Some homeowners prefer a traditional stucco, while others want the flexibility of a synthetic product. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), traditional and EIFS (external insulation and finishing systems—or synthetic stucco) products have a 50-plus year lifespan. This makes both types highly durable and long-lasting.

Before you choose a stucco product, talk to a professional. This isn't a decision that a novice DIYer can easily make on their own. A stucco contractor can review the top products and help you to understand which one is the best option to meet your home exterior needs.

You will also need to consider the overall design. How will the stucco product, the texture, and the color match your home's exterior aesthetics? As a top layer, stucco is visible and will change the look of your home's facade. 



Your stucco contractor can provide you with samples of different stucco products. These swatches will help you to create a better mental picture of what the finish will look like on your home. They also allow you to compare different textures and colors. 

Who Should Install Stucco?

The stucco contractor will do more than help you to select a material, texture, and color. They can also install the product for you. Unlike paint and other easier do-it-yourself projects, stucco installation requires the knowledge and experience of a professional. Failure to use the right underlying materials or layer the products correctly could leave your home's exterior without adequate protection and may increase the risk of cracks or other damage. 

Do you want to learn more about professional stucco installation? Contact Stucco Done Right for more information.