Seven Different Types of Stucco Textures
No matter if you are here in Maryland or on the other coast, one of the big advantages to the use of stucco is the fact that you can use various textures in order to achieve the precise look you desire. The color flexibility that comes along with stucco is great, but it is often the choice of texture that really defines the look of the building.
To help you decide which texture you are going to use on your project, we have listed seven popular options below.
#1 – Smooth Texture
While it might seem like a smooth finish would be one of the easier options, the opposite is actually true. It is not easy to finish a building with a smooth layer of stucco, but the end result is quite appealing when done correctly. If you decide to opt for this texture, it is important to note that it can be quite difficult to patch this type of finish successfully – and cracks are more common, as well.
#2 – Sand Finish
There is a good chance you have seen this texture before, as it is quite common, specifically for commercial buildings. Traditional or synthetic stucco can be used to achieve this look, and this is one of the easiest textures overall to achieve. As an added bonus, it is rather easy to patch up this kind of texture when necessary.
#3 – Dash Texture
For this option, the finish is sprayed onto the building in most cases. Again here, either synthetic or traditional stucco can be used, and patching is again easy to complete. Installation costs are sometimes lower with this option, since it can frequently be done by just one person. To finish the exterior of the building properly will usually require between two and three coats of the product.
#4 – Cat Face Texture
This option might have a bit of a silly name, but it is a legitimate choice for your stucco finish. The majority of this kind of finish is smooth, however there are rough patches left intentionally within the finish to add character to the building. One of the advantages of this option is that the end product will be unique, so you can be sure your building isn’t going to look exactly like anyone else’s.
#5 – Santa Barbara Finish
Typically created using traditional stucco, a Santa Barbara texture is close to a smooth finish, but has a bit of added depth to make it stand out. Two coats are used to finish the project, and the end result will be rather difficult to patch up when necessary (as is true with a smooth coat).
#6 – Worm Texture
True to its name, this finish looks like it has been invaded by worms which left little trails throughout the stucco. You will usually see a worm texture executed with synthetic stucco, and there are options for fine, medium, or coarse patterns.
#7 – Lace Texture
The last option on our list is actually the one that you probably think of first when you picture a stucco wall. This look is best achieved with traditional stucco, and it is popular both because it looks great and because it is forgiving for the installer. It is possible to apply this finish by spraying, but hand application is more common.