25
Feb

Exploring Different Stucco Texture Options: Which Style Fits Your Home?

stucco texture being applied to a section of wall

Do you want your exterior to protect your home’s structure? Go with stucco. Do you want to enhance your home’s visual appeal? Go with stucco. Do you want a variety of options for adding texture to your exterior? Go. With. Stucco. Stucco texture is incredibly versatile, so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular choice among homeowners. The main problem you’ll face is choosing one! In this blog, we’ll give you a rundown of the most popular textures that can add personality to your home’s exterior.

Smooth Stucco Finish

We’ll start with something simple. A smooth stucco texture will give your home a sleek, flat surface that fans of minimalistic architecture will love. Best suited for contemporary and Mediterranean-style homes, it provides a nice modern look. We’re not saying other options are messy by any means, but a smooth finish is your best bet for a clean, sleek aesthetic.

Pros

  • It offers a modern, elegant appearance.
  • Of all the stucco texture types we’ll be discussing, this is the easiest to clean and maintain.

Cons

  • If it isn’t applied properly, you run the risk of cracks appearing in the future.
  • Because of its flatness, it requires professional application to achieve a truly flawless look (we can help with that).

Dash Finish (Roughcast)

You may not be familiar with the phrase “dash finish,” but we’re willing to bet you’re familiar with the style. This finish is either sprayed or hand-thrown onto the wall, creating an “ordered chaos” texture of bumps. It’s a great choice for rustic and Southwestern-style homes, adding a bit of personality and durability to the exterior.

Pros

  • If there are any harmless surface imperfections on your exterior, this texture does a great job of hiding them.
  • Dash finishes are highly durable and particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Cons

  • Because of the bumpy texture, making seamless repairs to this finish can be difficult, depending on the nature of the damage.
  • One other drawback of the bumpy texture is that it collects dirt and debris over time, making cleaning necessary more frequently.

Sand or Float Finish

Looking for a light, sandy texture to grace your home’s exterior? This is the way to go. One draw of this particular option is that the intensity of the texture is up to you! It can be adjusted from a fine sand feel to a courser version, depending on your preference. It’s a versatile stucco texture that looks right at home—pun intended—in both modern and traditional structures. No wonder it’s so popular among homeowners!

Pros

  • Compared to most other finishes on this list, sand and float finish is easy to repair.
  • It’s hard to overstate how versatile it is, with the ability to complement various architectural styles.

Cons

  • In order to maintain its appearance, it may require repainting from time to time.
  • If your home is located in a highly trafficked area, the finish can start to show wear and tear.

Lace and Skip Trowel Finish

This is one of the more unique, intriguing stucco texture types. It features a layered, patterned look that adds depth and a bit of rustic charm to your home’s exterior. Spanish-style and traditional homes tend to favor these stucco designs, as the homeowners typically desire a more textured, classic aesthetic.

Pros

  • Cracks and imperfections will blend right into this textured exterior, so you don’t have to put effort into fixing every tiny blemish.
  • It’s a great choice for old or historic homes.

Cons

  • For proper application of this particular finish, skilled craftsmanship is required (again, we’re up to the task).
  • Lace and skip trowel finish is generally more time-consuming to install (but we think it’s worth it in the long run).

Cat Face Finish

Don’t worry. Your exterior won’t actually look like it has a bunch of cat faces on it—though we wouldn’t judge you if that’s your preference. This stucco texture is mostly smooth, actually. What distinguishes it from a smooth stucco finish is the scattered rough patches that give it a pop of personality. It’s ideal for Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes thanks to its artistic touch.

Pros

  • If you want style, this is a great option for you!
  • Compared to some other stucco designs, this one is relatively easy to clean.

Cons

  • Application of the rough patches is labor-intensive and requires a careful, steady hand.
  • It can be a challenge to repair if it becomes damaged.

Professional Stucco Services

There are plenty of stucco texture options to choose from when you’re planning to finish your home’s exterior. The blessing and the curse is that they’re all equally attractive. It just depends on your personal preference—though the final decision may be tough. If you have any questions about stucco designs, or if you want to hire trusted professionals to handle your exterior project, contact us at Robey Stucco. We can’t wait to work with you!