Free Stucco Estimate Template
A complete, line-item stucco estimate you can preview below — two layers of weather-resistive barrier, self-furring lath, scratch, brown and finish coats, casing beads and weep screed, and labor — plus a plain-language IRC checklist for thickness, curing and drainage.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Two-layer WRB & flashing | 1,450 sq ft | $1,015.00 |
| Self-furring metal lath & fasteners | 1,450 sq ft | $1,595.00 |
| Weep screed, casing & corner beads | 1 lot | $680.00 |
| Scratch & brown coat | 1,450 sq ft | $3,335.00 |
| Acrylic finish coat | 1,450 sq ft | $2,175.00 |
| Scaffolding & masking | 1 lot | $860.00 |
| Labor — plaster crew | 1 lot | $3,200.00 |
| Total | $12,860.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price stucco work
- Take off wall area in square feet, deduct only large openings, and price WRB/lath and each coat as separate lines.
- Add scaffolding as its own line based on stories and access — it is a real cost, not overhead.
- Price accessories (weep screed, casing, corner and control joints) by linear foot, not lump sum.
Stucco building-code guide
Stucco is a reservoir cladding — it will get wet. The code details exist to drain that water back out, and the lath inspection is where jobs get stopped.
- Over wood-based sheathing, two layers of approved WRB are required, lapped shingle-fashion
- Flash all openings, penetrations and transitions before lath goes up
- Maintain the drainage plane — do not let mortar bridge the two layers
- Self-furring lath holds a 1/4in gap so the scratch coat can key behind it
- Fasten to framing members at 7in o.c. vertically; lap lath 1/2in on sides and 1in on ends
- Weep screed at the foundation must sit min 4in above grade or 2in above paved surfaces (R703.7.2.1)
- Three-coat over lath: 3/8in scratch, 3/8in brown, 1/8in finish — 7/8in nominal total
- Moist-cure the scratch and brown coats for at least 48 hours each; do not rush the finish
- Control joints where the plaster panel exceeds about 144 sq ft or the length-to-width ratio passes 2.5:1
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Finish coat — 1/8in acrylic or color coat(0.13")
- 2 · Brown coat — 3/8in, cured(0.38")
- 3 · Scratch coat — 3/8in, keyed into lath(0.38")
- 4 · Self-furring lath + 2 layers WRB — 1/4in furring gap(0.25")
- Finish coat: 0.13"
- Brown coat: 0.38"
- Scratch coat: 0.38"
- Self-furring lath + 2 layers WRB: 0.25"
- Total assembly: 1.13" (1 2/16")
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Front clearance — 4in above grade(4.00")
- 2 · Rear clearance — 2in above paving(2.00")
- 3 · Unit / fixture width — Weep screed at base of wall(60.00")
- 4 · Wall to wall — Total room dimension needed(2' 10 12/16")
- Front clearance: 4.00" · Rear clearance: 2.00"
- Unit / fixture width: 60.00"
- 4in above grade
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common stucco estimating mistakes
- Bidding one-coat pricing on a three-coat spec; the labor difference is enormous.
- Ignoring weep screed clearance at grade, which fails inspection and traps water at the sill plate.
- Skipping cure time to meet a schedule, producing map cracking that becomes a warranty claim.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
Two-layer WRB, lath fastening and lap, weep screed clearance, coat thickness and curing intervals.
Stucco estimate FAQ
What should a stucco estimate include?
A stucco estimate should list the weather-resistive barrier and flashing, lath and fasteners, accessories such as weep screed and casing beads, each plaster coat with thickness, the finish system, scaffolding, labor, and the lath inspection hold point.
How much does stucco cost per square foot?
Three-coat stucco commonly runs $8–$12 per square foot of wall area installed, depending on height and access, accessory density, finish type and regional labor rates.
What is the difference between one-coat and three-coat stucco?
Three-coat stucco applies scratch, brown and finish coats over lath for a nominal 7/8in thickness. One-coat systems use a proprietary 3/8in base over foam board and cure faster, but the assembly and code approval path are different.
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