
Installing stucco over plywood, regardless of whether it is CDX construction plywood or OSB, depends on surface preparation more than anything else. Stucco requires a rough surface that it can bond to, like the aforementioned masonry. Plywood products don’t offer this, so lath needs to be applied, providing something for the stucco to bond to.
Full Answer
Can you put stucco on plywood?
You may stucco over any rigid material attached to your support studs. The most common surfaces for stucco are plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), cement board, and exterior grade gypsum sheathing. Can you skim plywood?
How do I apply stucco over wood?
Stucco Installation Over Wood:
- Conventional stucco over wood should always be applied as a three-coat system. ...
- Where structural wood panels are used for sheathing, a minimum 1/8 inch separation shall be provided.
- The weather resistant barrier (WRB) must be installed per Sections R703.6.3 of the Florida Building Code Residential and 1404.2.1 of the Florida Building Code. ...
How to tile a floor over plywood?
Use a Patented Technique to Guarantee Success
- Dry Fit the Tile. It is important that you dry fit the tile before you begin using any adhesive. ...
- Prepare the Surface. For this project, we are using the Tavy Thin Skin system to prepare the surface for tile. ...
- Skim Coat the Paper. As soon as the paper is down, it can be skim coated with thin set mortar. ...
- Trowel on the Mortar. ...
- Using Spacers. ...
- Applying Grout. ...
How to install stucco step by step?
- Acid etching.
- Sandblasting.
- Bush hammer or roughing machine (for unpainted, smooth surfaces).
- Applying a bonding agent, referring to specific product instructions. ...
- If there is any doubt that the wall can support the stucco, apply the stucco as you would to a stud wall, attaching metal lath and plastering over it.

Can stucco be applied directly to plywood?
Stucco requires a rough surface that it can bond to, like the aforementioned masonry. Plywood products don't offer this, so lath needs to be applied, providing something for the stucco to bond to. But there are other parts of the preparation to do, before the lath.
What goes on plywood before stucco?
Apply two layers of grade D building paper or asphalt felt to the plywood siding. Follow with the three-dimensional drainage mat and two more layers of paper or felt. Secure stucco mesh to your walls and then apply your layers of stucco for a watertight finish.
Can stucco be applied to wood?
Its a great material to work with because its versatile, cheap, and simple to apply. Stucco can be applied over almost any surface. Applying stucco over your existing wood siding is a great way to cover up wood that is looking old and worn, or simply to give your home a new look.
What do you put under stucco?
Because stucco is porous, the base—typically plywood or oriented-strand board sheathing—must have at least one layer of weather-resistant, vapor-permeable asphalt-impregnated building paper (“felt”) or plastic-based building wraps or stucco wraps.
How do you cover wood with stucco?
2:1413:00Learning how to stucco any wood home with T1-11 or any other wood ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis. Application on color code we get long strokes. And here we just want to go 3/8 of an inchMoreThis. Application on color code we get long strokes. And here we just want to go 3/8 of an inch thick. So whatever it is it is important thing is try to embed the wire if you don't embed the wire.
Is sheathing required behind stucco?
STUCCO APPLICATION OVER WOOD SHEATHING Building paper is required where stucco is applied over wood structural sheathing. Note: The International Building Code and the International Residential Code require two layers of Grade D building paper over wood-based sheathing.
How thick is stucco over wood?
You will start with a thin layer “a scratch layer” that will be no thicker than a quarter of an inch (1/4-inch). After waiting an hour for the scratch layer to dry, you will use your plaster rake to comb through the layer by 1/8 of an inch deep. Now you will wait 24 hours for the entire coat to dry.
What are the problems with stucco houses?
Stucco tears and other discoloration around windows, doors, electrical boxes, pipes, meters, and spotlights. Pervasive scent of wood rot. Water leaking into the house, damaging the ceiling, walls, and flooring. Dry rot around windows.
How thick is stucco typically?
The correct thickness is then 5/8 inch. Two-coat applications are only for use over solid plaster bases without metal lath. For unit masonry, that thickness is ½ inch. For cast-in-place or precast concrete, the thickness for two-coat work is 3/8 inch.
What goes on the house before stucco?
Preparing the Substrate When applying stucco over an existing brick or masonry wall, you need to repair cracks with fresh mortar and wash the wall with a power washer or scrub it down with a solution of trisodium phosphate and water. Wet the wall thoroughly, immediately prior to applying the first stucco coat.
Can Tyvek house wrap be used under stucco?
You can still use Tyvek on your stucco projects, I do all the time, when I want a better sealed wall, usually in extreme water penetrated walls that have failed or might be at a higher risk of failing.
How much does it cost to stucco a $3000 square foot house?
Expect to pay between $6 and $9 per square foot to add stucco to your home. This includes labor and materials. The labor portion, if you decide to hire the job out rather than DIY, will set you back between $2 and $3 per square foot. For the stucco material itself, the cost ranges from about $5 to $6 per square foot.
Will plaster stick to wood?
Plaster will not properly adhere to wood on it's own – so a physical key is needed. You first need to fix either metal lathing or wooden laths to the timber. Unless you have to, or want to stick to traditional methods, Expanded Metal lathing (EML) is generally the easiest option to use.
How much does it cost to stucco over wood siding?
Cost to Stucco Over Wood Siding Installing stucco over wood substrates costs $8.50 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $5 and $12 per square foot.
How do you apply stucco to cement board?
Coat the first stucco layer to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Allow the coating to harden slightly and go over the surface with a plasterer's comb to create a series of scratches over the stucco and reduce the layer slightly to about 1/8 inch in thickness. Allow the coating to harden for a further 48 hours.
Can you stucco a shed?
Our Answer. The foremost thing to keep in mind: If you're going to cover your shed with stucco, the shed needs to be dimensionally stable. You can't have movement in the walls, because the stucco will crack and fall off.
How high should stucco be?
Second, make sure the bottom of the wall has a weep edge and is at least 6 inches above the soil.
What is the first coat of stucco?
The first coat of stucco is called the brown coat. The second coat of stucco is the scratch coat. And the third coat is the color coat or finish coat. Powdered pigment is mixed into the final coat to give color to the finished job. A finished stucco wall is only as good as the substrate.
What is stucco made of?
Stucco Facts. Stucco has been in use for centuries. It used to be made of a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and plaster , though modern stucco contains Portland cement, sand, water and lime as well as synthetic acrylics and fibers.
What is plywood siding?
Plywood siding is made of an uneven number of thin layers all glued and pressed together. Nailing plywood sheets to your studs adds shear strength to your wall, which means it helps keep them from collapsing or buckling under the weight of whatever is on top of them. Plywood is relatively inexpensive, but it is not water-proof. When it gets wet and does not dry completely it can start to mold or rot. This decreases its shear strength and lead to serious problems.
Does stucco absorb water?
Stucco is easy to maintain and repair and helps insulate your home. It does absorb water, which can be a problem if you live in a very rainy area and it has any defects or cracks that can soak the plywood siding underneath it.
Can you use stucco on plywood?
This is especially true in climates that get a lot of rainfall. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid applying stucco to plywood siding.
Can you staple felt to plywood?
Building paper and asphalt felt come in large rolls that can be stapled or nailed to your plywood siding. In areas that get a lot of rainfall, some building codes specify two layers of waterproofing over plywood siding.
How thick is stucco?
Two-coat systems over masonry consist of: first coat = 3/8 inch thick and finish coat = 1/8 inch thick; or over cast concrete consist of: first coat = 1/4 inch thick and finish coat = 1/8 inch thick. Three-coat systems consist of: first coat = 1/4 inch thick, second coat = 1/4 inch thick, and finish coat = 1/8 inch thick over both masonry and cast concrete.
How thick is a scratch coat on stucco?
Conventional stucco over wood should always be applied as a three-coat system. Scratch coat =3/8 inch thick, brown coat =3/8 inch thick, and finish coat =1/8 inch thick. The scratch coat must be scored horizontally on vertical surfaces. Successive coats should be applied as soon as possible after the underlying coat has sufficient strength and rigidity to resist damage when the next coat is applied. A mist cure shall be maintained as needed for climatic conditions.
How far below the nose of a weep screed should a roof line be?
Raw earth, grade shall be not less than 4 inches below the nose of the weep screed, paved surfaces shall be not less than 2 inches below the nose of the weep screed. Roof lines shall be not less than 2 inches below the stucco termination. Image Source: http://www.irccdd.com/Applications/Stucco/Guidelines.pdf.
How many inches between metal plaster base and wire?
Lapping of metal plaster base. Side laps shall be secured to framing members. They shall be tied between supports with wire at intervals not more than 9 inches. Lath shall be lapped ½ inch at the sides, 1 inch at ends. Where end laps occur between the framing members, the ends of the sheets shall be laced or wire tied.
What is accenting stucco?
Installing accent features (foam, accent strips, banding, and trim) over a proper stucco base coat (Scratch and brown coats) helps eliminate a major source of moisture intrusion. This method is highly encouraged and considered Recommended Practice.
Can accent features be installed over metal lath?
2. Accent features may be installed directly over metal lath when they are isolated from the stucco as prescribed in ASTM C 926, Sec. A2.3.3. This method may require a renewable backer-rod and sealant joint.
How thick should stucco be?
This first coat, or scratch coat, will give a firm base for the stucco. It needs to be between ¼ inch and ½ inch thick, and you should use the trowel to work it firmly into the netting.
How thick is a scratch coat?
Use the flat finishing trowel and a thin coat of mortar, about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch thick.
Is it hard to apply stucco over wood?
The correct process for stucco actually isn’t all that difficult. It just needs to be done the right way. For stucco application over wood, there are a number of stages to a successful stucco application. Be certain to follow them for the best results.
Can you apply stucco to wood?
You can’t apply stucco directly on to the wood. The wood needs to be properly covered so it can support and take the weight of the mortar used for stucco. Begin by nailing 15-pound roofing felt on to the wood. Begin at the bottom of the wall and overlap each top edge as you move up the surface.
How thick is ply wood for stucco?
Ply wood is more expensive than OSB, but repels water a little bit better and provides a bit more strength too. Is usually around 3/8″-5/8″ thick for most stucco applications (unless noted by building plans, or county/state requirements) Additional Notes: When using wood substrates, you should space the sheets about 1/8″ to allow ...
What is stucco sheathing?
Sheathing is basically the “backing material” that can be found underneath the various layers of stucco that form the backing of residential and commercial buildings. They can be made out of wood, cement, gypsum, fiberglass and other materials.
How to make a gap in plywood?
If installing new wooden substrate, you can use 16d nails to create an 1/8 of an inch gap on all plywood/OSB sheathing. If already installed with no gaps included, a skillsaw or router can be used to create the gaps by cutting down where the sheets meet. Only gap if the manufacturer requires it, if not, follow their directions for proper installation.
Is exterior grade drywall water resistant?
It has additive mixed into the base of it, which make it water-resistant and is co ated with a water-resistant paper material as well.
