What is the Difference Between Stucco and Plaster?

Though the Stucco and plaster are considered to be the same thing, there are subtle differences amidst the two. When remodeling your residential property, you will want to understand the critical difference between these two materials. The success and failure of your home remodeling plans are based on them. Learning the differences is not rocket science; nevertheless, selecting one over the other will significantly impact your project.

Plaster vs. Stucco: Review the Difference Between Both

Both plaster and Stucco are siding material used to coat the exterior walls of a building. When we talk about aesthetics, both are similar. But, the ingredients and applications make the two differ from each other. Learning the fundamental difference stucco and plaster will help you assess when and where to apply them.

What makes Stucco differ from plaster?

The ingredients of both Stucco and plaster make them different from each other. Stucco is a mixture of a binding agent, water, and course materials. It is, traditionally, a mixture of sand, lime, and water.

The invention of portland cement has provided Stucco an adhesive ingredient. It is a crucial element that makes Stucco much harder and the most durable product. Lime is an extra element, mostly added to modern Stucco. It makes the material porous and easy to apply. As time passes by, the exterior walls may start developing cracks. Residential Stucco with lime is the easiest way to redo since the cracks in stucco walls are simple to fill.

Over time, with better knowledge and understanding, the professional residential Stucco Oakville have started improvising the material. Various elements like mud, marble, clay, sawdust, keratin, wheat paste, salt, varnish, beeswax, alcohol, etc. are added to make the material more robust and durable. Nowadays, people often mix fiberglass into wet Stucco for more strength and support. It provides structural support to Stucco and avoids decay and damages. Sand is also one of the fundamental elements used with Stucco to develop different textures.

While applying Stucco, a layer of metal lath is applied beforehand to the side of the building walls. Similar to chicken wire, the metal lath gives Stucco the support to bind. The stucco experts will apply wet Stucco to the lath and leave it until dry. The project completion will provide you with durable walls that can last for years if maintained in the right way.

What makes plaster different from Stucco?

When it comes to differentiating plaster from stucco material, it is either gypsum or lime-based element, which is quite softer than Stucco. Past years, lime was used often for being far cheaper than gypsum plasters. The mixing procedure of lime plaster is utterly difficult. You need to wait until the lime settles down before mixing it with sand and applying. Also, lime plaster can take several days or weeks to settle fully. Unlike the metal lath that allows Stucco to sit firmly, plaster is applied onto a smooth mesh foundation that fuses it.

Gypsum plaster settles faster than the lime plaster. It needs a few days to dry, and you can paint or cover the siding. Gypsum plaster is not a water-resistant element. However, it is a perfect fit for indoor use. On the contrary, lime plaster is the best option for outdoor use since it can resist most weather conditions.

Stucco or plaster: what is a better material for siding?

Stucco is, however, a better option to use for siding. Plaster is much softer than Stucco; this makes it a more inadequate option to use over the wall exteriors. Nevertheless, plaster is more suitable for interior use and artistically designed applications.

Besides, plaster takes a more extended period to dry than Stucco and is not so worthwhile for day-to-day use. Owing to the durability and strength, Stucco is indeed the best material for siding.

Hire a professional residential contractor for stucco siding

If you are planning to remodel your house and are on the lookout for the best siding option that is decorative as well as durable, Stucco is the material you should opt for. Stucco contractors Oakville are highly trained and experienced in stucco siding with both traditional and synthetic stucco systems. Most stucco experts also have expertise in stone veneer siding.

Make sure you do proper research while hiring a residential stucco contractor. Get recommendations from your neighbors, friends, family members, or colleagues. Don’t hesitate to review the constructor’s website to check the past customer reviews and testimonials. Also, consider the gallery to get some idea about the beautiful, attractive, and functional stucco applications.

Hire one of the best professional stucco contractors that can, in the best way, explain to you the exact difference between Stucco and plaster and can complete your home remodeling project successfully.

The author writes for Best Stucco, a professional stucco contractor that offers concrete construction, masonry work, and other home improvement services across Gta.