Installed stucco siding typically costs $7-$13 per sq. ft., while wood siding runs about $6-$12 per sq. ft.; material, wall area, labor, and removal drive the difference. For 2,000 sq. ft. of exterior wall, that often means $14,000-$26,000 for stucco or $12,000-$24,000 for wood, before unusual repairs or premium finishes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stucco siding, installed | $7/sq. ft. | $10/sq. ft. | $13/sq. ft. | Standard three-coat or comparable system |
| Wood siding, installed | $6/sq. ft. | $9/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | Common wood species and profiles |
| Stucco on 2,000 sq. ft. | $14,000 | $20,000 | $26,000 | Wall area, not home floor area |
| Wood on 2,000 sq. ft. | $12,000 | $18,000 | $24,000 | Excludes extensive rot repair |
Assumptions: U.S. national budgeting ranges, standard-grade materials, accessible walls, and no major structural repairs.
Installed stucco vs. wood pricing for a 2,000-square-foot exterior
For a typical house with about 2,000 sq. ft. of siding area, stucco commonly totals $14,000-$26,000 installed, with an average near $20,000. Wood siding is often $12,000-$24,000, averaging around $18,000. Actual wall area can differ greatly from the home’s listed interior square footage because of rooflines, gables, windows, and attached garages.
Wood may have a lower entry price, but premium species and detailed trim can erase that initial gap. Cedar, redwood, and custom profiles can exceed the standard wood range. Stucco prices rise with added coats, intricate shapes, scaffolding, or a high-end finish. Both estimates can increase if old siding must be removed or the sheathing needs repair.
What stucco and wood siding quotes include
Installation quotes usually combine material, surface preparation, labor, and job-site costs. Stucco requires layered application and curing; wood installation involves cutting, fastening, flashing, and often painting or staining. Ask whether the bid includes trim, weather barriers, finish coats, cleanup, and disposal.
| Quote component | Stucco range | Wood range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3-$6/sq. ft. | $3-$7/sq. ft. | Finish system, species, grade, and trim |
| Labor | $3-$6/sq. ft. | $2-$5/sq. ft. | Application skill, cutting, access, and detail |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$3/sq. ft. | $1-$3/sq. ft. | Existing siding type and local disposal fees |
| Prep and flashing | $1-$3/sq. ft. | $0.75-$2.50/sq. ft. | Sheathing condition and water-management work |
Labor is a major variable: crew rates and installation complexity matter as much as the siding price. Local crews may charge roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour, though bids are more commonly presented per square foot or as a fixed project price.
How wall area, finish, and tear-off shift the estimate
Measured siding area is the first major driver: each additional 100 sq. ft. adds roughly $700-$1,300 for stucco or $600-$1,200 for standard wood. A house with many corners, dormers, and window openings can cost more per square foot than a simple rectangular exterior because it requires more cutting, masking, and detailing.
Scope changes can outweigh modest differences in material price. Removing existing cladding often adds $1-$3 per sq. ft.; repairing damaged sheathing can add about $2-$6 per sq. ft. where replacement is needed. Stucco over 2,500 sq. ft. or wood installed above two stories may need extra access equipment. For wood, paint-grade siding may cost less initially than clear cedar, while premium finish coats can lift stucco material and labor costs.
Which siding costs less over 20 years?
Wood commonly needs repainting or restaining every 5-10 years, often costing $2-$5 per sq. ft. for professional work, depending on prep and finish. Localized repairs may cost $200-$1,000 or more when boards or trim need replacement. Moisture exposure, sun, and maintenance intervals affect the total.
Stucco often needs less routine repainting, but cracks and water intrusion require timely attention. Minor crack repairs may cost $300-$1,500; broader patching or finish work can run $1,000-$5,000 or more. A fresh finish coat may cost roughly $3-$7 per sq. ft. For either material, a 20-year budget should account for upkeep, not just installation; the cheaper option depends on climate, workmanship, and maintenance habits.
Regional labor rates for stucco and wood siding
Location changes both labor availability and materials delivery. In high-cost coastal metros and dense urban areas, installed quotes may be 15%-30% above national midrange figures. Smaller cities and rural areas can come in 5%-15% below, although limited contractor availability or long travel distances can offset savings.
Stucco demand is strongest in warmer regions, while climate and local building practices shape wood pricing. In the Southwest, experienced stucco crews may be easier to find; in wet or cold areas, weather barriers, flashing, and scheduling can add cost. Obtain bids from contractors who regularly install the chosen material locally, and compare the same wall area and scope.
Three realistic bids for different house scopes
These examples use ordinary access and standard finishes; they illustrate how scope changes totals rather than setting a universal rate.
| Project | Scope and labor | Estimated total | Approximate installed rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stucco refresh | 1,500 sq. ft.; limited prep; 160-220 crew hours | $12,000-$18,000 | $8-$12/sq. ft. |
| Wood replacement | 2,000 sq. ft.; tear-off, standard lap siding; 180-260 crew hours | $16,000-$24,000 | $8-$12/sq. ft. |
| New stucco installation | 2,500 sq. ft.; detailed elevations; 280-380 crew hours | $25,000-$37,500 | $10-$15/sq. ft. |
Assumptions: Typical regional labor, ordinary disposal, and no extensive framing or sheathing replacement.
How to lower a siding quote without cutting corners
Compare at least three written bids using the same measured wall area, finish level, removal scope, and repair allowance. Ask contractors to price upgrades separately so a standard stucco finish or paint-grade wood can be compared with premium options. Confirm whether trim, flashing, weather barriers, and cleanup are included.
Controlling scope and avoiding unnecessary tear-off are safer savings than skipping water-management details. If existing siding is sound and local rules allow an overlay, ask whether installation over it is appropriate; hidden moisture damage should be checked first. Schedule outside peak demand when possible, handle basic site clearing, and bundle exterior work only when it reduces mobilization charges rather than expanding the project.