Stucco vs Brick (Pros and Cons)

Here we share our stucco vs brick guide including the pros and cons of each, siding cost, if stucco can replace brick, potential problems, and which is better for home design.
The exterior siding arguably gives the biggest impact on the exterior appearance of your house. It is one of the first crucial factors that define the overall value of your house. 

That’s why if you’re building or renovating your house, you have to ensure that you’ll select the best type of siding that greatly enhances the look of your house and increases its value as well. 

Stucco and brick are two of the most well-known siding materials that the majority of homeowners prefer. And yes, they have their own pros and cons. But, which one is the better option for your house? Let us talk about that in this article.

What Is Stucco vs Brick?

Stucco is considered one of the most ancient and popular natural siding types. It is made out of water, sand, and cement. 

When it is applied on a stone frame or timber, it becomes durable and hard as a rock. It can be easily customized to suit your design preferences. 

This type of house siding is normally used before in Mediterranean and Spanish construction and architecture. Indeed, it is generally used on huge houses and mansions as it gives a very timeless and luxurious appearance. Read more about how stucco compares to siding here.

Brick, on the other hand, is one of the most traditional types of siding. It is widely used in the majority of houses even nowadays as it is superior in terms of reinforcing the exteriors with high durability. It is composed of clay, gravel, and cement.

Under the brick category, there are two types – thin brick and full brick. The common thickness of a thin brick ranges from 0.63 to 0.8 inches. 

Thin brick and full brick can look almost the same. However, full brick is more preferred by homeowners as it’s more durable and long-lasting. But in terms of cost, thin brick is usually less pricey.

Pros and Cons of Stucco

Here we share the advantages and disadvantages of stucco vs brick.

Pros

It is very durable and long-lasting: Since stucco is composed of water, sand, and cement, it stays hard and firm even in strong winds and bad weather. Stucco is resistant to fire and does not attract pests. Moreover, it has incredible longevity. Generally, it can last for 50 to 60 years.

It’s aesthetically appealing: Indeed, stucco is superior in terms of enhancing the exterior appearance of your house. 

It serves a very classic and attractive look, which looks very beautiful even after many years. Proper maintenance of your stucco siding can also maintain the high value of your house.

Works excellently with modern-day designs: Stucco is compatible with numerous designs. It can also be applied on a wide selection of surfaces. It is available in different unique colors.

Cons

Needs to be maintained regularly as it is susceptible to cracks: Improper maintenance and installation may result in cracks over time. Small cracks can worsen over time. 

That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on it regularly so you can seal those cracks immediately.

It is porous and absorbent: Stucco can absorb water. Molds and ugly dark spots can occur if it’s persistently in contact with any type of moisture. Extra effort on maintenance is required especially if you are living in a place that normally experiences a wet climate.

It takes several weeks to cure and harden: After installation, it might take 4 to 8 weeks before the curing process gets completed.

Pros and Cons of Brick

Here we share the advantages and disadvantages of brick vs stucco.

Pros

It does not require complicated maintenance: Brick is a very low-maintenance construction material. It does not easily get cracks and dents. It also won’t rot over time. Furthermore, after its installation, it doesn’t need to be painted. 

Eco-friendly, very durable, and long-lasting: Brick is composed of some of the richest materials found on earth such as clay and shale. 

Brick can also be reused for various landscaping projects like walking paths or retaining walls. Moreover, it is very durable and it can last for 100 years if it’s well-maintained. See more brick walkways here.

All-weather and non-combustible. Bricks are fire-resistant. If there’s a section in a house that’s purely made of bricks, there’s no possibility that it can burn even if the whole house is on fire. 

Furthermore, brick exteriors can stand still against strong winds and flying detritus. Indeed, bricks promote safety and protection.

Cons

Limited color selection: The colors that go with bricks are limited compared to other materials such as stucco and vinyl. Painting it won’t be a good idea as it is hard to cover all areas with paint.

Susceptible to molds: Molds can easily appear when the bricks aren’t cleaned regularly. Bricks absorb moisture.

It is expensive: Compared to stucco, bricks are much more expensive.

Cost of Stucco vs Brick 

If you are planning to install stucco for a 1000-square foot house, the cost might range from $1,000 to $1,500. 

To complete the installation process, you have to hire an expert, which will cost you $40 to $50 for every hour. Painting the stucco might cost you $700 to $900. The overall cost would be around $2,800 to $4,500.

Brick, on the other hand, is more pricey compared to stucco. Per square foot, the bricks would cost around $9 to $12. The cost of mortar and grout ranges from $200 to $500. 

Hiring a professional would cost you $70 per hour. The overall cost of installing bricks would be around $9,500 to $13,000.

Installing stucco over brick costs around $7 to $9. For a 1000-square foot house, the cost of stucco over brick ranges from $8,000 to $10,000.

Can You Replace Stucco With Brick? 

Yes, it’s possible to replace your stucco with brick. Doing that can give various advantages. 

It can improve the appearance of your exterior and can enhance the insulation components of your wall. However, replacing your stucco with brick might cost you a lot of money.

Stucco Over Brick Problems

Since stucco and brick are both absorbent, the tendency of putting the stucco over brick might cause moisture problems. The possibility of mold growth underneath the stucco is quite high. 

That is why it would be recommended if the stucco is painted with an elastomeric type of paint to seal it properly and protect it against moisture.

Installing stucco over brick is almost a permanent process. Meaning, you must carefully think about it before starting the installation because taking the stucco over the brick is a very tedious task.

Brick or Stucco –  What is Better? 

Each of these construction materials has its distinct capabilities and advantages. So, in some aspects, the brick may be better than stucco, or vice versa. But let us try to compare them by category.

In terms of durability and longevity, brick is the better option. When it comes to appearance, wide color selection, and the ability to be painted, stucco wins the contest. 

Stucco needs to be maintained quite regularly, while brick is low-maintenance. Therefore, they are both non-combustible and can withstand strong winds.

See more related content in our article about stucco house design on this page.