How to Do Stucco on Wood

Stucco is a versatile and durable material that can be used on many surfaces. A type of plaster, stucco can be applied directly to concrete or cement block. However, adhering stucco to other surfaces, such as wood, requires a base of building paper and metal lath, a lightweight sheath of metal gridwork. Building paper provides a barrier and water seal, and the metal lath a rough surface onto which the stucco may grip. Once these two components are firmly attached to wood, applying stucco is like painting with heavy paint and a square metal brush.

• 1

  Attach building paper to wood with heavy-duty staples or roofing nails. Overlap sheets of paper 4 inches at the edges. Some areas require more than one layer of building paper; check with a local building inspector for specific code requirements.

• 2

  Install metal lath on top of the building paper with 1 1/2-inch roofing nails hammered into the wall studs every 6 inches. Overlap metal lath 1 inch horizontally and 2 inches vertically. Make sure lath is attached with the rough side out; running your hand upward over the lath should feel smooth, while running it downward should feel jagged.

• 3

  Install metal edging over the lath at the corners of your project. Edging will ensure your corners are clean and square. Nail a drip screed to the bottom of your work area to catch errant stucco and create a smooth bottom base. Verify that your edging and screed is level and plumb, and use aviation snips to trim excess material.

• 4

  Mix the stucco according to the manufacturer's directions and apply it beginning at the top or bottom of your work area. Use a mortar hawk, held close to the wall, to hold the working portion of your stucco. With a metal trowel, slather a base, or scratch, coat onto the lath. Press firmly to cover the entire work area. Once the scratch coat is dry enough to still leave an impression if pressed, rake a row of nails hammered into a 1-by-2-inch wood plank across the surface horizontally; this will create grooves to which the next coat of stucco will adhere. Let the scratch coat dry for 48 hours.

• 5

  Apply the second, or brown, coat of stucco 3/8-inch thick. Level the brown coat with a wood darby, a wood plank with a handle, to prepare it for the finish coat. Allow the brown coat to dry for 48 hours.

• 6

  Prepare test batches of your finish coat and spread samples onto a piece of scrap wood. Let the samples dry for one hour to determine the exact look, color and texture of your optimal finish coat. Once the final mixture is achieved, spread the finish coat 1/8-inch thick onto the work area, ensuring the metal edging is completely embedded. Allow the finish coat to dry for 24 hours. Mist the finish coat three times a day for the next two days with water, then once a day for the next three days.