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Yes, you can apply the stucco yourself, but it is a time- and labor-intensive project, especially on the exterior of a whole house. DIY stucco is better suited for repairing stucco siding or siding a smaller building, such as a shed or garage. Since most of the cost of stucco siding goes to labor, you can cut down significantly on the total if you’re up for the challenge.

While vinyl siding's lifespan of 20 to 40 years is impressive for the cost, other siding options can actually last much longer. Stucco siding can last 50 to 80 years when properly maintained and is only a bit more expensive than vinyl. Fiber cement is similar in that it’s a little more expensive but lasts more than twice as long. Stone and brick last the longest, often more than 100 years, but they’re the most expensive siding materials.

Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:

• Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance

• Uneven application

• Uneven texture across the exterior

• Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure

• Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping

The time required to remove stucco siding depends on the size of the home, the thickness of the stucco, and the complexity of the project. Most projects take between two and seven days, but larger or multi-story homes may require more time, especially if repairs are needed after removal is complete.