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What is a Stucco Fence?

C. Daw
C. Daw

A stucco fence is a coating of cement, lime and sand that is applied onto an existing fence to add a unique style that is resistant to most types of weather. The stucco mixture itself is not strong enough sustain a basic fencing application, so it is applied while it is wet, on top of stucco mesh that is nailed down onto the existing fence. The majority of these fences are built by using a foundation of wood or cinder blocks, along with fence posts that are dug into the ground. The stucco fence has many different uses throughout homes and businesses, as well as being used to enclose property boundary lines.

The center of the fence is the most important aspect of a stucco fence because it adds the support and stability that is required. Any pre-existing fence can be converted into stucco, and when building one, various steps can be taken to speed the process up. The basic requirements for the internal structure of the fence is to have a solid foundation to which the stucco can be applied, as well as a layer of metal mesh to help it stay in place. After the posts have been secured into the ground, and the foundation has been built, the stucco is then mixed and applied with a cement trowel. This allows the person applying the stucco the ability to apply it in any design that they choose, making the fence unique and stylish.

A cinder block wall often serves as the substrate for a stucco fence.
A cinder block wall often serves as the substrate for a stucco fence.

The benefits of building a stucco fence is the unique look that they offer, as well as being highly resistant to weather conditions. After the stucco has dried, it is basically a cement coating on top of the structure, so it can withstand most major weather related events that can occur. The stucco is waterproof, wind resistant, and can even hold up to hail and snow. The fence will last for years because it is weatherproof, while offering a level of style that cannot be accomplished by building a basic fence.

A trowel is used when finishing stucco.
A trowel is used when finishing stucco.

The downfalls of having a stucco fence are that they are only as solid and stable as the inner foundation is. It is not possible to simply build a fence by using stucco. The internal foundation has to be built to the performance levels required, as well as to sustain the added weight of the stucco. Stucco can also chip if the fence takes a substantial amount of abuse, so it may have to be recoated every couple of years to maintain the look and to benefit from the weatherproofing benefits that accompany it.

Discussion Comments

xofalap

I'm about to build a stucco fence with a gate in it on the side of my house. I have the option to use either wood framing or cinder block as the material. My concerns are which material will crack less, and be better? The additional issue is that I live in Los Angeles and we get earth quakes every once in a while. I lean towards cinder block construction, but with the earth shaking a bit I wonder if wood is better?

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    • A cinder block wall often serves as the substrate for a stucco fence.
      By: stoonn
      A cinder block wall often serves as the substrate for a stucco fence.
    • A trowel is used when finishing stucco.
      By: yunava1
      A trowel is used when finishing stucco.