One-Coat vs Three-Coat Stucco: What’s Best in AZ?
When it comes to exterior cladding in Arizona, stucco continues to be one of the most popular and trusted finishes for both residential and commercial properties. But if you’re starting a project or planning a remodel, you’ll likely come across a common fork in the road: should you go with a One-Coat stucco system or a Three-Coat stucco system?
Both options are widely used in the Southwest, and each has its strengths depending on your priorities — like durability, speed of installation, budget, and climate performance. Let’s break it down.
What Is a One-Coat Stucco System?
Despite the name, One-Coat Stucco is actually a two-layer system: a base coat made from a blend of portland cement, sand, fibers, and polymers, followed by a finish coat. The “one-coat” term refers more to its streamlined application process — the base is applied in one go, and it cures faster than traditional multi-layer stucco systems.
Why it’s popular in Arizona:
Faster application, meaning quicker project turnaround
Lower labor cost
Well-suited for hot, dry climates
Compatible with foam insulation (EIFS or hybrid systems)
What Is a Three-Coat Stucco System?
Three-coat stucco is the traditional method, consisting of three layers: a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish coat. Each coat is applied separately with drying time in between, resulting in a thicker, more durable finish overall.
Why some still prefer it:
Excellent crack resistance and long-term durability
Time-tested on countless Arizona homes and buildings
Great for custom homes, historic restorations, and high-end builds
Which One Is Right for Arizona Homes?
In metro Phoenix, Tucson, and other parts of southern Arizona, One-Coat stucco systems have become more common — especially in new residential developments. That’s mainly due to speed, cost-efficiency, and compatibility with modern foam wall systems.
However, in custom homebuilding, rural areas, and legacy restorations, Three-Coat systems are still widely respected for their strength and longer lifespan.
At Bull Plastering, we’ve worked with both systems across the Valley — and we believe the right system comes down to project goals, wall assembly, and climate exposure. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s exactly why our process starts with listening, walking the job, and understanding your vision.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a builder, homeowner, or general contractor, knowing the difference between One-Coat and Three-Coat stucco can help you plan smarter, spend more wisely, and avoid headaches later.
Both systems can perform well when installed correctly — the key is having a crew that understands the Arizona market, respects proper cure times, and stands behind their work.
Have questions or a project in mind? Our team at Bull Plastering is always ready to talk systems, scope, and solutions — no pressure, just honest info.