Can You Nail Into a Stucco Wall?
Simply put, it is possible to nail into your stucco wall using a hardened nail, such as a masonry or concrete nail. One of the easiest methods for nailing into your stucco wall is pre-drilling: when you drill a hole in the stucco siding using a masonry or concrete bit in order to make nailing into the surface a bit simpler. This makes it easier to push the nail into the surface of the stucco, as well as reduces the risk of cracking your siding and allows for the possibility of using any time of nail, not just a hard masonry or concrete nail.
What Size Nails Should You Use?
The length or type of the nail you are using will depend on what you are hanging, and will play a role in the process you should use to drive the nail into your stucco wall. The length of the nail typically coincides with the type of nail you are using, although some nails will have different lengths to choose from. An 8d, 10d or 16d nails are very common lengths, so they are easy to find in your local hardware store, and they can typically be used to hang anything on your walls. Roofing nails that are at least two inches long are also a good option. If you are driving a nail into exterior stucco, galvanized nails are a good choice as they will minimize rust, which can damage or stain your stucco siding.
Nailing Into a Stucco Wall Without Drilling
If you decide that you prefer to nail into your stucco wall without pre-drilling, it is still possible to do so. If you are working with a one or two coat stucco system that is layered with a one inch thick foam and a base and finish coat that are around ½-inch thick, it will be very possible to use any type of nail to hammer into your stucco system.
If you have a three coat stucco system, which is usually closer to one inch thick, driving a nail into the surface becomes much more difficult. You will need to use special nails that are designed for masonry or concrete purposes. These nails are much harder than the average nail and will not bend or break when being driven into extremely firm surfaces. There are risks if you decide to nail into a stucco wall without drilling, including the potential to cause cracks in the surface of your stucco. Cracks can cause damage to your stucco, and allow water to seep beneath the surface and cause damage to your home, if not handled properly or repaired. Be very cognizant of any cracks that form, as they can be risky for the future of your stucco.
Pre-Drilling Into the Stucco Wall Before Nailing
To avoid causing any cracks in the surface of your stucco, it is a good idea to choose the pre-drilling option before driving a nail into your stucco wall. In order to drill through your stucco, you will need a concrete or masonry drill bit, which is firmer than the average drill bit. These are available at your local hardware store and can even be purchased online from stores like Amazon.
When drilling or nailing into stucco, you are essentially trying to reach beneath the surface of the stucco to the wood beneath, as stucco has minimal holding power. You will need to find a drill bit that is roughly the same size as the head of the nail you wish to drive into the stucco. The benefit of drilling is that you don’t need to use a specific type of masonry or concrete nail, so you can use any nail that you wish to determine which size drill bit you will need to use. Using a drill bit that is the same size as the head or the shaft of the nail allows the nail to fit snugly in the hole without moving around.
Are There Studs Behind Stucco?
In many cases, there are studs behind stucco and these can be used to drill into for firm hanging of objects on the wall. However, it may occur when you drill into stucco that there is an empty space behind the stucco. This can be an area where an open stud type of stucco application was used, when plywood or OSB substrate was not used during the process. If this occurs, you should caulk and close the hole you drilled and find a new area to drill where a stud is located, or you may use an anchor and screw. Either nailing into a stud or using an anchor is important to ensure safe hanging of the object you are trying to nail into your stucco wall.
How Thick Is Stucco on a House?
Stucco can vary in thickness, but typically a three coat system is around one inch of cement thick, and a one or two coat system is around ½ inch of cement thick. For a one or two coat system, you will find it a lot easier to drive a nail into your wall than if you have a three coat system.
If you are interested in learning more about upping your curb appeal with customizable, versatile stucco siding, contact Titan Stucco today.
