Mastering the Art: How to Drill into Stucco without cracking | Expert Tips and Techniques

Are you also fond of decorating your walls or making new improvements to your home? If yes, you might be experiencing doubts like “Can I drill into stucco?” or “How to drill into stucco without cracking it?” Drilling into the stucco is a challenging task until you find the right guide to do it effectively.

Stucco, being a brittle material, is more likely to get cracked or crumbled while drilling if not done wisely. But don’t worry, we have got you a simple step-by-step tutorial on “how to drill into stucco without cracking” to help you succeed at any DIY stucco project.

Let’s dive into the details to clarify all the queries you might have about stucco.

What is Stucco and why is it used?

Stucco is a durable building material and an ancient technique to protect the walls and decorate them in an artistic way. It does not only provide texture to walls and sculptures but also prevents them from extreme weather or fire.

Basically, stucco is a mixture of lime, Portland cement, sand, and water. It initially results in a thick paste-like liquid and dries into a hard, textured coating. Stucco may look familiar to the concrete once it dries up; hard and brittle. However, it is quite easy to drill into stucco than concrete.

Can I drill into stucco without cracking it?

Yes, you can. Using the proper method and the right tools, you can successfully drill into stucco without cracking it. Stucco is more likely to get damaged into visible cracks unless you don’t follow the recommended process.

We have explained every dos and don’ts below to help you accomplish your home decor. Get along with us to understand the whole procedure.

What type of drill bits are ideal for drilling into stucco?

Make sure that the size of the drill bit always matches the size of the hole you want to drill.

Masonry bits are the most recommended drill bits for drilling through hard surfaces like stones, concrete, cement, or stucco. Their diamond-coated or carbide tip promotes easy penetration and quick drilling. You can avail this type of bits in your desired size.

However, Hole Saw bits with carbide or diamond-coated tips can also get the job done.

Which drill should I use to drill through the stucco?

Such a rigid material, like stucco, demands powerful tools for successful drilling.

If you are planning to drill small holes (up to ⅜” in diameter), luckily you don’t need to buy a fancy drill for that. You can quickly achieve them with the smaller bits combined with a basic drill as well.

For larger holes, you need a specialized drill that has a tendency to attach larger twist bits. The hammer drill works ideal for penetrating into hard surfaces like cement, concrete, or stucco. Using a hammer drill with a masonry drill bit is the most ideal way to reduce the risk of damage to stucco.

Type of walls behind stucco

Before drilling through stucco, it is important to know the type of wall the stucco is covering. So, you are already prepared to encounter the restrictions you may face.

There are two different types of wall structures that stucco might be coated on.

Category 1:- Masonry/ cement walls

The walls with cement or masonry foundations are flat and smooth. Therefore, they do not cause any restrictions while drilling. You can directly drill into the stucco which is covering this type of wall.

Category-2:- Gypsum walls, wooden boards, wainscoting, and bead boards

These wooden or composite walls are first double-layered with D-grade waterproofing, and then a stucco netting is fixed before applying stucco. The netting is made with a thin sheet of aluminum. It contains multiple control joints, making up a square pattern of 40×40 inches, all over the wall. It reduces the possibility of cracks in stucco after it dries.

Remember that you will be encountering that netting as you drill through the stucco. Ensure that you are not going to drill at a control joint.

An easy tip to avoid the joints is to draw a light grid of 40×40 inches from top to bottom. Same from the right to left side of the wall. This way, mark a spot where you actually want to drill. Spotting a safe point of drilling according to your wall type takes you almost 80% there.

Things required for the process:-

• Suitable drill and bits
• PVC tape
• Caulk
• Pencil and Measuring tape (if the wall type falls in category 2)

How to drill into stucco without cracking it? In 4 easy steps

Before getting started, remember that you need to be patient throughout the process. Keep it steady and take your time.

STEP 1:- Prepare the wall for drilling a hole

Encounter a safe spot where you want to drill into. (If the stucco wall is covering any metal under it, draw a grid on the wall in the way mentioned earlier.) 

Now that you have decided where to drill actually, we recommend placing PVC tape around the spot. This way, it gives an extra finish to the hole by reducing the chances of unwanted damage to the stucco.

STEP 2:- Fasten the drill bit properly

Make sure that you are picking the drill bit of the same size as that of the hole you want.

Properly attach the masonry bit(as recommended) to the suitable drill. As stated earlier, a masonry bit will make your work a lot easier and faster. 

STEP 3:- Perform drilling

Now, place the tip on the wall and squeeze the trigger inwards. Ensure that it provides an even pressure to drill at a slow speed. If the stucco has started crumbling into pieces and creating dust at this step. It is normal while drilling into stucco.

Take regular breaks to cool down the bit. Dip it in cold water so that it does not cause overheating, friction, or dust problems.

REMEMBER:- If you encounter any restriction (aluminum netting or nails) while drilling, just carry on the process with a steady torque and speed until you don’t get the required depth.

STEP 4:- Ready the hole to hang a picture

Once you drill up to the desired depth, get the drill out of the hole whilst spinning the bit slowly. Now, clean the debris out properly to reduce the risk of surface cracking.

If the stucco wall gets a little cracked during the process, it is normal due to the presence of wire mesh inside it. Apply the thick solution of caulk to fill the cracks. It works like an adhesive for the damaged surfaces. Leave it for 2 hours and let it dry.

The hole is now all ready to insert a screw and hang a picture or mirror.

PRO TIPS:

1. Whether you are a beginner at drilling or an experienced professional, always drill steadily into the stucco and take your time. Drilling at a fast pace may lead to heavy cracks that damage the stucco internally.
2. If the stucco gets damaged somehow, fill the cracks with caulk before projecting it again.
3. Never rush drilling into the wet (caulk applied) stucco wall. Otherwise, it can cause irreparable damage to the surface.
4. Put the dust mask and eye protection on, while drilling. Otherwise, it could cause serious respiratory or eye problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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