how to drill into stucco
Sophia Vance
Updated on July 03, 2026
Can I Screw Into Stucco? The answer to that question is, yes you can screw into stucco if you have the right type of screw, a screw gun and a drill bit. It is easier to drill into the stucco first and then drive the screw in with either a drill or a screwdriver/nut driver.
How do I drill a hole in stucco?
Place the drill bit against the mark on the wall and apply firm pressure to the back of the drill, pushing it tightly against the wall. Squeeze the trigger to drill a hole through the stucco. Continue drilling until the hole reaches the desired depth, then switch the drill to reverse to back the bit out of the hole.
Do you need an anchor when drilling into stucco?
You won’t need to place an anchor into the pilot hole because stucco is a hard material and stucco screws have special threads. This step is optional for heavy-duty applications. The anchor increases the holding power.
How do you hang things on stucco?
To attach lightweight items, use special adhesive hooks for stucco. Adhesive hooks stick to the wall right away, and once you are done with their use, you can even remove them in a jiffy. Adhesive strips or hooks will stick to most smooth surfaces, but may not be suitable for textured surfaces.
What is behind a stucco wall?
Sheathing is basically the “backing material” that can be found underneath the various layers of stucco that form the backing of residential and commercial buildings. They can be made out of wood, cement, gypsum, fiberglass and other materials.
What kind of anchor do you use for stucco?
The best type of wall anchor to install in stucco is an all-purpose anchor that spreads wide for hollow areas but only thickens for solid areas.
Do you need a masonry bit for stucco?
Do I Need A Special Drill Bit For Stucco? Similarly, you will need a suitable drill bit. In this instance, a masonry drill bit will ensure that you get a decent purchase on the Stucco and that you can drill the right size hole without having to force it. The bit will work quickly and shouldn’t cause too large a hole.
How do you use a hammer drill on stucco?
Now, if you’re drilling through cement-based stucco, you’ll need a hammer drill. Press the masonry bit on the pencil mark you’ve made on the stucco and then switch on the hammer drill trigger. Hold the drill firmly and push it forward against the mark. Once you start drilling, avoid the tendency to push too much.
How do you drill into an exterior plaster wall?
Position the drill where you want the hole, and drill as shallow a hole as possible for your needs. For example, if you want to hang something on the outside of the house, drill only 1/8 of an inch deeper than the mounting screw is long.
Can I hammer nails into stucco?
yes you can nail through stucco using a hardened nail, like a masonry or concrete nail. Pre-drilling a hole first though, using a masonry/concrete bit will make nailing the nail a lot easier, reduce possible cracking and you can use just about any nail at that point too.
What adhesive will stick to stucco?
Any sealant labeled for concrete, cement or masonry should work on a stucco surface. Cement bonding agents are specifically designed to work as an adhesive for cement-based materials, such as stucco.
How do you drill into stucco without cracking it?
Can I Drill Through Stucco? To answer the question, yes you can drill through stucco with the right drill bit and proper drill. Masonry type of bits with carbide or diamond tips are the go to bits for stucco and having a hammer drill will greatly help with larger holes.
How do you stick Christmas lights to stucco?
Hot Glue. Whether hanging lights outside your stucco home or inside, you can use hot glue to adhere the cord to the wall. Make sure your hot glue gun is loaded and connected to an outlet (you’ll likely need an extension cord).
Does alien tape work on stucco?
It claims you can use it on brick, wood, stucco, glass, or even drywall, but note it says it will damage drywall. We can use this to put up pictures, shelves on walls, or even keep a rug in place, but enough with the claims.
Will a stud finder work on stucco?
Some newer construction buildings use a fiberglass product embedded in the stucco, so if there is no metal mesh, you can use the DeepScan® mode in your StudSensor™ or MultiScanner® stud finders. However, if the building has wire mesh in the stucco, then try these work around tips for locating studs behind stucco.
Do you need plywood under stucco?
Stucco requires a rough surface that it can bond to, like the aforementioned masonry. Plywood products don’t offer this, so lath needs to be applied, providing something for the stucco to bond to. But there are other parts of the preparation to do, before the lath.
Can you use plastic anchors in stucco?
For stucco I would consider using plastic expansion anchors. For a smallish screw these should work well and minimize the size of hole you have to drill into the stucco. You have to be rather careful when drilling in stucco in that it is rather easy to find your hole getting larger diameter than you want.