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Stucco is used in architecture to give a decorative texture in comparison to materials with less visual appeal like metal or concrete. Hanging decor and attachments onto stucco walls and ceilings can beg the question as to how to screw into the stucco. As you know, regular drilling does not always hold the screws in this hard material.
You will need the right type of screws, drill bit, and an impact driver or drill, to complete the job. Because of the hard nature of stucco, you will start with drilling a starter hole into the stucco. Then place the screw in the hole with a screwdriver or power drill.
Read on to find out the right method because using the right tools is key when it comes to how to screw into stucco.
Stucco is a popular material used around the world because it creates a beautiful texture on walls and ceilings. Because of its hard cement-like qualities, it requires special screws and techniques to create anchors.
The section below will go over how to install screws into a stucco wall or stucco ceiling.
How to Screw Into Stucco: Step by Step to Install Screws
To screw into stucco, you will be using stucco screws, a matching carbide drill bit, and an impact driver or power drill. Most stucco screw sets will come with a matching drill bit.
Start with drilling a pilot hole into the stucco. Then place the screw into the hole with a power drill.
For heavy-duty applications, you can use a stucco anchor with the screw. That increases the load it can hold. Use a hammer to drive the anchor into the pilot hole.
Before you start the work, wear safety gear like goggles, an anti-dust mask, and non-slip shoes. You will be working with a drill or impact driver. So be sure to follow the proper safety measures while operating power tools.
Step 1: Mark the area of the screw placement
First, measure and mark where you want the screw to be placed.
Mark with a pencil on the stucco to avoid any extra marks and dirt on the stucco. Using a pencil is preferable as you can wipe it off later to make it look clean and tidy.
Step 2: Make a pilot hole with a drill
Next, install a carbide drill bit into the impact drill. Then place the drill on to the mark that you have made earlier.
A masonry drill bit is usually included with the set of stucco screws. When choosing a drill bit from a masonry drill bit set, select one that is slightly smaller than the screw.
Hold the drill straight on the stucco wall at a 90-degree angle to wall. This will make the hole in the wall straight.
Drill into the mark to make a pilot hole in the wall. Drill slowly to make the hole even and straight. Slow drilling will also help prevent the stucco wall from chipping.
Remove the excess dust from the pilot hole.
Step 3: Optional, put caulk in the hole
This step is optional. You can add a bit of silicone caulk inside the hole to protect the wall from drilling damage by giving it a coating.
Step 4: Optional, place a screw anchor in the hole
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. The correct size plastic anchor is supplied with stucco screw and anchor pieces.
Use a hammer to forge in the anchor to the wall. You can also use a screwdriver to inject the anchor into the hole. Do it until the anchor gets fully inside of the wall.
Step 5: Drive in the stucco screw
You will be using specialty screws that are stucco screws as well as concrete screws. That’s because stucco is a hard material like concrete.
You will notice that these screws have special features like a diamond tip to enhance penetration into hard materials like stucco and concrete. They come with deep threads for increased holding strength.
Some screws come with a blue coating for superior resistance to corrosion. However, if you don’t plan to paint over obvious blue screws, choose the natural colored screws that won’t stand out like a sore thumb.
Do I Need a Special Drill Bit for Stucco?
Yes, you do need a special drill bit for stucco walls and ceilings. You will need to use carbide drill bits or masonry drill bits.
When you’re choosing a drill head that matches the screw, select a drill head that is slightly smaller in diameter compared to the screw. Use it to create the pilot hole.
Often stucco screw packages come with a masonry drill bit. Use this with your power drill to place a pilot hole into the stucco. Then drive the screw into the pilot hole with a power tool.
What Kind of Screws Should I Use for Stucco?
You can use stucco screws or concrete screws. That’s because stucco is a hard material like concrete.
You will notice that these screws have special features like a diamond tip for enhanced penetration into hard stucco and concrete. They also come with deep threads that increase their holding strength.
When selecting the type of screws, consider that shorter screws that are 1 1/2 inches are for lighter attachments. Screws that are longer are for heavier attachments. Always check the weight limits by the manufacturer on the package.
Takeaway
Stucco is a fine plaster that is used to cover walls and ceilings to create a sophisticated look. It is also a hard material like concrete.
This stucco anchor kit gives you what you need to create a stucco anchor with a drill bit and set of screws.
If you often work with masonry, you may want to have a carbide drill set on hand with higher-quality drill bits to tackle tough stucco.
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