skip to main content

Ultra Smooth Exterior Landscape Walls--Plaster

15 years ago

When running around my neighborhood, I'm taken with the (usually) pony sized walls that have an incredibly smooth, unpainted, finish. Without knowing a whole lot, I'm assuming that the walls are either poured concrete or cinderblock construction with an integral colour plaster applied. The finishes are usually in the earth tones and are not 100% consistent in colour throughout. You can see darker, almost damp looking spots, and colour variations where water has dripped down. I love the look--perfectly smooth, no trowel marks, and the matte somewhat inconsistent colour finish.

Have I described at all something that sounds familiar?

I want to build a wall about 4 feet tall with this slab sided look and integral colour and was hoping you could tell me what product, tools and finishing technique would garner this result.

Thanks so much.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

houseful
15 years ago
It's probably painted smooth or sand finish stucco over block construction. They cap the top with concrete and round it with a trowel. This finish will give a that mottled effect when painted. I would caution you to look closely because after awhile you will see the block pattern showing through and it doesn't look so nice.

BTW, in what part of the country do you live?
wolfgang80
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm in Santa Monica--Southern California.

Hmmm, I didn't think paint could provide the look I'm talking about. It's not opaque and it looks different from the stucco walls that are clearly painted, which is most of them.

I have seen a few walls with the block grid showing through. We assumed they spread the stucco/plaster too thin. Is it only a matter of time before the grid shows through or is it poor workmanship?

Thanks for your help.

BTW, is there a board here where this question would be more appropriate?
Related Discussions
Your thoughts on this color choice?
Q
Comments (35)
The house I posted was in Florida, too! I suspected that's where you were :) I think the white trim will look nice with the white roof, just my humble opinion. Biscayne bay looks like it could be REALLY nice. I've seen some darker-medium dark grey houses popping up in Sarasota but not too many. Light grey with white roof, white trim. Notice the blue/grey toned driveway and lack of reddish in the landscaping. Notice their grey reads light but is clearly darker than your first try. Exterior colors get a bit washed out looking especially in bright sunlight. This post was edited by robotropolis on Fri, Jan 23, 15 at 13:14
...See More
What Brand of Paint?
Q
Comments (52)
For ease of use and coverage (I do most of our painting), I love Behr paint - seems just the right thickness to go on and cover well, without dripping. If I don't find a Behr color I like, I have another brand's color color-matched. Used Valspar in our master bathroom (eggshell) and absolutely do not like it - far too "shiny" and to me, it looks as if I've put a coat of liquid plastic on the wall. Have used SW, but am not fond of the slow service at our local store. When we repaint our open floor plan LR/DR/foyer/kitchen, we'll use Behr flat paint - I don't like any type of sheen to wall paint - love the warmth of flat paint. Just a personal opinion.
...See More
What design feature really delights you?
Q
Comments (54)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. My teeny tiny front porch- I did the painter cloth curtains thanks to peeps here and I very much enjoyed sitting there and reading this summer. Two sets of french doors with wavy glass leading into the side porch or family room from the LR.The french doors flank the FP in the living room. The 6 foot archway from living room into dining room. The original windows and doors and glass door knobs through out. Original oak floor with walnut strips outlining the LR and DR. The light that fills the house. The deep sound of the buoy bell in the wind, that my Dad brought me from Cape Cod the year before he died. The firepit and birdfeeders in the back yard. The racetracks in the grass from Cooper and Bailey. Awaiting reseeding in the spring. My weeping cherry tree and climbing roses in the front, making my house look more like a cottage than colonial revival. The Australian sage that attracts the hummingbirds and the purple coneflower that the golfinches gorge themselves on. My beautiful kitchen that my DH put in for me,he did it all DIY but the granite. I can't believe its mine. My lovely family sound asleep upstairs, a fire in the fireplace, Cooper and Bailey snoozing at my feet and the wind gusting outside my door. so warm and cozy inside.
...See More
First impressions???
Q
Comments (71)
hey apple_pie, I have my real estate license and I've seen lots of newer houses around Houston. Can't say that I've seen many new ones specifically in this area, but I'm very aware of the houses nearby that have been renovated and have sold in a reasonable amount of time and for a decent amount. There are some new builds in the area. I'm going to check them out. hi cleo, this is an interesting trend! sea gress rugs? I can't say that I knew that this was a thing. That could be the solution that I'm looking for, because to disagree with a point you made, I think that the blue/grey (in the kitchen at least) helps to sort of cancel out the tile when you're not looking specifically at it... as in when you're walking through the room, the tile doesnt seem to be as big of an issue.. BM natural linen looks great with that color though. Does the "color wheel" come into play in your designs? I tried to make the blue the opposite of the tile on purpose for what it's worth. So with the large seagrass rug in the living room, some of the floor heart burn might be solved? Hopefully? Yes, I'm going to do some minimal staging to try and balance some of the less popular aspects. Here's a closer pic of the kitchen... tile is less of a problem here I think.. what do you think? I realize that I ideally I should take out the paneling, but they aren't just the facade... they're inch thick pine. Behind that are the studs. Too late in the game to go down that avenue. I'm going to look up Cote de Texas. =) Thanks all!
...See More
houseful
15 years ago
It could be the type of stucco with color integrated. I don't know what it's called. Yes, I think it's a matter of time. Great workmanship may prolong, I sure.

Here is a link to all the forums in case you haven't found it yet. Maybe try the Building a Home forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: more forums
gldnfan
15 years ago
We just had the stucco finish you are describing applied to our house in northern California. We will also be applying ti to a retaining wall. It is a custom pigment incorporated into the stucco and the resulting surface is the skill of application.

To create a lasting finish that will not crack horribly over time requires a very professional job. I think we have 6 layers - plus a mesh layer. It is still going to have hairlines in it over time but without the mesh it will most certainly look very spiderweb like before too long.

I love the finish - it is like venetian plaster on the exterior of our home without the gloss I don't really care for in VP. We did American Clay on our interior walls and it strikes some people as funny that we have the smooth finish on the outside and the more rough organic texture on the inside.

Our contractor said we could seal it to avoid the changes in color - that mottle effect - that weather changes - moisture - cause. I said no way. I love that it is a "living finish and changes.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Stucco Smooths Modern Home Exteriors

Put your home exterior on an even keel with this versatile, sculptural material that comes in a range of modern hues

ARCHITECTURE Rounded Forms Smooth Modern Architecture’s Edges

By Rebecca Gross

A simple curve or fluid line can soften and add interest to the look of your house, inside and out

WORKING WITH PROS Your Guide to a Smooth-Running Construction Project

By Incite Design

Find out how to save time, money and your sanity when building new or remodeling

MONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTS Your April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Shake off the winter blues and spring into action to get your home in the spirit of the new season

LIFE May Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Sweep into wonderful weather by prepping your home for outdoor pleasures and giving accumulated muck the boot

HOUSEKEEPING April Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

By Laura Gaskill

Refresh and organize your rooms and outdoor spaces to meet the new season with a spring in your step

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Jet-Setting Style Lands Smoothly in Portland

By Whitney Lyons

Furnishings from around the world give an Oregon home a well-traveled vibe that packs in personality

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Pick a Nice Wall for Your Garden Room

By Billy Goodnick Garden Design

Made by hand, prefab or growing from the ground, garden walls are key landscaping elements. Here's what to think about for your yard

REMODELING GUIDES Tongue and Groove Wall Paneling Joins the Comeback Club

By Rachel Grace

Try this smooth architectural move to give your walls a streamlined appearance that conveys quality

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 9 Outdoor Lighting Schemes That Get Universal Design Right

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Boost safety and a feeling of welcome with exterior lighting that offers visual cues and clearly defines paths

Sponsored

Red Pine Landscaping

Industry Leading Landscape Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

What Cambria Quartz Countertops?

13

Need help converting a closet to a bathroom please!

8

Critique my new floorplan! Master bath and kitchen

7

Floor Plan Help

1

Opening to between rooms got smaller?

2