I am interested in using ICF for a cottage I am planning to build and would like to know what is the proper way and or product to use to achieve a smooth plaster finish look on the exterior. I am trying to get a old world type of look and finish and don't want a traditional stucco finish. Would this be much cheaper/easier than brick on the exterior? Thanks for any help. Tmain

Any of the synthetic stucco products used for EIFS should work fine directly applied to the ICF foam. Google [synthetic stucco EIFS ICF] for more info. Note that many of the problems (rotting wood) reported with EIFS shouldn't be an issue with ICF since you don't have any unprotected wood in the structure assuming you used treated wood or PVC for your window and door bucks.

Whether or not a stucco finish is cheaper or easier than brick depends on your local material costs and labor rates.

In my local area, brick is relatively inexpensive at ~$4/sq ft installed, which is about the same price as vinyl lap siding installed. Brick is what I will be using on my ICF home because of its durability, low maintenance, and fire resistance.

Tmain happy to send you a sample of our exterior coating Stuccomax, very easy to make old It is the most durable product there is, water/fire resistant, low maintance and more.

Here is some info on stucco type ICF finishes:

http://www.icfmag.com/articles/features/wall_finishes.html

Arkie6 "In my local area, brick is relatively inexpensive at ~$4/sq ft installed" I wish, it's 12 to 15$ a sq/ft in Ottawa!!!! John

If you're interested in brick, you might want to look at thin brick. Some manufacturers make a 5.33 sqft panel on a cementitious backer board that installs really easily, looks terrific and carries the same warranty as full size brick.

Posted By JohnyH on 04 Sep 2011 08:21 AM
Arkie6 "In my local area, brick is relatively inexpensive at ~$4/sq ft installed" I wish, it's 12 to 15$ a sq/ft in Ottawa!!!! John

Wow, that's high.  Is it due to the cost of the brick or the cost of the labor?

We used to have a brick plant within 20 miles of my home.  It closed not too long ago, but there are still several other brick plants within a 100 mile radius.  That reduces shipping costs.  Here, king size brick cost on average $400/1000 bricks delivered.  That's $0.40 per brick.  It takes ~5 king size brick per square foot of wall, so the brick cost per square foot of wall is only $2.  Labor and mortar costs about the same at ~$0.40 per brick.  Arches and other special features cost extra as well as lintel steel.

Bruce, what price range do those types of brick run per sf?

I don't remember the pricing, but here's a link... call them Tuesday and ask.

http://www.thinbrickbyowensboro.com/

Ok....that's just like these and they are more expensive than real brick!



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No, Robin. They aren't the same. Faux Brick is made from polyurethane. Ownemsboro Thin Brick is real clay brick, just thinner and mounted on a cementitious backer board. And as always, do not look at just the cost of the material, the important number s the final installed cost including all labor and supplies. Cheers.