Carrara: Tape & Float Stucco
Historical Significance

Lath & Plaster - How Interior Walls were Constructed
In the 19th to mid 20th century, Lath and Plaster were the building materials used to make interior walls. Strips of wood were used to form a base for plaster. An applicator would then use a board to force plaster into the gaps between the lath as well as leaving a layer on the front to form the under coat. It was standard to apply a second coat in the same fashion, called a brown coat, that resulted in a 1/2" of rough sandy plaster. A smooth white finish coat would go on last.

Drywall Replaces Lath & Plaster
Gypsum lath (gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of absorbent paper), was invented in 1910 and multiple variations were developed in the 1930's. Today, it's referred to as Sheetrock or Drywall and it's replaced lath and plaster. Why? A gypsum panel is faster and less expensive to install. Moreover, since plastering requires greater skill and training, by reducing the amount of plastering also reduces the building cost.

Metal Lath & Cement Plaster - How Hard Coat Stucco is Constructed
The same stud cavity that interior drywall used to replace lath & plaster, is also used to attach metal lath and cement plaster---but on the exterior. And like lath & plaster, the time, skill and cost required to successfully install hard coat stucco or EIFS, is greater than what might be expected with a stucco application that's installed like drywall. In 1995, the inspiration to create a better stucco was created based on the successful business model of drywall. Today, that model is called, Carrara: Tape & Float Stucco.℠

Carrara: Tape & Float Stucco℠, is the Evolution of Stucco → Learn More