The STO EIFS system has multiple steps. You start by sanding down the ICFs with rough sandpaper, and then put on a basecoat and embed mesh into it. I recruited my brother for this project. The photo below is the "big" wall complete with basecoat.
We used a fine grain top coat in a color called Moon dust. The color does not show up in these photos at all. I did all of the top coat myself because it turns out the guys thought that this was a "girl's job" because it took a light touch to get an even finish.
When Izak went to the lumber yard to pick up our siding I NEVER expected him to show up with cedar shakes! They are gorgeous, but quite a tedious process putting them up. Turns out that this is another great "girl's job" because they are light weight and a one person job. So, other than the corner of the garage, I've put up all of the shingles. The smell of cedar actually makes me nauseous now, but I've still got hours of shingling to go.
We are going to let the shingles naturally gray a bit before treating them (if at all). They look great but they are a little pink for our taste.
Turkey the cat really loves the front deck. He had a rough car ride getting to the new house, but he has come to quickly love the country home.
Our view from the front deck is beautiful.
After contemplating what to finish the fireplace in, we went with stucco. The simplicity of it seems to be the best option for the space. Now we just need to get the floating mantles put on to the brackets.
It just stopped raining...so back to those shingles!


