What metal lath means
Metal lath is expanded or woven steel mesh fastened to framing or sheathing that holds plaster, stucco or stone veneer mortar.
Also called expanded metal lath, diamond lath.
Where it matters on a drywall job
Lath has to be lapped and fastened right or the plaster or stucco cracks. On stucco and stone veneer jobs, the lath and weather barrier underneath are what you are really warrantying.
What the model code says
- The code table sets a finished plaster thickness of 5/8 inch minimum over expanded metal lath. (IRC 2021, Chapter 7)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for metal lath before you quote.
What it costs
The stucco repair cost guide has the typical job at $1,650 and the usual range at $750 to $2,800. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Stucco repair cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free drywall resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 7, Wall Covering (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.