Stucco Repaint & Cedar Stair Restoration — Mount Pleasant, East Vancouver

This Mount Pleasant craftsman home near Cambie Street in East Vancouver had a classic two-tone stucco exterior that had seen better days. The upper stucco was faded and chalky, the lower foundation stucco was a mismatched terracotta-pink, and the cedar stairs had been stained and re-stained so many times that the finish was peeling, cracking, and lifting in multiple layers.

The homeowner wanted a complete exterior refresh — a cohesive, modern colour palette that would honour the craftsman character of the home while giving it a sharp, updated look. We selected a deep charcoal for the lower stucco and a warm grey for the upper body, with crisp white on all the trim, fascia, columns, and architectural details.

The stairs required the most intensive work. We completed a full sand-down to bare wood — removing every layer of old stain and sealer — before applying Sikkens Cetol 1 (available through Benjamin Moore and Rona dealers). The result is the rich, warm cedar tone you see in the after photos. The grain is visible, the colour is even, and the protection will outlast any surface-only application.

The completed transformation is one of the most dramatic on the block. The home now has a strong, confident presence — the charcoal and white contrast is bold and timeless, and the cedar stairs are a warm counterpoint that ties the whole composition together.