tadelakt
For a true spa-like bathroom, consider tadelakt.
If you hate cleaning grout, traditional moroccan tadelakt might be a good fit for you. Its glossy, seamless finish makes it perfect for wet areas like showers and baths, and it’s fire-retardant for fireplace surrounds and vent hoods.
Image from Engel & Voelkers.
tadelakt
For a true spa-like bathroom, consider tadelakt.
If you hate cleaning grout, traditional moroccan tadelakt might be a good fit for you. Its glossy, seamless finish makes it perfect for wet areas like showers and baths, and it’s fire-retardant for fireplace surrounds and vent hoods.
Image from Engel & Voelkers.
tadelakt
For a true spa-like bathroom, consider tadelakt.
If you hate cleaning grout, traditional moroccan tadelakt might be a good fit for you. Its glossy, seamless finish makes it perfect for wet areas like showers and baths, and it’s fire-retardant for fireplace surrounds and vent hoods.
Image from Engel & Voelkers.
What is tadelakt?
What is tadelakt?
The term “tadelakt” originates from Arabic, meaning “to rub.” It is a traditional Moroccan wall surfacing technique that blends lime plaster with black olive soap. When combined, these ingredients undergo a chemical reaction, forming a waterproof membrane.
The term “tadelakt” originates from Arabic, meaning “to rub.” It is a traditional Moroccan wall surfacing technique that blends lime plaster with black olive soap. When combined, these ingredients undergo a chemical reaction, forming a waterproof membrane.
Image courtesy of Scott Webb via Pexels
Image courtesy of Scott Webb via Pexels
Application
Application
Applied by hand in thin coats, tadelakt is meticulously polished multiple times using precious stones and soap, a process known as burnishing. Each step takes time, resulting in projects spanning several days or even weeks. Through this methodical approach, coarse powder transforms into velvety, glossy surfaces.
Applied by hand in thin coats, tadelakt is meticulously polished multiple times using precious stones and soap, a process known as burnishing. Each step takes time, resulting in projects spanning several days or even weeks. Through this methodical approach, coarse powder transforms into velvety, glossy surfaces.
It is significantly more expensive than standard lime plaster because of the burnishing required to make it waterproof, so use tadelakt in wet areas and a regular lime plaster finish everywhere else. It looks beautiful on countertops, bath surrounds, and shower walls.
It is significantly more expensive than standard lime plaster because of the burnishing required to make it waterproof, so use tadelakt in wet areas and a regular lime plaster finish everywhere else. It looks beautiful on countertops, bath surrounds, and shower walls.
Image from Rose Uniacke.
Image from Rose Uniacke.
Durability
Durability
Using harsh chemicals such as bleach can damage the delicate limestone surface, but maintaining it is surprisingly easy—especially without grout lines to contend with. Annual waxing enhances its resistance to stains, while weekly cleaning with black soap, also known as Marseille soap, helps preserve and condition it.
Using harsh chemicals such as bleach can damage the delicate limestone surface, but maintaining it is surprisingly easy—especially without grout lines to contend with. Annual waxing enhances its resistance to stains, while weekly cleaning with black soap, also known as Marseille soap, helps preserve and condition it.
To assist our clients in caring for their surfaces, we provide a starter kit containing soap, a list of recommended cleaners, and care instructions for sharing with family members or house cleaners.
To assist our clients in caring for their surfaces, we provide a starter kit containing soap, a list of recommended cleaners, and care instructions for sharing with family members or house cleaners.
However, if a shower wall sustains deep dings or undergoes damage from harsh chemicals, replacing the entire shower panel becomes necessary.
However, if a shower wall sustains deep dings or undergoes damage from harsh chemicals, replacing the entire shower panel becomes necessary.
Pros
• No seams or grout lines in its application.
• Has a distinctive, organic look both smooth and subtle, shiny and soft.
• Environmentally friendly material, naturally mold and mildew resistant.
• Can be applied to walls and countertops.
Cons
• Application is incredibly labor intensive and costly.
• Requires periodic care and upkeep with regular cleaning and waxing/resealing.
• Limited color options when compared to more standard materials like tile.
Pros
• No seams or grout lines in its application.
• Has a distinctive, organic look both smooth and subtle, shiny and soft.
• Environmentally friendly material, naturally mold and mildew resistant.
• Can be applied to walls and countertops.
Cons
• Application is incredibly labor intensive and costly.
• Requires periodic care and upkeep with regular cleaning and waxing/resealing.
• Limited color options when compared to more standard materials like tile.
