What is tadelakt? In some ways, that depends on how you define it.

Recently, the term “tadelakt” has been used to describe a wide range of polished plaster, especially water-resistant plasters that can be used in a shower or as a tub surround. Many people are interested in this look and are not concerned about what the plaster is made of or how the end product is achieved. If you are in this camp, you will probably be happy with a Modern Acrylic-Stabilized Lime Plaster and you can stop reading here. Or if you thought you wanted tadelakt but don’t need the finish to be waterproof or highly polished, you will probably be happy with one of our other plaster finish options, and you can stop reading here.

If you are interested in a more natural, artisanal finish that is closer to the Moroccan tradition and contains no acrylics or resins, please read the following about Traditional Tadelakt:

Traditional tadelakt is a beautiful, unique, and charming finish. It is silky and sensuous, lending itself to a very custom look. Having a surface that feels like ceramic without having grout lines is nice, too. Although is it gorgeous, traditional tadelakt does come with some caveats that are important to understand before selecting it as your finish. 

Variability: Traditional tadelakt is a natural and hand-applied material that can be a bit unpredictable, resulting in variations in tone and color throughout the surface: no two tadelakt walls will look exactly the same. If you are someone who embraces the wabi-sabi of natural stone or wood, you will appreciate the variability and unique beauty of tadelakt.

Character: Traditional tadelakt darkens and shows micro-cracks every time it gets wet. These cracks are part of the nature of the material. Since the true waterproofing is taken care of behind the tadelakt surface, these tiny cracks — — that appear when wet and disappear again when dry — are not a cause for concern and can be appreciated as part of the traditional tadelakt experience.

Cost and Inconvenience: Traditional tadelakt is a labor-intensive process with drying times between steps which can be unpredictable based on temperature, humidity, etc. There are two main categories of traditional tadelakt: "wet tadelakt" and "decorative tadelakt."  Wet tadelakt is used in showers and bathtub surrounds so it must be able to handle serious water exposure.  Decorative tadelakt requires less intensive prep but is still water-resistant so is good for areas with minor water exposure, such as on walls behind sinks or toilets.

Wet tadelakt requires a meticulous process and has long drying/curing times. Installation of a true tadelakt shower will require 4-5 days of labor and then curing time before the shower can be used.

Decorative tadelakt is not as labor-intensive and does not require the same cure time.

Durability and Repairability: Like tile, traditional tadelakt can be scratched or chipped and is not an easy surface to repair. It can be stained by things like red wine and requires some maintenance, such as rewaxing every few years. 

Traditional tadelakt is a beautiful, tactile, unique finish that some people just have to have despite its quirks. If you understand the nature and limitations of traditional tadelakt and must have it anyway, get in touch with us to discuss your project.