Tadelakt is a traditional, lime-based plastering technique that has been used in Morocco for thousands of years. The ancient finish is also becoming a popular feature for Western bathrooms and wet rooms. The natural tadelakt plaster made from water-resistant Marrakech lime can be used indoors and outdoors. It’s particularly suitable for covering walls, ceilings, and shower enclosures in bathrooms.
The polished tadelakt finish is waterproof and durable and scratch resistant while remaining breathable. Here are 12 reasons to use Tadelakt to create an authentic tadelakt Moroccan bathroom:
Ancient Craftsmanship
Tadelakt is an oral tradition that has been passed down through the centuries. True craftsmanship is becoming a rarity in the frenetic pace of the modern world. However, quality and patience are making a comeback as many begin to value the art of ancient techniques as opposed to globalised, mass-produced products and materials.
Unique
Tadelakt plaster is a unique alternative to tiles. It will give your bathroom that ‘wow’ factor. You don’t see it everywhere so you can be pretty certain that the neighbours won’t have it.
Hygienic
Tadelakt has a seamless smooth finish and there’s no need for grouting. Grouting can eventually crack and crumble and also traps dirt, grime and mould.
Minimalist Luxury
Tadelakt adds a touch of elegance to any style of bathroom. Fixtures and furnishings can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish.
Eco-Friendly
Tadelakt is a natural product and doesn’t contain any harsh or toxic chemicals. Not only does it release 80% less CO2 than cement, but it also reabsorbs CO2 in its production, helping to lower the carbon footprint.
Not Just Walls
Flexible, pliable and easy to work, Tadelakt can also be used to make, sinks and shelves.
Not Just For Bathrooms
Its waterproof finish means that Tadelakt is ideal for any wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor living areas. The beautiful polished finish also adds a seamless, contemporary look to fireplace surrounds.
Affordable
If you compare the cost of buying quality tiles and having them fitted by a professional tiler, Tadelakt is a competitive alternative in terms of price. Although the ancient Moroccan technique is labour intensive and requires the skills of a Tadelakt specialist, the hard, durable plaster will last for centuries. Tadelakt offers an excellent return on investment and you’ll have a beautiful, timeless Moroccan bathroom feature that will last for years to come.
It’s Truly Waterproof
If you use Moroccan plaster to plaster your bathroom, then you’ll have no need for tiles or other water repelling surfaces. If installed correctly, the plaster is totally waterproof. The soap causes a chemical reaction with the lime in the plaster, making it waterproof. As well as this, tadelakt plaster can be applied seamlessly. This looks great in your bathroom, but also offers no cracks for water to run into and cause issues later down the line.
Create All Kinds Of Bathroom Elements With Tadelakt Bathrooms
When you’re looking at renovating your bathroom, you’ll be looking at all kinds of bathrooms fixtures and fittings. You want something that will create a bathroom that’s truly unique to you. Instead of going with conventional ideas, why not use tadelakt? It can be used to create almost anything, from showers, sinks, bathtubs, enclosures, and more. You can have a bathroom that looks just the way you want it to.
You Have A Choice Of Colours
When you think of Moroccan plaster, you’ll think of earthy tones. If you want tadelakt in your bathroom, you can certainly have these tones if you wish. However, there is actually a lot of choice in what colours you can use. This gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to creating your bathroom, and choosing the accessories that will go in there.
It’s Easy to Look After
Some people want to get a Moroccan style bathroom, but they’re worried about how to take care of it. Luckily, it’s much easier than it looks. When you need to clean the plaster gentle cleaning products will do the trick nicely. You’ll also need to reapply Idrowax periodically, in order to keep the plaster waterproof. When the plaster looks as though it’s losing its waterproof properties, you simply apply more.
Finding Tadelakt Experts
Now you know everything you need to know about tadelakt, you need someone who can apply it. Tadelakt plastering is an art that’s handed down from artisan to artisan in Morocco. Here at Tadelakt, we travelled to Morocco to learn the practice from the masters, making us the UK experts in Moroccan plastering.
If you’re looking at creating a tadelakt bathroom using this plastering technique, then get in touch with us. We can help you design a bathroom that’s unique to you. We’ll work with your plumber to ensure that everything is fitted seamlessly, and you’ll have a bathroom you’ll truly love. Contact a member of our team today and see what we can do for you.