Try Exotic Tadelakt Plaster for a Unique Look
Consider Moroccan Tadelakt Plaster for Your Next Remodeling Project
Today, we live in a time where technology has impacted every area of our lives, including home remodeling. Manufacturers are producing and creating materials that fit into almost any budget and meet any need. Whether it's the durability and affordable beauty of engineered hardwood, or the mimicry of expensive natural materials like Cararra Marble in manufactured quartz, today, designers and homeowners have a greater range of materials to work with than ever before.
That being said, sometimes you can find something “new” by looking backward! One trend that is gaining in popularity among homeowners is the look of the glossy seamless walls found in typical Moroccan hammam bath architecture.
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The process is known as tadelakt, and it's a technique that more designers and homeowners are turning to achieve a “modern” look in the kitchen and bath. It's not only beautiful; it's practical, especially if you hate dealing with grout and are looking for a material that is a sustainable, healthier alternative to traditional tile or plaster.
In this post, we're going to explore the pros and cons tadelakt plaster, what it is, and why you should consider it for your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.
What Exactly is Tadelakt?
Tadelakt plaster is a traditional Moroccan technique for creating wall surfaces. It's composed of completely natural materials and is a combination of lime plaster and a black soap made from olives.
When combined, these two simple materials undergo a chemical reaction which creates a completely waterproof membrane. This makes tadelakt perfect for use in wet areas like showers, baths, and kitchen backsplashes.
Besides its unique beauty, the biggest perk to using tadelakt is the fact that there are no seams or grout lines, making it visually appealing and keeping it easy to clean and maintain. Because it is made from entirely natural materials, there are no volatile organic compounds making it safer, plus as an added bonus, it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew.
Using Tadelakt Plaster in Your Home
Tadelkt has been called the “Rolls-Royce” of plaster finishes, so you want to be selective about its use. Typically it's best to use it only in places where waterproofing is needed like bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens or laundry rooms.
While it can be applied throughout your home, it is expensive. The cost is significantly more than traditional lime plaster because of the curing process needed to make it waterproof. Opt for tadelakt in the wet areas and standard lime plaster everywhere else.
Tadelakt is a somewhat durable surface, but if not properly treated, it can fail. Using harsh chemicals like bleach can destroy the limestone surface and compromise its waterproofing ability.
However, if the walls are properly maintained by avoiding harsh cleaners, it's remarkably easy to maintain. Tadelakt walls can also be waxed annually, which makes them additionally resistant to staining. Weekly cleaning with black soap, water, and a soft sponge is the best way to assure that you'll enjoy a lifetime of use of your tadelakt plaster walls. In fact, every time you clean it with black soap, you are softly reconditioning it and extending its lifespan.
One of the major cons when it comes to tadelakt is that if it is damaged, for example, if the shower wall is deeply dinged, or you inadvertently clean it with bleach, it compromises the entire surface. Meaning that you'll need to replace the entire panel.
Tadelakt Plaster Compared To More Traditional Finishes
In terms of price point, while tadelakt can't beat the price of the lowest-end tile from the big box store, it does compare to medium-priced tile work. You can keep prices in check by being selective in your use of tadelakt. For example, use standard lime or American Clay plaster in areas where waterproofing is not necessary. Both of these finishes are naturally mold and mildew resistant, but the application is easier and therefore less expensive. Keep your use of tadelakt to just the key areas where it's needed, for example, the shower stall, bath surround, or kitchen backsplash.
Another drawback to tadelakt is that it's the trickiest, most difficult finish to apply properly. You will need to make sure that the tradesperson you hire really understands the process. It's extremely laborious and requires precise attention to details.
Humidity and temperature affect the curing time, and the slower the walls cure, the better. While it will require a little babysitting to keep it drying properly as well as ongoing burnishing as it cures, the end result is nothing short of spectacular and well worth the effort!
If you're looking for a beautiful, natural, waterproof finish with no visible seams, need for grout, and absolutely zero VOCs, consider tadelakt plaster for your next bathroom or kitchen remodeling project!
If you would like to learn more about tadelakt plaster for your next remodeling project, give the experts at Om Design a call at (831) 607-8772. We're always happy to discuss your project, answer your questions, and explain all of your options!