Our Finishes
Tadelakt
The one plaster finish in our collection built to take direct water.
Why Austin Loves It
Built for Water, Not Just Tolerant of It
Tadelakt comes from the Marrakech region of Morocco, where it has lined hammams, tanneries, and cisterns for centuries. That history is the whole reason to specify it. It is the one finish here rated for direct, standing water.
The waterproofing is not a sealant sprayed on afterward. The wet lime plaster is compacted with a smooth stone and burnished with an olive oil based soap, and the soap reacts with the lime to close the surface. Properly maintained, it holds up to a shower interior the way tile does, without a grout line anywhere.
Start a ProjectWhat It Is
A Lime Plaster, Hand-Burnished to a Seal
Tadelakt is a lime plaster mixed with local clay, troweled on and compacted before it fully cures. The stone-burnishing step compresses the surface until it is dense enough to resist water instead of absorbing it.
The result is a soft, slightly irregular sheen, warmer and more matte than a polished Venetian wall, with visible hand movement in the surface. Color comes from natural pigment mixed into the plaster, so it tends toward warm, earthy tones rather than bright ones.
Where It Works
Every Wet Room in the House
Bathrooms
Shower interiors, tub surrounds, and vanity walls all take tadelakt well, since it is the finish in this collection actually rated for direct water contact.
Kitchens
Backsplashes and prep-sink surrounds get the same water resistance without a grout line to keep clean.
Living Spaces
Outside the wet zones, it works as a warm, tactile wall finish anywhere a room wants texture without shine.
Covered Outdoor Areas
Under a roofline, tadelakt handles moisture well. It is not the choice for a surface that sits in standing water or hard freeze-thaw cycles year-round, which is worth discussing before an exterior application.
A Thoughtful Approach
More Than a Finish
Getting tadelakt's waterproofing right takes practiced hands. The timing of the burnishing step, the pressure of the stone, and the soap application all affect whether the seal actually holds. We guide every project from consultation to installation so the technique's water resistance is not just theoretical.
With proper care, tadelakt outlasts most tile installations without a single grout line to regrout.
See Tadelakt in PersonFAQ
Common Questions
Is tadelakt actually waterproof?
Yes, when it is burnished and sealed correctly. The lime surface is compacted with a stone and treated with an olive-oil-based soap that reacts with the lime to close the surface. That is different from a plaster that is simply painted or sealed after the fact.
Can tadelakt go inside a shower?
Yes. It is the one finish in our lineup built specifically for direct, standing water, which is why it is a common choice for shower interiors and tub surrounds.
Does tadelakt need maintenance?
A light reapplication of the soap-based seal every so often keeps the water resistance at its best. Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners, which can break down the surface over time.
How is tadelakt different from American Clay or Roman Clay?
Those two are dry-use, interior finishes not rated for direct water. Tadelakt's stone-burnished, soap-sealed surface is what sets it apart, and it is the reason it belongs in wet rooms where the others do not.
What colors does tadelakt come in?
Natural pigment mixed into the lime base tends toward warm, earthy tones. Terracotta, clay, sand, and deep charcoal are common requests. Bring an inspiration image to your consultation.
Begin
Let's shape your space.
Tell us about your project. We will walk you through finishes, samples, and timeline, and give you a clear scope before anything begins.