Tadelakt choices
We’d had our eye on this plastering technique for some time, and were delighted to find a client who loved the idea for his bathroom. Tadelakt is a traditional, lime-based plaster finish, originating in Morocco. Waterproof and stylish, you can choose pretty much any natural colour you like. Using 3D visuals, we showed our client how the bathroom would look with different finishes, combined with its fixtures and fittings. We settled on burnt orange, contrasting with chocolate-brown cabinetry and a white suite.
Tadelakt for a bathroom
We decided to apply tadelakt to the shower area and short end walls. We were installing cabinetry to the long fourth wall, so the plastering cost was actually very reasonable.
Preparation
A specialist should plaster the walls, but a general builder can prepare the space. In this case, we were renovating the entire flat, so a builder was on site permanently. With advice from the specialist, Ian, the builder fitted the waterproof backboards and scrim, and created the shower niche, whilst installing the suite.
Application
Ian then applied, polished and waxed the tadelakt, creating seamless joints around the edges, including a shower niche with small light. Whilst the plaster was completely smooth, Ian’s artistic technique gave a random pattern to the walls characteristic of natural stone. It also has a lovely feel to the touch. The product is hygienic and easy to clean. Very occasional maintenance may be required to the wet areas, simply by applying more wax.
Our client now has a truly unique bathroom with this wonderful tadelakt finish suiting his minimalist style. You can read more about this apartment renovation in our portfolio.
