TADELAKT

As a specialist installer of polished plaster finishes we find tadelakt is one of our most requested services. We are regularly called upon by home owners, interior designers and architects to advise on and install specialist tadelakt finishes for a wide range of projects. Some of our most common installations are bathrooms walls and ceilings and kitchen splashbacks for a beautifully smooth and unique surface. If you’re considering tadelakt for an interior design project in your home, you may find it useful to review some of these most frequently asked questions. 

WHAT IS TADELAKT?

Tadelakt is an ancient form of lime plaster that dates back centuries. Moroccan tadelakt was originally used to coat waterproof cisterns in Morocco and is still common in hammams and buildings throughout North Africa today. The tadelakt we use is an Italian version of this decorative plaster with a versatility to look fantastic in your property. Mostly used on walls, it can be used as a feature wall in a living space, envelop a bedroom in its warmth texture or offers a wonderful alternative to tiles in bathrooms or for kitchen splashbacks. Tadelakt is a highly polished finish, which leaves a smooth and seamless grout-line free surface.

HOW MUCH DOES TADELAKT COST?

Costs vary according to the size (area) of the project, the complexity of the application and whether there any features to be included. Contact us by email info@cferri.co.uk for an estimate – we would be delighted to help.

HOW IS TADELAKT PLASTER APPLIED?

Tadelakt is actually a Moroccan word meaning ‘to knead’ or ‘massage’, which is perhaps a not-so-subtle hint towards the technique used in its application. The word ‘tadelakt’ actually refers to the technique used to adhere the lime plaster to the surface, rather than the specific plaster product itself. To create this artisan polished plaster, the product is hand-applied giving it a warm aesthetic, organic texture and natural movement.

IS TADELAKT WATER RESISTANT?

Once polished with the olive oil soap/waxes, tadelakt is water resistant and mould resistant.  With its seamless finish, it has no cracks or crevices that attract dirt or mould, making it very popular for bathrooms.  However, tadelakt is not waterproof and therefore is not recommended in areas exposed to quantities of water and steam

DOES TADELAKT CRACK?

It is not unusual to see cracks in some traditional finishes, however using our modern technique and materials at Ferri Interiors, cracks do not develop provided the substrate is level and smooth .

WHERE CAN TADELAKT BE USED IN THE HOME?

As a water resistant plaster the most common applications are to bathroom walls. However the soft, warm, organic and characterful surface lends itself to many applications, from coating a feature wall to a kitchen splashback to smaller decorative areas or features.

USING LIME PLASTER TO DECORATE

Tadelakt plaster creates beautifully textured surfaces and can be tinted using natural or synthetic pigments to create earthy soft, natural hues, that mimic the Moroccan origins of the plaster, or more modern contemporary colours. The luxuriously textured tadelakt finish, formed without grout lines, creates the perfect backdrop for fixtures and fittings and for decorative purposes. To find out more ways that tadelakt can be used to make your home more unique, take a look at our blog ‘5 Places Tadelakt can be used in your Home’ here.

WHAT MAINTENANCE DOES TADELAKT REQUIRE?

Tadelakt is a traditional technique that uses natural materials to create a breathable surface.  The lime plaster does not contain any harsh or toxic chemicals and cleaning and maintenance sustain these green credentials further, with no chemical cleaners necessary – in fact, recommended!  Simply using a natural soap and warm water regularly will ensure that you maintain the soft, natural appearance of tadelakt over time.