Due to its unparalleled resistance to water, authentic Tadelakt is the traditional finish in Moroccan Hammams—traditional bathhouses. Tadelakt’s combination of water resistance and maleability make Tadelakt the most versatile of plaster finishes. Being finished with stones, rather than trowels, allows Tadelakt to be applied to a greater range of surfaces, like three dimensional profiles and ornaments. It works well on fireplaces and columns, in addition to wet-service areas, such as showers, back splashes, exteriors and landscaping. While traditionally applied to counter tops, tabletops, and floors in Morocco, in the right context Tadelakt may be applied to surfaces beyond walls and ceilings. Color variations brought out by hand-burnishing make each application unique, with a range of sheen, always imparting the dual quality of a luxuriously smooth, yet undulating surface. Despite its ancient origins, slabs of Tadelakt exhibit a material substantiality that works easily in even the most modern designs.
Thom Bruce Studios 