Tile Alternatives for Your Bathroom Remodel and Walk-in Shower

Written By Christopher Dowding

Why Tadelakt and Microcement are the Superior Alternatives to Ceramic Tile

When it comes to creating stunning surfaces in your home, many people automatically think of ceramic tile for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas. While ceramic tile is a traditional option, Tadelakt and Microcement are gaining popularity as better alternatives. Here's why:

1. Seamless, Smooth Finish

Tadelakt and Microcement provide a seamless, smooth finish that tile simply can't offer.

  • No Grout Lines: Unlike ceramic tiles, which require grout, these plaster and cement finishes create a continuous surface that’s easy to maintain and visually appealing in any color.

  • Sleek Aesthetic: The smooth, uninterrupted look of Tadelakt and Microcement brings a modern, minimalist vibe that works well in contemporary interiors. Instead of a finish, Tadelakt or Microcement provide an experience.

2. Durability and Longevity

Both Tadelakt and Microcement are extremely durable and long-lasting.

  • Microcement is known for its resilience, offering high resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like floors and countertops and of course wet areas.

  • Tadelakt, while soft to the touch, is incredibly strong once applied, with its waterproof and mildew-resistant properties making it a fantastic choice for bathrooms and wet areas.

  • Unlike tiles, which can crack or chip over time, these finishes retain their beauty and function for much longer and are easily repairable.

3. Water-Resistant and Easy to Clean

  • Waterproof Properties: Tadelakt and Microcement are naturally water-resistant when applied correctly, making them perfect for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. With the addition of a sealing treatment, both finishes are highly waterproof and mildew-resistant, unlike tiles which are prone to mold growth in grout lines.

  • Easy Maintenance: Ceramic tiles can collect grime and stains in the grout lines, leading to frequent cleaning. On the other hand, both Tadelakt and Microcement are easy to clean with minimal upkeep and no grout to scrub.

4. Customizable and Versatile

Both Tadelakt and Microcement offer much more design flexibility than ceramic tiles.

  • Wide Range of Finishes: You can choose from a variety of finishes, from smooth and polished to textured looks that mimic natural stone or even metallic finishes.

  • Color and Texture Customization: You have the ability to customize the color and texture of these finishes to match your unique style. This level of personalization isn't as easily achieved with ceramic tiles, which come in fixed colors and patterns which date themselves rather quickly.

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Both finishes offer environmentally-friendly alternatives compared to ceramic tile.

  • Tadelakt is made from natural lime plaster, which is eco-friendly, carbon-negative, and allows the walls to “breathe.”

  • Microcement is made with a combination of cement and resins, making it a sustainable option when compared to traditional tile materials that involve mining and manufacturing processes that can harm the environment.

6. Faster Installation with Less Disruption, can be applied over tile.

Unlike ceramic tiles, which require precise measurements, cutting, and grouting, both Tadelakt and Microcement can be applied quickly and efficiently, not to mention they both can be applied over existing tile!

  • Less Mess: There’s no need for grout lines, which means a cleaner, faster installation process.

  • Faster Drying: Tadelakt and Microcement can be applied in fewer steps, with quicker curing times compared to tile installation. This reduces disruption to your daily routine.

  • Less expensive: Since we have been installing these types of bathroom finishes, some of our customers have commented at the cost effective approach Tadelakt or Microcement have to offer. From our experience, there is about a 10%-15% cost savings when choosing these natural materials compared to tile installation.

7. Timeless Appeal

Both finishes exude a timeless, luxurious quality that adds a unique touch to your home.

  • Tadelakt offers a classic, Mediterranean look that’s elegant and warm, while Microcement provides a more contemporary, sleek finish.

  • These finishes age beautifully and can complement both traditional and modern interiors, whereas tile trends often shift in and out of style quickly.

Why choose Tadelakt and Microcement

While ceramic tiles are a popular choice, Tadelakt and Microcement provide more benefits when it comes to aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and design flexibility. Whether you’re looking to update your bathroom, kitchen, or even your floors, these finishes offer a long-lasting, elegant alternative that will transform your home’s interior.

Are you interested in a more luxurious, durable, and eco-friendly finish? Contact us today to learn more about Tadelakt and Microcement applications!