What is Tadelakt & Microcement

Written By Christopher Dowding

With more European design influences trending upwards in America thanks to social media, tadelakt and microcemnts are among the popular choices to refresh your bathroom and wet areas of a home instead of tile. In this article we will briefly discuss what these two finishes are.

What is Tadelakt

Tadelakt is a traditional Moroccan lime plaster known for its waterproof, seamless, and natural stone-like finish. Made from lime and polished with olive soap, it creates a smooth, durable, and mold-resistant surface. Perfect for bathrooms, showers, sinks, and fireplaces, Tadelakt adds a luxurious, organic look to any space. Its moisture-resistant properties make it ideal for wet areas and high-end interior designs.



What is Microcement

Microcement is a versatile, durable, and seamless cement-based coating that provides a modern, industrial look. With a smooth, waterproof finish, it adheres to almost any surface, making it ideal for walls, floors, countertops, and even bathrooms and showers. Available in various textures and colors, microcement is perfect for creating sleek, contemporary interiors while offering excellent resistance to wear and moisture. For cost savings, Microcement systems can be applied over existing tile!



Tadelakt vs. Microcement: Key Differences

Tadelakt is a traditional Moroccan lime plaster, offering a natural, organic, and slightly textured finish. It’s waterproofed with olive soap, making it ideal for bathrooms, showers, and decorative walls while maintaining a soft, stone-like appearance.

Microcement, on the other hand, is a cement-based coating that provides a sleek, modern, and industrial look. It’s highly durable, seamless, and resistant to wear, making it perfect for floors, countertops, and high-traffic areas.

Both finishes are waterproof and seamless, but Tadelakt delivers an artisanal, natural aesthetic, while Microcement offers a contemporary, minimalist feel.

The differences between the two are minimal to most eyes, but it would come down to what is more important? More natural appearance and natural or not? As stated above, microcements are similar to tadelakt but excel in commercial spaces and on floors or countertops.