IW Venetian Plastering

Tadelakt

Tadelakt (pronounced tad-eh-lact) is a traditional waterproof and decorative plaster indigenous to the Marrakech region of Morocco: a natural, lime-based plaster that’s both decorative and waterproof. Tadelakt has a honed, smooth surface reminiscent of natural stone, with a delightful satin sheen.

Used widely and historically in the renovation of North African riads, Tadelakt lime comes from the Marrakech Plateau in the High Atlas Mountains. That seamless and smooth finish one associates with the architecture of souks and riads is Tadelakt.

The word Tadelakt means ‘to rub in’ or ‘massage’ in Arabic. Its creation and application today is an ancient process taught and passed on by the Moroccan masters. Tadelakt was first used in the 11th century to waterproof the royal Berber cisterns.