Comparison · Wet rooms
Tadelakt vs microcement for showers
Two routes to a grout-free shower
If you want a shower with no tile joints to scrub, both tadelakt and microcement deliver it. Tadelakt is a traditional Moroccan lime plaster, burnished by hand with a stone and cured with a natural soap; microcement is a modern cement-based coating built up in thin layers and sealed. Both are water-resistant surfaces — and in both, the waterproofing is done by the whole build, not the finish alone.
Tadelakt and microcement, side by side
| Compare | Tadelakt | Microcement |
|---|---|---|
| The look | Warm, tactile, slightly undulating, hand-burnished | Even, contemporary, minimal, uniform |
| Material | Lime plaster, soap-cured | Cement-based coating, sealed |
| Surface | A soft, stone-like sheen with subtle movement | A smooth, matte-to-satin, even finish |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant surface over a waterproofed substrate | Water-resistant surface over a waterproofed substrate |
| Colour range | Warmer, earthier, lime-tinted tones | A broad, precise range of tones |
| Upkeep | Mild soap; occasional soap re-treatment | Mild soap; re-seal per care guidance |
Choose tadelakt when
- You want a warm, hand-made, artisanal character
- You like a surface with subtle movement and depth
- You are drawn to the traditional Moroccan hammam look
- Earthy, lime-tinted colours suit your scheme
Choose microcement when
- You want a clean, even, contemporary surface
- You prefer a precise, uniform colour
- You are matching a minimal, modern bathroom
- You want the same finish to run onto floors and vanities
So which should you choose?
It comes down to feel. Tadelakt gives warmth, movement and an artisanal hand; microcement gives an even, modern calm and can carry across floors and vanities for a single seamless room. Both need a properly waterproofed substrate underneath — that is where the water is stopped — with the finish shedding water at the surface. We will show you both and talk through the build for your shower.