Pretty frequent Tadelakt questions we get asked and answered below:

On Dec 30, 2009, at 12:39 PM, sherri@******** wrote:

Hi Kay Lynn and Aaron -
I designing the surfaces for a huge residential project and would like to specify Tadelakt for the showers and accent walls. A couple questions:
- How much p sqft is the going install rate for Tadelakt?
- As the installer, how can I ensure that the Tadelakt is truly waterproof?
- I would like to use Tadelakt for an adobe style fireplace (steel frame w/ cement board substrate). Will the olive oil soap cause any problems with the heat from the fireplace? Does applying the olive oil soap affect surface breathability sim to other waxes?
Thanks a bunch for all your help throughout the years!

Cheers -

Sherri

Hi Sherri,

Apologies for the delayed response.  Install rates for Tadelakt can vary considerably, especially when doing smaller areas like showers.  I’d be looking in the $15-$25 per sq foot range to give yourself the time necessary to do those areas properly.  For straightforward walls it’s probably about twice as labor intensive as a basic AC wall and the material cost will be around $2 – $2.50 per sq foot.
Waterproof is not the right word for traditional Tadelakt finishes. Tadelakt plus olive oil soap applied properly should be described as hydrophobic(water-repellent).  The substrate preparation is very important of course.  Traditional Tadelakt will stain over time in high moisture areas although this is not a sign of failure of the material – it is actually a testament to the fact that the surface remains breathable.  We have a water-based carnauba wax which will give an added level of water repellency after the surface is applied, but I’d be careful not to guarantee there will be zero water staining over time even with that wax.  The Lucido wax is low but not a zero voc product.

Only issue with fireplace is that the soap will not protect against high-heat discoloration if flames are lapping over the surface.  But the soap is not flammable in any way.  The olive oil soap allows the surface to remain breathable.

We’re getting tons of requests to do some Tadelakt classes – seems like interest in that particular material has really surged this past year.

Talk to you soon,
Aaron

Here’s a Stucco Italiano Tadelakt floor installation done in Santa Fe last October: