Whether they’re square, subway, or large-format, tiles all end up with one thing in common: grout lines. And in showers, grout lines create an opportunity for fungus and mold to form and require frequent and laborious attention to keep clean. A trending alternative is to use concrete, but the environmental implications of concrete are unappealing. There is a third option: tadelakt, a centuries-old water-resistant lime-based plaster finish that originates from Morocco and is suitable for wet spaces, all without the need for grout. 

Color Atelier makes this finish—along with its base and wax sealer—in the United States from a blend of lime, marble dust, fine marble aggregate, clay, and other materials. The high pH level of the lime results in a natural resistance to mildew and fungus. Applicable in showers and tub surrounds, tadelakt produces a simultaneously organic and modern look that is adaptable to a lot of design styles, meaning you can update bathroom fixtures and decor down the road without needing a complete and costly remodel. To use Color Atelier’s version, you just need to add water to mix up the dry material and apply two to three coats. For the substrate, the company recommends either a metal lathe and scratch coat on top of a waterproof membrane or backerboards and fiberglass mesh over the membrane. 

For cleaning, warm water and soap are all you need, rather than any harsh chemicals, which sounds like a healthier option all around. If you plan to use tadelakt on the shower floor, Color Atelier also advises using an epoxy sealer instead of their standard wax sealer, which is best for walls and surrounds. 

Tadelakt from Color Atelier comes in 13 different natural-looking colors and is sold in 32-lb. buckets for just under $190 each. The base costs $120 and the sealer is about $45 per qt.

—Lana Melonakos-Harrison, digital editor

Photo: Aaron Leitz, courtesy of Color Atelier

RELATED STORIES

• Video: Finishing Touches for a Porcelain-Slab Shower
• The Future of Tile Is Big
• Cement Tile That Makes a Statement

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

Buy at Amazon

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.

Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.

Buy at Amazon