Licensed, bonded & insured | CA License #1142022 | 20+ years of experience

TADELAKT FINISHES

Transform any space with Tadelakt—a smooth, naturally waterproof Moroccan lime plaster. While it is the ultimate seamless solution for showers and wet areas, its luxurious, earthy sheen makes a stunning statement on accent walls, custom fireplaces, and living spaces throughout your home. Expertly hand-burnished and sealed by our dedicated team of decorative plaster specialists. Proudly serving San Jose and the South Bay.

 
Tadelakt bathroom walls around a freestanding tub in San Jose
Licensed and background-checked contractor badge

Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Background Checked,
CA B-2 #1142022

One-year craftsmanship warranty badge

1-year craftsmanship warranty

THE BASICS

What Is Tadelakt?

Tadelakt is a premium Moroccan lime plaster, meticulously hand-applied and polished with a smooth stone to achieve a silky, luxurious sheen. What sets Tadelakt apart from other decorative finishes is its unique sealing process: a traditional olive oil soap treatment chemically reacts with the lime to create a naturally waterproof, breathable surface. Used for centuries in luxury Moroccan hammams, it offers a stunning, earthy aesthetic.

Applied directly over properly waterproofed and prepped wet-area substrates, Tadelakt delivers a highly durable, grout-free alternative to traditional tile. Say goodbye to moldy grout lines and hello to seamless, modern elegance.

HOW IT'S APPLIED

THE PROCESS: INSTALLING CUSTOM TADELAKT

True Moroccan Tadelakt is an artisan craft, not a standard paint job. Because it can be used in both wet and dry environments, the foundation must be perfectly tailored to your space. Whether we are building a grout-free, waterproof shower enclosure or a stunning accent wall in your living room, the process requires meticulous preparation and traditional hand-troweling techniques.

  • Wet Areas (Showers & Tub Surrounds): We start with a fully waterproofed substrate (such as cement board treated with a waterproofing membrane) to ensure the system is completely moisture-proof from the inside out.

  • Dry Areas (Accent Walls & Fireplaces): We prep the existing drywall to a flawless Level 5 smooth finish, just like our other premium plaster installations.

From there, the application follows a centuries-old tradition:

1. Substrate Prep

Waterproof membrane for wet areas, or Level 5 smooth drywall for dry areas

2. Specialty Primer & Quartz Base Coat

Provides a textured grip for maximum plaster adhesion

3. Tadelakt Application

Multiple layers meticulously applied and hand-burnished with a smooth stone

4. Traditional Soap Sealer

An olive oil soap treatment that chemically reacts with the lime to create a waterproof, silky finish

5. Protective Wax

Added for extra sheen and protection, depending on the area

COLOR RANGE

Example Tadelakt Colors

The palette below shows our 13 standard colors. Beyond these, we also mix fully custom colors & finishes — like the examples further down the page — to match your exact vision.

Plaster color sample: White
White
Plaster color sample: Grey
Grey
Plaster color sample: Black
Black
Plaster color sample: Blue
Blue
Plaster color sample: Light Blue
Light blue
Plaster color sample: Green
Green
Plaster color sample: Terracotta Red
Terracota red
Plaster color sample: Red
Red
Plaster color sample: Magenta
Magenta
Plaster color sample: Orange
Orange
Plaster color sample: Light Orange
Light orange
Plaster color sample: Yellow
Yellow
What's Possible

Tadelakt finishes we can create across San Jose & the South Bay

Custom Color

Terracotta Clay · burnished satin

Custom Color

Charcoal Taupe · silky burnished sheen

Custom Color

Warm Greige · soap-burnished satin

Five-star rating icon for Fresh Start Renovations

Best for

SEAMLESS LUXURY
ORGANIC WARMTH

THE ADVANTAGE
Seamless tadelakt walk-in shower with a built-in niche
Reviews
All reviews
Google
Google
Yelp
Yelp
Thumbtack
Thumbtack
ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 54.9160 reviews
4.9Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent160 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.024 reviews
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent24 reviews
ExcellentYelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 55.026 reviews
5.0Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
Excellent26 reviews
ExcellentThumbtack star 1Thumbtack star 2Thumbtack star 3Thumbtack star 4Thumbtack star 54.9110 reviews
4.9Thumbtack star 1Thumbtack star 2Thumbtack star 3Thumbtack star 4Thumbtack star 5
Excellent110 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Cheng-Ru Ho profile picture
Cheng-Ru Ho
63 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+4
I could not be happier with the outstanding job that Sergei’s team did repairing and re-painting my walls of the whole house. We had several areas with noticeable drywall defects, cracks, unevenness and terrible patches with different colors all over the places. Sergei’s team prepped the surfaces meticulously, fixing every single imperfection until the walls were completely seamless. The painting quality is extraordinary. The edges and trim are sharp and clean, with beautiful, even coverage across every room. They helped me pick the perfect finish, and the final results completely transformed the space, making it look brand new. Beyond the incredible craftsmanship, the crew was a pleasure to work with. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently, and kept communication clear throughout the whole process. They also took great care to protect my furniture and floors, leaving the house completely spotless in the end of the project. The team is willing to come back few times to touch-up small defects found after the project until the client is satisfied. If you need professional, high-quality wall repair and painting, look no further. Their attention to detail, fair pricing, and top-notch service are unmatched. I will definitely hire them again for future projects! Sergei’s team definitely deserves 10 stars rating.
Posted on Google Google
Catherine Azevedo profile picture
Catherine Azevedo
70 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+3
We had a small project to frame in a non-load bearing wall in an upstairs bathroom, and over a stairwell. Sergie was absolutely fantastic! He and his assistant framed and drywalled the new wall. Everything looks seamless. Would highly recommend Sergie for any framing or drywall needs.
Posted on Google Google
Svetlana Riazanova profile picture
Svetlana Riazanova
118 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Huge shoutout to Sergei at Fresh Start Renovations. We needed some drywall repair done at our house in San Jose after getting some rewiring done, and he absolutely nailed it. He patched up all the holes so perfectly that you can't even tell anything was ever there. It was a massive amount of patching, but he was incredibly thorough and kept everything super clean. Highly recommend him!
Posted on Google Google
psgsereno profile picture
psgsereno
204 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very happy with the work that was done. I was in need of some drywall repair and Sergei made the process very easy. I was given a rough estimate via text and made a appointment for a few days later. I had water damage to the ceiling above my shower. After Sergei was done it look like another ever happen. I recommend him for all all water damage repair and drywall repair. 5 stars across the board.
Posted on Google Google
Julia Riterman Yehov profile picture
Julia Riterman Yehov
251 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+6
Sergey did a fantastic job restoring our master bathroom after some water damage. We needed everything done: new flooring, shower door installation, and painting all. The quality was top-notch. The best part is the cabinets -Instead of buying new ones, Sergey refinished the old ones white. The result is incredible! it looks like a factory finish, not a repaint. The bathroom looks modern and clean. 5 stars for the skill and professionalism.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Michael D. profile picture
Michael D.
370 days ago
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5Verified
Sergei (Sam) responded promptly, came out the same day, quoted a fair price and got the job done quickly. I would definitely recommend for a variety of projects you might have around the house.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Kevin L. profile picture
Kevin L.
395 days ago
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5Verified
My wife was SURPRISED (all thanks to Sam.) I hired Sam to help with two things around the house that needed attention: (1) the dining room light: we bought a cheap LED light fixture a year ago that already broke, and after assessing that electricity was flowing but the fixture was no longer working, Sam went to Home Depot and with a few pictures back and forth helped me find a new lighting fixture that my wife loves! (2) the framing around the fireplace floor - we had a new facade placed in, but the framing was not done (leaving a gap between the floor and the fireplace tiling). Sam was very meticulous in his approach (made sure there were not any gaps that could possibly injure our 17-month old who plays in the living room), and delivered on the project. Sam's rate is on the higher side, but for me, it was worth it. Sam was responsive, kind, on-time, and was able to get the job done before my wife came home from a work conference. Thanks, Sam!
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Hilal J. profile picture
Hilal J.
516 days ago
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5Verified
Sergei was very responsive and did a quality job. We had an issue come up in the middle of the project and he was very quick to accommodate.
Posted on Thumbtack Thumbtack
Raul C. profile picture
Raul C.
956 days ago
Thumbtack star 1Thumbtack star 2Thumbtack star 3Thumbtack star 4Thumbtack star 5Verified
Sergei did a fantastic job. He was prompt, courteous & most of all honest. He explained the various options I had to complete the job & guided me to make the most economical decision. I'd highly recommend him.
Posted on Google Google
Lourdes Rojas profile picture
Lourdes Rojas
1021 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have used his services in Woodside and Los Gatos and cannot stressed how awesome his services are. We recommend to our neighbors and business partners, to use Sergey for almost anything. He has helped move business offices and put together countless projects even in my home. If you want RELIABLE, FAST, PROFESSIONAL handy work. Please give him a call!!!
Posted on Thumbtack Thumbtack
J. C. profile picture
J. C.
1328 days ago
Thumbtack star 1Thumbtack star 2Thumbtack star 3Thumbtack star 4Thumbtack star 5Verified
I've hired Sam 3 times now for repairs of kitchen cabinets and drawers and I'd be glad to hire him again. He's very good at assessing problems and figuring out how to fix them. Our kitchen cabinets and drawers are 45 years old and tricky to repair because they're so old and worn out. Sam has been able to find ways to replace rusty, stuck hardware and install new drawer sliders when other people couldn't. He's also responsive, punctual, efficient, and pleasant to interact with. I definitely recommend SM Repair.
HOW TO GET STARTED

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO KICK OFF YOUR PROJECT

01 / TEXT PHOTOS
SEND PHOTOS OR PLANS

Send us photos of your space and any inspiration you have — Pinterest boards work great! This helps our team understand the scope of your project.

02 / RECEIVE YOUR ESTIMATE
GET A CLEAR ESTIMATE

We’ll provide a realistic preliminary estimate based on your photos. If a site visit is needed to check the existing surface, we’ll schedule one before finalizing the quote.

03 / INSTALL & FINISH
SECURE YOUR DATE & SAMPLE

Once you approve the estimate, a deposit secures your spot on our schedule. We then order your materials and create a custom sample panel for your final approval before our crew begins the prep work.

FAQ

What people usually ask

How long does a tadelakt project take?

Tadelakt is applied in several thin layers with curing time between each, so it takes longer than a standard resurfacing or paint job. That time is part of what gives the finish its strength and smooth look, and we’ll walk you through the full timeline before starting.

Yes — but the wall has to be flat and smooth first. Tadelakt is hand-polished, so any texture, bump or old patch underneath will show through. If your walls have orange peel or knockdown texture, we start by skim coating them smooth, then prime and build up the tadelakt. In showers and other wet areas we check the substrate and prepare it properly before any plaster goes on. Prep is always the first step, and it is included in your estimate.

Yes — Pinterest boards or reference photos are a great way to show us the color and texture you’re picturing. We’ll put together a small sample panel in that style so you can see and approve it before we start.

Start With a Few Photos

Text us photos of your space (or a Pinterest reference) for a free online estimate. If the range works for you, we’ll schedule a walkthrough to lock in the number.

Related Services

You May Also Need

Click here to talk with specialist