All About Zellige Tile

When most people think of the word “terracotta” they picture clay tiles in a range of red tones. What they may not realize is that zellige is a type of glazed terracotta tile that comes from Morocco. These tiles are made by hand by kneading the clay after it has been soaked in water to bring it to the right texture before the clay is shaped into tiles. Many zellige tiles are known as monocottura tiles – meaning that the clay is glazed and fired once, rather than fired, glazed, and fired again.

The result is a unique tile with a thick body and a slightly uneven surface and finish that looks very different from both standard terracotta and most ceramic tiles.

Every zellige tile that you see is completely unique due to the process in which they are made. Because they are shaped and glazed by hand, there will be variations in each tile in regards to size, texture, glaze, and color. Some tiles may have small iron spots, while others may have small chips, edges that stick up slightly higher than the others, or a wavy surface. Color will also vary from piece to piece and within one piece, as well as from lot to lot. For this reason, samples cannot always be entirely accurate of what the finished installation will look like. These characteristics are not flaws, but are an inherent part of the tile. If you are nervous about getting a few tiles that have characteristics you may not like, it is recommended that you order extra so you and your installer can plan the best layout for your design.

Most zellige is designed in 4-inch square field tiles, but you can find hexagons, mosaics, and some other sizes as well. Many zellige tiles are also designed to be installed without grout, tightly fitting the tiles together. If you plan on using the tiles in a wet area, however, you will need to grout them to prevent water from getting between them.

Zellige tiles are designed for wall use and light floor use, and in many cases for dry walls as well. This makes them an excellent tile for things like accent walls, fireplace surrounds, some bathroom floors and kitchen backsplashes.

They can be grouted, however, which also makes them a unique choice for things like showers and backsplashes in areas that may get wet, such as behind the kitchen sink.

Because of the texture and color variation of zellige, the most common way to design an area with them is to use a single shape and color of the tile over the entire area. This allows you to better appreciate the unique beauty of the zellige, rather than having it compete with other materials or decorative ties like border pieces or moldings.

Depending on the size and shape of the tile you choose, you can play with the layout of the tile to help achieve a more intricate appearance as well. For example, 4-inch square tiles can be laid straight, on the diagonal, or in a running bond, while rectangular tiles can be laid straight horizontally or vertically, in a running bond, or in a herringbone. If your zellige comes pre-mounted on sheets, you can play with the spacing between sheets as well, widening the grout joints in specific areas to create patterns within the tiles themselves.

Zellige tiles are unique in their surface texture. This can make them a little harder to clean than some tiles. It is recommended that you use cleansers designed for tiles, but plan on using something similar to a microfiber cloth that can help scrub the tiles without worrying about scratching the surface – simply wiping these tiles down may not be enough.

If you plan on using zellige in a dry area, it can be installed without grout. However, if you are using it in a wet area, install the tile with an unsanded grout to seal the joints. A grout release may be recommended for some matte finishes to help make clean up easier. In addition to commercial grout release products, oil soap may be a good choice to coat the tiles with prior to grouting to make clean up easier later.

Zellige is a unique and beautiful tile that can enhance any room of your home. If you value the beauty and individual characteristics of handmade tile, or you want something special for your next tile project, consider Zellige to help complete your design. Stop in or make an appointment at one of our showrooms and let our Design Consultants show you how Zellige can be used in your home.