To make traditional zellige tiles, natural clay (usually from the area of Fez, Morocco) is mixed with water, hand-shaped, dried, and then kiln-fired, often using olive pits. Enamel glazing is then applied to the fronts of the tiles by hand.

How do you cut a zellige tile?

Zellige tiles can be easily cut as needed with a traditional tile cutter and snapped apart, or a diamond blade can be used for more exact cuts and mitered edges. Use wedge spacers as needed in areas to align naturally uneven edges. Grout open, uneven edges or gaps where they appear.

Is zellige tile ceramic?

They are made with natural clay and water, then hand-shaped and kiln-fired, with olive pits. No two zellige tiles are the same because they are handmade. … Ceramic tiles are more common than zellige tiles, but not as beautiful.

Where are zellige tiles made?

Our zellige tiles factory in Morocco produces moroccan tiles respecting the traditional and ancestral techiques.

Does zellige tile need grout?

All the installation guides say that zellige should not use a grout joint, but should be butt jointed — right up next to each other. Wedge spacers can be used to allow for variation in the butted tiles, but the ideal is no spaces and no visible grout.

Are Zellige tiles expensive?

What about the cost? If you guessed they were pricey, you’re right! They can cost up to $20/sq ft and more. To get the look of Zellige, there are more products coming out on the market that resemble the Zellige look, but without the handmade price tag.

Is zellige hard to install?

Installing zellige tile is tricky and requires special care. For best results, seek out an expert familiar with the tile—someone who pays close attention to detail.

How thick is zellige tile?

what is the thickness of zellige? the hex and square zelliges are 3/8” and the bejmat are about an inch.

Is zellige tile out of style?

The beautiful glossy, striking Morrocan tile that has been spread throughout the world (and internet). While it certainly feels fresh and “now”, it is not new and has in fact been around for over a thousand years – getting better every day. Why do we love it so much? It’s just so perfectly imperfect.

Can zellige tiles be used in a shower?

Zellige Tiles for Shower Walls Because of their impermeable glass enamel layer, Zellige tiles are the perfect material for in and around the shower, with gorgeous character imbued by their varied color and texture. Each piece of handmade zellige is a work of art unto itself.

Article first time published on

What is Moroccan zellige?

Zellige tiles are made out of non-refined natural clay which is extracted in the region of Fez (Morocco). When laid, they have a breathtaking undulating surface that almost looks like the surface of a rippling pond. Zellige are also known as Moroccan tiles, zellige terracotta tiles, or simply zellij.

What is subway tile?

Subway tile gets its name from the look of the tiles in the New York City subway system, though those early tiles were actually made of white glass. Subway tile is by definition a rectangular, thick, low-fired, glazed ceramic tile, traditionally 3″ by 6″, though it comes in a variety of sizes for home use.

What is the Arabic name for tile art?

Zellīj (Arabic: الزليج, romanized: zˈliʑ; also zillīj, zelige or zellige) is a style of mosaic tilework made from individually hand-chiseled tile pieces set into a plaster base. The pieces were typically of different colours and fitted together to form elaborate geometric motifs, such as radiating star patterns.

Why do you soak Zellige tile?

INSTALLATION: Laying zellige tiles: The surface should be well prepared and leveled before placing the zellige. Soak glazed zellige tiles in water for 1-2 minutes to ensure tiles properly adhere to tiling surface.

Do you use spacers with Zellige tile?

Spacing Your Zellige Tile Position the tiles by hand without using tile spacers, looking for harmony and cohesiveness of the entire area being tiles . Of course this is all up to personal preference, but as the zellige experts, we believe keeping grout to a minimum is a recipe for success.

Are Zellige tiles waterproof?

Like other enamelled ceramics, covering a surface with Zellige tiles does not guarantee waterproofing. Humidity can filter through the grout or any surface irregularities.

What is Bejmat?

Bejmat are a particular style of rectangular Glazed Zellige tiles for use in light-traffic floor applications. … Still made with the local clays, and fired in kilns powered by olive pits, these rectangular floor tiles are authentic Zellige (zellij).

What does Bejmat mean?

BEJMAT: A variation of the traditional Zellige Moroccan tile, Bejmat tiles are often thicker and therefore sturdier than Zellige tiles which are most often used as a wall tile option.

How do you lay odd shaped tiles?

Set each tile near where you want it to be. Irregular tiles lay down the same as regularly shaped ones, except that you don’t have to keep each tile within its space on a grid. Press down, then move the tile into the desired place. Use a level or a straight edge to keep the tiles level to one another.

Where can I buy tiles of Ezra?

• ALABAMA. Cottage Supply Company. 1230 1st Ave S. …
• ARIZONA. Tile Resource & Design. 4131 North 36th St. …
• COLORADO. Boulder Star Flooring. 5785 Arapahoe Ave, Unit D. …
• LOUISIANA. Palatial Stone & Tile. …
• MASSACHUSETTS. Art of Tile & Stone. …
• MONTANA. Onyx Tile Studio. …
• NEW JERSEY. Monmouth St. …
• NORTH CAROLINA. Carolina Tile & Stone.

How are Moroccan tiles made?

• The clay is soaked in water until it reaches a soft texture. …
• After the clay is shaped, molded and flattened, it is kept and stored in a cool dry place to be readied for a first bake. …
• The end raw product is a 4 inch by 4 inch tiles with uneven edges.

Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?

Applying a waterproofing sealer to cement backer board before tiling. Since a tile tub or shower surround gets wet, it requires a waterproof backing, rather than just drywall.

What inspired the creation of zellige tiles in Morocco?

The Moroccan tile first made an appearance way back in the 10th century and was thought to be inspired by Roman and Byzantine mosaics that were popular in that period. The colors were less vibrant and there wasn’t much of a choice, if you were in the market for white and brown you would have been in luck.

Is subway tile out of style 2020?

Those rectangular shaped tiles are a timeless classic shape with the versatility and variety to fit any style. It’s safe to say, based on Toni’s point of view, that subway tiles will continue to grace homes in 2020 and beyond.

Is Square tile out of style?

Well, square tiles are kind of on their way out. I mean, they’ll never be totally out, but the trend is moving toward wood-look planks. The exception to this is the bathroom, where large format tile is still super trendy and probably will be for a good, long time.

Is subway tile still in for 2021?

The subway tile trend will continue to be strong in 2021, but not in the way you would expect. Moving away from traditional styles, we are making way for more playful sizes. Expect to see larger and more colourful subway tile design patterns grace the splashbacks and feature walls of many interiors.

How are Islamic tiles made?

The geometric designs in Islamic art are often built on combinations of repeated squares and circles, which may be overlapped and interlaced, as can arabesques (with which they are often combined), to form intricate and complex patterns, including a wide variety of tessellations.

What makes up a typical Islamic tile?

The geometric patterns in Islamic tile consist of simple shapes that are combined, interlaced, duplicated, and laid out in complex designs. Four basic shapes make up most Islamic tile designs: Circles. Squares and other four-sided polygons.

Why do mosques have patterns on the walls?

A common feature of Islamic art is the covering of surfaces covered with geometric patterns. This use of geometry is thought to reflect the language of the universe and help the believer to reflect on life and the greatness of creation.