Orange zellige is hand-pressed and hand-glazed, with chips, pits, and crazing as inherent characteristics of each tile. The glaze produces variation in orange tones and surface textures from tile to tile. Our orange ceramic tiles, like Tangelo, are fired and finished under controlled conditions, which gives them a more consistent orange with less variation than zellige. Zia’s cement tiles are hydraulically pressed and never fired, producing a matte surface that still boasts a handmade touch.

Yes. Kumquat glass mosaics, for example, clean easily with a pH-neutral product, which suits a surface exposed to heat, grease, and daily cleaning. Cotto brings the same warmth with more surface movement from natural clay, as its inherent variation reads differently across a full backsplash than a single sample tile suggests. Prior to placing a full order, please start with samples and view the tiles against the actual cabinetry and surrounding surfaces before proceeding.

Yes, depending on the material. Terra Cotta cement suits a floor application when sealed regularly and properly maintained. The pigment sits in a concentrated surface layer that develops patina over time. Adobe Cotto is ideal for indoor and outdoor floor installations, with a minimum 1/8" grout space recommended for wet floor areas, such as a shower.

The difference comes down to undertone. Orange sits closer to yellow and carries more brightness, while red pulls toward burgundy and carries more depth. Zia’s Red Clay Cotto sits right at that boundary, since its organic clay composition can read as red-orange. Ordering a sample and viewing it in the room's actual light is the clearest way to confirm whether a specific orange tile fits the design.

While tile selection often begins with color choice, material is equally important in the decision. Start with the application area, then narrow options by tone and material. For floors, cement carries orange tones with a matte surface. For walls and backsplashes, terra cotta, ceramics, and glass mosaics introduce additional colorways. With each material, the tone reads differently depending on room lighting. Order samples and evaluate them in the actual installation space before placing a full order.

Please have your contractor, designer, or installer confirm the square footage needed for your tile order. A professional should measure each surface individually, multiplying length by width in feet, then add all surfaces together for the total square footage. A minimum of 15% overage is recommended to account for general curation and cuts. Orders of handmade zellige may need up to 25% overage for a more curated, uniform result, if so desired. For tile-specific quantity guidance, please contact our team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.

Installation methods differ by material, so a professional installer experienced with the specific tile type should review the appropriate installation guide prior to beginning the project. Protective face and eye coverings are recommended when working with thinset, sealants, and grout; review the Proposition 65 warnings before starting. Get installation guidance for a specific material by contacting info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.