Rectangular tiles are typically referred to by their sizes, such as 2x6, 4x12, or 12x24 inches, though some formats carry more specific category names tied to their proportions or origin. The most widely recognized is the subway tile, a rectangular format named after the glazed white tiles installed in the New York City subway system. This look can be easily achieved with our 2x8 ceramics or cement solids. In Moroccan zellige, the elongated 2x6 rectangular brick is known as bejmat, a traditional tile with centuries of use in North African architecture and interiors.

Bejmat is the traditional Moroccan name for an elongated rectangular zellige tile, most commonly produced in a 2x6 brick size. Like all zellige, each bejmat tile is hand-formed from clay, sun-dried, and hand-glazed before firing in an earthen kiln. The result is a tile with the same characteristic chips, pits, and crazing as other zellige formats, but whose length allows for a wider range of layout options, including horizontal, vertical, offset, or herringbone designs.

Square versus rectangular tile is not a question of quality but of spatial intention. Rectangular formats create directionality, elongating a surface along the longer axis. Square formats distribute visual weight evenly and let the material's color and texture lead. Consider the geometry of contrasting grout lines, either in a grid or rectangular pattern. The ideal choice depends on the room's proportions and the desired design style.

Yes, our collection of rectangular tiles can be used on floors, walls, or any tiled surface. The specific material considerations determine the scope of approved applications more than the scale or shape itself. Zia zellige, cement, ceramics, Cotto, Cotto Allende, limestone, Cantera stone, and marble are all approved for floor and wall use in their rectangular formats. Material-specific sealing requirements and slip resistance guidance apply to wet floor applications, and outdoor installation selections are limited in freeze/thaw climates.

Rectangular tile size should be proportional to the specific tiled surface area and the overall design intention for the space.

• Smaller formats like 2x6 and 2x8 suit backsplashes and shower walls where the grout lines may enhance the design.
• Mid-range formats like 4x8 and 4x12 work well across bathroom floors, kitchen walls, and feature walls where a less interrupted surface is preferred.
• Larger formats like 12x24 anchor expansive floors and walls in both residential and commercial settings.

As a general rule, the tile size should be proportional to the surface it covers, though less common selections, such as Cotto Allende mini bars, make an intentionally eye-catching statement.

Three of the most common layouts for rectangular tile, aside from standard vertical and horizontal stacking, include running bond, stack bond, and herringbone. Running bond, where each tile is offset by half the length of the tile above or below it, is the most traditional setting and visually widens a surface. A vertical stack bond reads taller and more contemporary. A classic herringbone works particularly well with smaller formats, like 2x6 bejmat zellige. For more dynamic handmade materials like zellige, placing all tiles in a dry layout before setting is essential to distribute variation evenly across the entire surface.

Rectangular tile suits applications where layout is as impactful as material: kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, bathroom floors, fireplace surrounds, and exterior walls all let the layout shape the surface. A vertical stack bond on a shower wall reads taller. A horizontal running bond on a backsplash reads wider. Material determines the final scope of approved uses, and sealing is required in wet applications for zellige, cement, Cotto, and natural stone tiles.

Our guidance for ongoing care for rectangular tile is specific to the material itself, rather than the tile shape or size. All tiles should be cleaned with a pH-neutral cleaner, while acidic, bleach-based, or abrasive products that damage glazes, strip sealers, or etch natural stone should be avoided. Sealing is advised in all installations to protect the grout lines even if the tiles are glazed. Please reference our installation guides for detailed instructions.

Resealing is required on a schedule appropriate to traffic and moisture exposure, to protect both the tile and the grout over time. Grout lines in rectangular installations are long and continuous, so regular sweeping and/or vacuuming and prompt attention to spills, along with regular resealing, are particularly important.

Contrasting grout with rectangular tile makes the geometric grid a standout. In a running bond or stack bond layout, the continuous horizontal and vertical lines of a contrasting grout become a graphic element in the design. Against porous unglazed materials like Cotto and cement tile, contrasting grout is discouraged, though if attempted by a professional, it must be applied carefully by hand or with a grout bag to avoid staining. On glazed surfaces, including zellige and ceramic, sealing is required in wet areas regardless of grout color, and the recommended sealing steps vary by material and finish. Installers working with zellige, thin set, sealants, or grout should wear protective face and eye coverings in accordance with California Prop 65. Consult our installation guides for further instructions, or contact info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170 with any questions.

Please have your contractor, designer, or installer confirm the square footage needed for your tile order. A professional should measure the total square footage of the application surface, then add a minimum overage of 15% to account for cuts, curation, and any tiles set aside during installation. For handmade materials like zellige, where color variation, chips, and pits are characteristic of the tile, plan for up to 25% overage for a more uniform result. Plan for up to 20% overage to account for significant edge cuts or complex layouts. If unsure about quantities for a specific project, contact info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170.

We offer rectangular tile across nearly all materials in the Zia collection, including zellige, ceramics, cement tiles, Cotto, Cotto Allende, marble, limestone, Belgian Bluestone, and Cantera stone. Available formats include 2x6 bejmat zellige, 1.5x8 Cotto Allende mini bar, 2x8 ceramics, 4x8 Cotto Allende, and 3x12, 6x12, and 12x24 marble. Each material carries its own approved application considerations, variation characteristics, and installation instructions. Browse all of our rectangle tiles online and contact our team at info@ziatile.com or 310‑844‑1170 with any questions about the materials or a specific project.