Zellige

Zia’s zellige tile represents centuries of tried-and-true craftsmanship. Our zellige collection is handmade in Morocco, where the material originated and has been perfected over generations. Historically installed in decorative geometric and floral shapes in the most elaborately designed palaces, our curated selection of handmade zellige includes a rainbow of colors and variety of shapes and sizes for homes and public spaces around the globe.

Zia’s zellige tiles are handmade by Moroccan artisans with generations of experience, who use authentic raw materials to produce tiles with lasting quality and eternal beauty. The craftspeople start with raw clay, mined from the local hillsides, which they soak in water and filter for impurities. At this point, the clay becomes a soft, malleable substance that can be formed into various molds. These pieces are then placed side by side and left to dry in the sun. Zellige tiles are flattened and shaped by hand, then left to dry further. Each piece of zellige is hand-dipped in glaze and placed in an earthen kiln. Heat is distributed unevenly throughout the kiln, giving zellige tiles their stunning variation. Every zellige tile is an expression of the artisan’s work that day—beautifully imperfect and unique.

While all but one colorway in our zellige line is glazed, these tiles require skilled installers and attention to detail for the best installation results. 

For the Unglazed Natural tile, we recommend using 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer prior to grouting with Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout. Once the grout has cured, apply Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax in thin layers until the tiles are fully coated, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal, as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. For all glazed zellige tile, we recommend using the Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout, then the 511 Porous Plus Sealer when installing in areas exposed to moisture.

Sweep or vacuum zellige tile regularly to prevent surface abrasion, and promptly clean up any liquid or messier spills. Floors and walls can be wiped or mopped with warm, clean water and a pH-neutral cleaner like Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. For heavier stains, we recommend Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute). Avoid bleach, vinegar, or anything acidic, which can dull the tiles’ surface over time.

We always recommend working with a professional installer who has experience with zellige tiles, specifically. Here is an overview of the installation process: 

• Start by blending tiles from every box to evenly distribute natural variation.
• Soak all glazed zellige tiles in room-temperature water for 1-2 minutes.
• Use a high-quality medium-bed thinset.
• Press tiles into place with the palm of your hand—no mallets, ever. 
• Let the thinset fully cure before proceeding with grout.
• Grout in small sections using Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA Grout and wipe clean as you go.
• Finish with a topcoat sealer, such as the 511 Porous Plus Sealer, if installing in an area exposed to moisture – and/or for an extra layer of protection.

Unglazed Natural Zellige:

• Start by blending tiles from every box to evenly distribute natural variation.
• Use a high-quality medium-bed thinset and wet the back of each tile before setting.
• Press tiles into place with the palm of your hand—no mallets, ever. 
• Let the thinset cure, then seal the tiles before grouting. We recommend the 511 Porous Plus Sealer.
• Grout in small sections using Mapei Flexcolor CQ and wipe clean as you go.
• Finish with a topcoat sealer or wax, depending on your space.

Zellige Mosaics:

• Begin by blending the tile sheets from every box to evenly distribute natural variation.
• Soak all glazed zellige tiles in room-temperature water for 1-2 minutes. Do not soak mosaic sheets that include Unglazed Natural tiles.
• Use a high-quality medium-bed thinset.
• Press tiles into place with the palm of your hand—no mallets, ever. 
• Let the thinset fully cure. If your zellige mosaics include Unglazed Natural tiles, seal the tiles before grouting.
• Grout in small sections using the Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA for glazed zellige and Mapei Flexcolor CQ for mosaics that include Unglazed Natural zellige.
• Finish with a topcoat sealer if installing Unglazed Natural zellige, if installing in an area exposed to moisture, and/or for an extra layer of protection.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please review our Zellige Installation Guide.