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The Daily Insight

Are Zellige tiles terracotta

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on April 19, 2026

Zellige tiles are made of unrefined clay that is hand-kneaded with a bit of water and kiln-fired. … According to Cle Tile, these low-fired terracotta tiles were used throughout Morocco for all applications including floor, wall, interior and exterior, pools and fountains.

Is zellige a terracotta?

Zellige tile, or Moroccan tile, are terracotta tiles that call Morocco home. Zellige tiles are similar to subway tiles only more often square than rectangle. The tiles are also expensive, which is why they aren’t seen as often.

What are zellige tiles made of?

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.

What kind of tile is 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.

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.

Where are Zellige tiles from?

Traditional Zellige This traditional Moroccan tile is made from a very unique natural clay, sourced from the region of Fez (Morocco). This unrefined clay is kneaded with water, moulded by hand and dried naturally in the sun.

Can you use Zellige tile on the floor?

Zellige is a traditional Moroccan tile handcrafted with non-refined natural clay from the Fez region. It is a low-fired terracotta that may be used for all applications, including floor/wall, interior/exterior and water treatments (such as pools).

Who makes Zellige tile?

About ArtZellige the best Moroccan Tiles With over of 42 years of experience in hand made Zellige, Terracota tiles and mosic tiles.

Can you use zellige on shower floor?

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.

Is zellige a trend?

Zellige Tile Is the Bathroom Trend That’s Taking Over the Internet. The handmade accent your home needs. So you love the look of tiles in kitchens and bathrooms but you’re ready to graduate beyond the classic subway look.

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Do you use spacers with zellige tiles?

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 durable?

No two tiles are exactly the same. They are also offer a lasting durability that gives a lifetime of enjoyment. Homeowners rely on Zellige for this very reason and love installing them in high-traffic as well as wet areas since they are easy to maintain.

Why do you soak Zellige tile?

Soak glazed zellige tiles in water for 1-2 minutes to ensure tiles properly adhere to tiling surface. Do not soak our Unglazed Natural zellige in advance. Evenly apply a layer of thin set to the tiling surface. Butter the back of each tile with another layer of thinset.

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.

What kind of tile do you use for a shower floor?

Mosaic tiles are the most popular choice for shower floor tiles. The small size of the individual tiles means they conform to the slope and shape of the shower floor better than a larger tile would. There are also more grout lines present between mosaic tiles, offering much-needed slip resistance in the shower.

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 are Bejmat tiles?

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 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.

Are Zellige tiles Frost Proof?

Resistance to frost will depend on the waterproofing of the grout and stability of the bonding between tiles and subsurface, to prevent water from infiltrating. Zellige tiles are regularly used outdoors in areas with a mild climate. We do not recommend using Zellige tiles outdoors in areas subject to frost.

Can Zellige tile be used in a pool?

Our raw Unglazed Natural zellige elevates the outdoors – and the matte finish is perfect for a pool deck.