How Moroccan Zellige Tiles Are Made
Zellige tile, known for its organic beauty and rich imperfections, has been handcrafted in Morocco for over a thousand years. This centuries-old craft begins with raw, natural materials and ends with stunning geometric patterns that have adorned mosques, riads, and palaces across North Africa and beyond.
Today, Zellige remains a cornerstone of Moroccan design-and a sought-after material for architects and interior designers around the world. But what exactly goes into the making of these artisan tiles?
What Is Zellige Tile?
Zellige (also spelled zellij) is a type of handmade Moroccan tile made from non-refined natural clay, traditionally sourced from the region of Fez. Unlike mass-produced tiles, each Zellige piece is shaped, glazed, and fired by hand, resulting in one-of-a-kind surfaces with rich tonal variation and slight imperfections that are celebrated rather than hidden.
At House of Anouar, all of our Zellige tiles are hand-cut and custom-made in Morocco, using traditional methods passed down through generations of skilled artisans.
Step 1: Harvesting and Preparing the Clay
The process begins with natural clay harvested near Fez, Morocco. This specific clay is known for its plasticity and high mineral content-ideal for tile making. The raw clay is soaked in water and then kneaded by hand and foot to create a smooth, workable texture.
Once prepared, the clay is shaped into square slabs and left to dry under the Moroccan sun. This natural drying process is critical-it reduces cracking during firing and preserves the integrity of the material.
Step 2: Firing the Tiles in Traditional Kilns
Once the clay slabs are fully dried, they are fired in ancient wood-burning kilns. These traditional kilns are heated using olive pits and wood, a method that gives Zellige tiles their slightly varied finish.
The first firing produces what's known as biscuit tile-the unglazed, base tile that will later be glazed and re-fired. Every piece is loaded by hand, and temperatures are closely monitored by master craftsmen using visual and tactile cues.
Step 3: Glazing and Second Firing
After the initial firing, each tile is hand-dipped or brushed with glaze. Zellige glazes are made using natural oxides and pigments, producing rich, earthy tones like emerald green, cobalt blue, chalky white, blush pink, and deep terracotta.
The glazed tiles are then re-fired at high temperatures. Because the firing process is done in traditional kilns, slight variations in heat and placement result in the subtle color shifts and texture changes that make Moroccan Zellige tile so unique.
Step 4: Hand-Cutting Into Final Shapes
After cooling, the glazed tiles are hand-cut by maâlems-skilled tile artisans-into various shapes such as squares, rectangles, stars, fish scales, or custom patterns. Using a sharp hammer called a menqach, each tile is carefully trimmed into precise forms.
This step is what gives Zellige its signature character: no two tiles are exactly the same. Edges may be slightly irregular, surfaces slightly textured-this is not a flaw, but a defining feature of true handmade Moroccan tile.
Step 5: Arranging and Assembling
Once cut, the tiles are sorted and, in some cases, pre-assembled into mosaics for easier installation. At this stage, custom orders-such as bulk tile orders or unique color combinations-are handled individually to meet specific design needs.
We work with both homeowners and interior designers to accommodate custom tile requests, including special shapes, tones, and project quantities.
Why Choose Handmade Moroccan Zellige?
Zellige tiles bring depth, movement, and warmth to any space. Their handcrafted nature makes them ideal for feature walls, kitchen backsplashes, showers, fireplaces, and more. Because they're made with natural and organic materials, they're also a sustainable choice for eco-conscious design.
At House of Anouar, we are proud to offer custom Moroccan Zellige tile orders, bulk pricing for larger projects, and personalized service to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to Start a Custom Tile Project?
We invite you to explore our full range of Zellige colors and shapes, or contact us to request a quote for a custom Moroccan tile order. Every tile is made to order in Morocco using traditional techniques-and shipped directly to your door.