What No One Tells You About Zellige Tile: 7 Things to Know Before You Install Moroccan Handmade Tile
There’s a reason Moroccan Zellige tile keeps showing up in the homes of tastemakers and design lovers—it’s soulful, luminous, and effortlessly elevates a space with the kind of character you can’t fake. Handcrafted Moroccan Zellige tile has become a staple in high-end interior design, prized for its artisanal glaze, organic texture, and the timeless elegance it brings to kitchens, bathrooms, and architectural details alike. Zellige tile has become a darling of the design world in recent years-and it's easy to see why. The way it captures light, the depth of its glaze, and the charm of its handcrafted irregularities all combine to create something truly timeless and completely unique ever time. It's not trendy. It's historic, soulful, and a quietly luxury.
But while the aesthetic is unmatched, the reality of using zellige tile in your home-especially in a kitchen or bathroom-comes with some important considerations. Most articles and Instagram posts focus on its beauty, but few talk about the nuances that make it both enchanting and, at times, frustrating. Whether you're eyeing a creamy neutral backsplash or dreaming of deep burgundy in your powder room, it's worth understanding what to expect.
1. Zellige Tile Is Never Perfect-That's the Beauty of Handmade Moroccan Tile
Zellige is not made by machines and doesn't aim for uniformity. Each Moroccan tile is shaped, dried, glazed, and fired by hand. That means color variation, chips, uneven edges, and surface texture are the norm-not the exception.
Rather than striving for symmetry, zellige celebrates natural imperfection. These subtle differences are what give the tile its soul. Light bounces across the varied surfaces and brings rooms to life in a way that flat, factory-made tile never could.
What to expect:
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Slight variation in shade, even within one order
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Uneven edges, dips, and hand-formed surfaces
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Glaze pooling, crazing, or pinholes
Tip: Always order a zellige tile sample before buying to make sure the color variation and texture suit your project.
2. Zellige Tile Installation Is a Specialized Craft, Not a Standard Process
Installing zellige tile requires experience. Because no two tiles are identical in size or thickness, standard tile tools like spacers won't work. Each tile must be placed by hand, often adjusted visually rather than mechanically.
This makes the installation process slower and more artistic-and that comes with a learning curve. Without an experienced installer, the final look may lack the fluid, mosaic-like effect that zellige is known for.
What to expect:
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Manual alignment of every single tile
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Sorting tiles by shade and size before install
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Longer and more expensive labor
Tip: Confirm that your installer has worked with zellige or handmade Moroccan tile before-and ask to see examples of past projects.
3. The Finish of Zellige Tile Will Change Over Time
The surface of glazed zellige is delicate and dynamic. Over time, especially in wet areas, you might see tiny hairline cracks (known as crazing), or a softening of the gloss in high-use zones.
This evolution is part of the material's charm. Zellige ages gracefully, much like unlacquered brass or natural stone. It tells a story as it weathers.
What to expect:
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Hairline glaze crazing is normal
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The finish may dull slightly in traffic-heavy zones
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Tiles will develop character, not stay pristine
Tip: Use only pH-neutral cleaners and soft cloths to preserve the integrity of your zellige glaze.
4. Moroccan Zellige Tiles Vary in Color-Even Within the Same Batch
Color variation is one of the most unexpected aspects of working with zellige. Even when ordering a single glaze (like white or green), you might receive tiles that range in tone, texture, and reflectivity. This is especially true for lighter glazes where the base clay color shines through.
This isn't a manufacturing flaw-it's a natural part of small-batch, wood-fired craftsmanship. The secret to making it look intentional is all in how the tiles are laid out before installation.
What to expect:
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Some tiles will appear lighter or warmer than others
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Translucent glazes can show the base clay beneath
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The wall will look tonal, not flat
Tip: Lay out and blend all zellige tiles before installation to create an even, organic color flow across the surface.
5. Zellige Tile Requires Time and Patience-from Order to Installation
Zellige is not an instant-gratification product. Many colors are made-to-order, and shipping from Morocco or artisan suppliers can take time. Once the tiles arrive, the installation process is more involved than standard tilework.
If your timeline is tight or your tolerance for delays is low, zellige might frustrate you. But if you're patient, the results can be stunning.
What to expect:
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Longer lead times (4-12+ weeks for custom colors)
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Slow, hands-on install methods
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Drying, sealing, and curing phases post-install
Tip: Place your zellige tile order early in the project to allow for potential delays in production or shipping.
6. Zellige Tiles Are Fragile in Transit-Order Extra
While zellige tile is durable once installed, it's fragile during transit. Chips, cracks, and breakage are common-especially for international shipments.
Even minor damage often blends into the finished look, but it's crucial to over-order to compensate. And because color can vary by batch, it's not always easy to match replacements later.
What to expect:
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10-20% breakage rate is normal
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Chipped edges are often still usable
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Reordering matching tiles can be tricky
Tip: Order at least 15% extra Moroccan tile up front and save leftovers for future touch-ups or repairs.
7. Zellige Tile Adds Character You Can't Fake
Ultimately, zellige is a love-it-or-leave-it material. It doesn't try to be sleek, uniform, or trendy. It's rustic, expressive, and textured-and it asks you to surrender the need for perfection.
But in return, it gives you a wall or backsplash that feels alive. Light plays across the surface. Color shifts throughout the day. And no one else's space will ever look quite like yours.
What to expect:
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A one-of-a-kind result
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A naturally evolving finish
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A design element with real soul
Tip: Pair zellige tile with lime plaster, natural wood, or unlacquered brass to enhance its organic elegance.
Final Thoughts
Zellige tile isn't just a stylish choice-it's a commitment to craftsmanship, imperfection, and timeless design. For those seeking an elevated, soulful material that tells a story through light, depth, and texture, handmade Moroccan tile offers an unmatched, enduring beauty. When thoughtfully selected and properly installed, it can become the centerpiece of a home-one that grows richer with time.
If you're ready to embrace a more organic, artful way of designing your space, zellige might just be the perfect starting point.
Explore our curated collection of authentic handcrafted Moroccan Zellige tile-sourced directly from artisans and available in a range of glazes, shapes, and sizes. Every tile tells a story, and our House is built to help you tell yours.