How to install Zellige
In 8 steps. We also offer flexible or rigid pre-positioned panels, which make installation easier
Mix the tiles to balance colours and shapes
Standard adhesive for ceramic tiles.
Apply to the wall and to the back of the Zellige.
Angle cut, with a water-cooled diamond disc.
Position by hand, without spacers.
Spread the liquid grout.
Work it in well to fill the space between the tiles.
Remove the excess grout by rubbing with a dry cloth.
Zellige, definition
Zellige is a ceramic made by hand from natural, unrefined clay from the region of Fez (Morocco).
This clay is kneaded with water, shaped by hand, dried and then kiln-fired. Vitrified glazes are then applied and fused onto the biscuit, in multiple semi-transparent, pearlescent, metallic/volcanic or opaque shades.
The definition of Zellige is the irregularity of surface appearance and tone, flatness, gloss, colour and depth of the glaze. Each Zellige tile is unique.
Zellige maintenance
Glazed Zellige tiles require no special maintenance; they are cleaned like any other glazed tiling. However, “metal” ZelligeMetal colours: Tiles covered with a very thin metal film, in Gold, Copper or Silver. The piece is then protected with a synthetic glaze. requires specific installation and maintenance. Contact our customer service for more information.
Installing Zellige outdoors
Zellige is a glazed ceramic tile, so it is not affected by sun or UV. The quality of the substrate, the installation and the grout guarantees its durability over time against thermal shock (expansion-contraction of the substrate). Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles depends on the watertightness of the grout and the absence of water penetration between the tiles and the substrate.
Installing Zellige tiles
- Before installation, mix the tiles to compose a random, harmonious panel.
- Prepare and level the wall before gluing the Zellige.
- Coat the wall and the back of the Zellige with a ceramic tile adhesive, or fix the Zellige with assembly silicone.
- Position by hand, edge to edge without spacers, and balance each Zellige within the panel, seeking the harmony of the whole.
- Panels: as with individual Zellige pieces, variations in size and shape are usual. Each panel must be positioned by adjusting the joint spacing and the depth of the adhesive. With flexible panels, it is essential to warm the adhesive film to make peeling easier.
- Once the tile is in place, spread a very liquid grout with a rubber spatula, working it in well to fill the remaining space between the tiles.
- After drying, carefully remove the excess grout with a dry cloth/fibre or a damp sponge and manually rectify any remaining cement.
- Zellige cuts easily, even at a bevel, with a water-cooled diamond disc.
- Surfaces in direct contact with water: pools, showers (tray and walls), fountains. As with any other tiling, covering a surface with Zellige does not make it watertight. Moisture can filter through the joints and installation irregularities. It is therefore the watertightness of the wall substrate or the concrete slab that guarantees the quality of the work.