![]() ![]() Zellige tiles themselves are a showstopper of your space. What grout color is recommended for Zellige tile? It is possible to just “butt joint” Zellige tiles, without grouting in areas that do not experience moisture, but we’d like to be on the safe side and recommend minimal grout joints. For the best look we recommend minimal grout spacing between 1/16”-1/18”. Do I need to grout Zellige tile?Īt Clay Imports, we recommend grouting every tile application for a long-lasting and durable installation. High variation is an undeniable characteristic of zellige tile. They are also suitable for wet areas, such as shower applications and steam rooms. You can install Zellige tiles inside and outside, as long as they’re not exposed to heavy freezing. Our Zellige is also very high quality and durable. Our tile is also made from recycled clay material and made to order. When you purchase our tile, you're supporting better work conditions and safety for tile makers. Our zellige tiles are sustainable, use non-lead-based glazes, 100% handcrafted, and support a growing community of tile artisans in Mexico. Why and where should I use Clay Imports Zellige? Zellige tiles, are more unpredictable than regular clay tiles because variations in size and thickness are more common.īoth Zellige and regular clay tiles are suitable for the same areas, such as backsplashes, showers, and other wall and floor applications with low to moderate traffic. ![]() More conventional clay tiles, such as our Talavera solid squares, are not beveled. The beveled edges of Zellige tiles allow for extremely narrow and tight grout joints, which lets you create the oh-so desirable, artisan handmade look. ![]() The most prominent difference between Zellige and other clay tiles lies in the beveled edges. What is the visual difference between Zellige tile and conventional clay tile? The same effect is just not achievable with non-lead glazes. The “advantage” of lead-based glazes is the shimmering, high gloss finish it gives the tile. The use of lead-based glazes is prohibited in Mexico, for the well-being of those who create our decorative tile and pottery. Many Moroccan glaze compositions are lead-based, which can be detrimental to the tile makers. Zellige Noir Black-Backsplash design by Samantha Packham of Zebedee Designsīut there's another important reason to start making another type of Zellige tile in Mexico: LEAD. That is before Clay Imports developed an understanding of how Zellige tiles are glazed. Ceramic glaze is an impervious layer or coating of a vitreous substance that has been fused to a ceramic body through firing ( thank you, Wikipedia, for breaking that down so simply). The main difference between Saltillo and Zellige tile is glazing. We also found a similar sense of pride and admiration of the Mexican ladrilleros and Moroccan maâlems for their historical craft and how it connects them to the earth. Look at how similar the firing pits look! Artisans hand stack the tiles in the simple kilns and then fire. ![]() Then hand-shaped, dried, and lastly kiln-fired. Similar to crafting Saltillo, Zellige tiles are made of clay mixed with water. It was the much more simple and unrefined Saltillo tile-making process. Surprisingly, it wasn't the glazing techniques that coincided. We encountered countless similarities between tile making in Mexico and Morocco. We were intrigued with the techniques Moroccan artisans passed down from generation to generation. Where and how is Clay Imports Zellige tile made?Ĭlay Imports Product Developers visited several Zellige-making workshops around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez in Morocco. Zellige derives from the word for “faience, ornamental tile”: زايج. The imperfect charm, unconventional finish and unique installation techniques make this product stand out. Designers worldwide have named handmade Zellige tile as one of the trendiest tile right now. ![]()
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