Laying the tiles:
1. Since no Zellige tile is exactly the same, open the package and mix the different colored tiles evenly before laying the Zellige tiles to achieve the best laying effect.
2. The surface of the zellige tile should be fully prepared and cleaned.
3. Soak the glazed tile in water for 1-2 minutes to ensure that the tile adheres properly to the tile surface. Do not soak our unglazed natural tiles in advance.
4. Apply a thin layer of mortar evenly on the surface of the tile.
5. Apply another layer of thin mortar on the back of each tile.
6. Place the tiles one by one into the wall adhesive.
7. Tiles can be laid in a variety of spacings depending on design preference. The traditional (and recommended) installation method does not use standard grout joints; 4×4 tiles are laid edge to edge instead, while other shapes are hand-laid with minimal grout spacing.
8. Grouting:
Once the tiles are laid, apply grout with a rubber trowel, filling all spaces and gaps between tiles and any surface pits, chips and cracks. The preferred grout specification is Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA Grout. Unglazed zellige tile requires MapeiFlexcolor CQ Grout.
The grout color should match the tile color as closely as possible.
After a brief drying period, carefully remove excess grout with a damp sponge.
The tile is then polished to remove any remaining grout film.
All grout should be sealed after installation.
Zellige is a glazed terracotta that does not require sealing. For unglazed natural zellige, we only recommend using a penetrating sealer to protect the tile before and after grouting, as unglazed terracotta is porous and absorbent.
Zellige on Floors:
2×6 glazed zellige is the preferred size and shape for floor installations. All unglazed zellige shapes can be used for floor applications due to their higher COF. Special attention should be paid to applying adhesive to the floor and back of the tile to ensure a perfect bond between the tile and the concrete slab.
Zellige in Showers and Pools:
Zellige tiles are commonly used in swimming pools, shower walls, fountains, spas and bathrooms. Before beginning installation, make sure the surface of each area is stable and waterproof. Use bonding cements and grouts suitable for use in wet areas. Due to constant exposure to water, pool installers should always seal pool and spa waterline grout lines after any tile installation is completed, including zellige.
Our unglazed natural zellige is the only zellige tile that requires sealing. Before grouting, seal the unglazed glazed surface once with 511 Porous Plus (which acts as a grout release agent), then after grouting, seal again with Fila Matte Wax Topical Sealer following the sealer manufacturer's application instructions.
