Moroccan Tiles Installation & Care

Installation & Care | Moroccan Pool Tiles

Handcrafted in Fez, Morocco

Installation
& Care Guide

Complete guidance for installing, grouting, sealing, and maintaining your Moroccan zellige tiles — from first cut to lasting patina.

"Over time, zellige wears like a natural stone — developing crazing, patina, and depth that no factory tile can replicate."

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Before You Begin

Setting the Stage for
an Enduring Installation

The decisions made before a single tile is set will define the character of your finished installation. Take time with these steps — they are the foundation of everything that follows.

01 — Cleaning

Clean Before Installing

Residue and dust from shipping are normal. Soak all glazed zellige tiles in room-temperature water for 1–2 minutes to remove any dust and residue from transportation, and to ensure the tiles properly adhere to the surface.

Do NOT soak Unglazed Natural zellige — soaking unglazed tiles can cause efflorescence that is difficult to remove.

02 — Blending

Blend From All Boxes

Due to the inherent colour variation of zellige, it is essential to blend tiles from all boxes in your order before beginning. Lay out the full field in the installation area so that variation is evenly distributed before committing any tile to adhesive.

For 2×2 and trapezoid tiles on resin sheets: separate tiles from multiple sheets and mix before grouting so variation is evenly distributed.

03 — Aesthetic

Embrace the Character

Chips, pits, and surface variation are not defects — they are the defining character of handcrafted zellige. Work with them. Grout will fill imperfections and create a more authentic result. Lighting dramatically affects the appearance: direct natural light brightens, shadow deepens.

Discuss your desired aesthetic clearly with your installer before work begins.

04 — Grout Colour

Choose Your Grout Thoughtfully

Grout colour is an aesthetic decision nearly as significant as the tile itself. For a modern finish, match grout closely to the tile colour. For a traditional zellige look, explore neutral tones that allow the tile variation to read clearly across the surface.

Always test your chosen grout colour on a sample section and allow it to fully dry before approving.

Required Materials

What You'll
Need on Site

Using the correct materials is not optional — it is the difference between an installation that lasts decades and one that fails prematurely. The following are our tested recommendations.

Setting & Laying

High-quality medium-bed thin-set mortar Polymer-modified, rated for the environment (pool, exterior, interior)
Trowel with ¼" semi-circular notches
Tile levelling spacers and wedge spacers
Water-cooled tile saw with diamond edge blade All cuts must be made wet — never dry-cut zellige
Sponge, bucket, rubber grout float
Grout: Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA — for all glazed zellige For Unglazed Natural zellige only: use Mapei Flexcolor CQ

Cleaning & Sealing

Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (pH-neutral, Acid Substitute) For pre- and post-installation cleaning
Paint roller, paint tray, sponge and water bucket
Lint-free cotton cloths
511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer — for pools, spas, showers and wet areas Apply after grouting is complete on glazed zellige; apply before grouting on Unglazed Natural
FILA Matte Wax Sealer — for Unglazed Natural zellige only Top-coat after grouting; reapply periodically. Indoor use only — UV can cause discolouration outdoors

Installation

Laying Zellige
Step by Step

Each step below builds on the last. Follow the sequence carefully — particularly the curing times — and your installation will reward you with decades of character and beauty.

Prepare the Surface

The tiling surface must be structurally sound, level, and fully prepared by a licensed professional before zellige is placed. For wet areas — pools, spas, and showers — ensure the waterproofing membrane has fully cured per manufacturer instructions before beginning.

Note: Any surface irregularity exceeding 3mm over a 3m span should be corrected before setting begins. Do not set tiles on an unprepared substrate.

Apply Thin-Set & Back-Butter

Evenly apply the thin-set mixture to the installation surface using a notched trowel. Back-butter the reverse of each tile with a second layer of thin-set, applying in the same direction to prevent air pockets forming beneath the tile. Press each tile firmly with a slight twisting motion to collapse voids.

For a more level installation, vary the thickness of thin-set on the back of each tile to account for depth variation between individual handmade pieces. Level tiles as they are placed using a spirit level and wedge spacers where needed.

For Unglazed Natural zellige: Work in small sections no larger than 2'×2' at a time. Immediately wipe any residual thin-set from the tile face — it becomes extremely difficult to remove once cured.

Spacing & Alignment

The traditional zellige method does not use standard grout joints — tiles are laid edge to edge, or with a 1/16" grout spacing where a defined grout line is preferred. Use wedge spacers to align naturally uneven edges rather than rigid mechanical spacers, which can work against the handmade aesthetic.

Check alignment regularly. Correct while adhesive remains workable.

Installation by Surface Type

Wall

Wall Installations

Place tiles one by one onto the wall substrate. Traditional zellige wall installations use edge-to-edge placement or a 1/16" joint for a defined line. Level with wedge spacers throughout.

Floor

Floor Installations

The traditional floor format is 2×6 zellige. A minimum of 1/8" grout spacing is recommended for floors. Staggered or herringbone layouts improve the DCOF rating. Glazed zellige has a DCOF rating of 0.16.

Consult your installer on slip resistance for specific wet-area floor applications.

Wet Areas

Pools, Spas & Showers

Ensure the substrate is stable and fully waterproofed. Use adhesive cement and grout appropriate for continuous wet-area use. Slip resistance can be increased by widening grout joints, using a staggered layout, or applying an anti-slip product post-installation.

Installers must seal all tiles and grout lines exposed to continuous moisture with 511 Porous Plus after grouting.

Cure Before Proceeding

After all tiles have been laid, allow the thin-set a minimum of 48 hours to cure before sealing or grouting. Do not walk on or disturb the installation during this period.

Pre-grout sealing for Unglazed Natural zellige only: Apply 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer before grouting. Apply in thin layers until fully saturated, wiping off any excess before it dries. Allow the sealer to cure fully — typically 48 hours — before proceeding to grout. Do not over-seal.

Grouting & Sealing

Protecting
the Surface

Grouting and sealing are the final acts of installation — and among the most consequential. Correct execution here determines both the aesthetic outcome and the long-term durability of your zellige surface.

Grouting

We do not recommend dry-stacking zellige in any application — grout is required to protect tile edges over time. Using Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA (or Flexcolor CQ for unglazed), fill all spaces, gaps, and any surface pits, chips, and cracks using a rubber grout float and spatula.

Carefully remove excess grout with a damp sponge before it begins to set. Do not allow grout to dry on the face of zellige tiles — it becomes very difficult to remove once cured.

Grout colour tip: Always test your chosen colour on a sample board and allow it to dry fully. Wet and dry grout colours differ significantly.

Top-Coat Sealing

Once grouting is complete, thoroughly clean and dry the entire surface, removing all residual mortar, grout haze, footprints, and debris. Never seal over a dirty surface — contamination sealed beneath will be permanent.

For glazed zellige in wet areas (pools, spas, showers): apply 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer to all tiles and grout lines after grouting is complete.

For Unglazed Natural zellige only: Apply FILA Matte Wax Sealer in thin layers until fully coated, wiping off excess before it dries. Allow 1–2 days to cure. Do not use FILA Matt Wax in outdoor applications — UV rays cause discolouration over time. Use 511 Porous Plus for all outdoor unglazed applications.

Trim & Edge Finishing

We recommend installing zellige from floor to ceiling, or bringing drywall flush with the finished tile surface, to eliminate the need for trim pieces. Where an exposed edge is unavoidable, we recommend mitering the tile at 45 degrees to create a clean corner from two tiles — an approach that can be executed on-site by an experienced installer.

Note: Custom trim pieces can be ordered for specific project requirements. Contact our team to discuss options.

Always

Soak glazed zellige for 1–2 minutes before laying
Blend tiles from all boxes before beginning installation
Use a water-cooled saw for all cuts
Back-butter each tile individually with thin-set
Allow full 48-hour cure before grouting or sealing
Use Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA for glazed zellige grout
Remove excess grout from tile faces while still workable
Seal wet-area installations with 511 Porous Plus after grouting
Wear protective face and eye coverings throughout installation

Never

Soak Unglazed Natural zellige — efflorescence will result
Dry-cut zellige — always use a water-cooled saw
Dry-stack zellige without grout in any application
Allow thin-set to dry on the face of Unglazed Natural tiles
Proceed to grouting before sealer is fully cured (unglazed only)
Leave grout to dry on the tile surface
Apply FILA Matt Wax outdoors — UV will cause discolouration
Over-seal — thick sealant dries unevenly and leaves a waxy film
Seal over a dirty or contaminated surface

Ongoing Maintenance

Caring for Your
Investment

Zellige rewards the patient owner. With minimal but consistent care, your installation will develop a patina of authenticity that grows richer with every passing year.

Routine Cleaning

Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove abrasive material that can scratch the glaze over time. For routine cleaning, use Miracle Sealants pH-Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner — safe for all zellige types.

Glazed zellige may be cleaned like most glazed ceramic tile. Promptly clean up spills, particularly oil and grease on unglazed surfaces — un-cleaned spills can cause permanent staining on unsealed unglazed zellige.

Recommended: Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile & Stone Cleaner, diluted per instructions

Re-Sealing Schedule

Unglazed Natural zellige and zellige in wet areas should be re-sealed at minimum every 1–2 years. High-traffic or high-moisture areas may require more frequent re-sealing.

To test whether re-sealing is needed: sprinkle water on the surface. If it no longer beads and instead absorbs into the tile, it is time to re-seal. Always clean thoroughly before re-applying sealer.

Always re-seal in accordance with the sealant manufacturer's instructions

Natural Ageing & Patina

Over time, zellige wears like a natural stone. Clients should expect and embrace natural wear, fine surface lines (known as crazing), and the development of a patina on the glaze surface.

This ageing is not a defect — it is the hallmark of a genuine handcrafted material, and one of the primary reasons zellige has been prized in Moorish architecture for eight centuries.

Unsealed unglazed zellige will develop patina over time — this is expected and desirable

Installation Safety

Installers should always wear protective face and eye coverings when working with tile, mortar, sealants, and grout. California residents: this product may be subject to Proposition 65 warnings.

Related Resources

Everything you need for a flawless installation.

Download our full technical spec sheet, request tile samples for your project, or speak directly with our team. We support installers and design professionals throughout the process — from tile selection to final sealing.

Care Guide

Ongoing maintenance by tile type

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Technical Spec Sheets

Full technical data for every product

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Download PDF Spec Sheet

Full specification document — all tile types

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Request Tile Samples

Complimentary samples for your project

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