Zellige Tile Adds Character to Home Interiors
Imagine walking into a kitchen where a gloriously imperfect backsplash captures your attention. This is the magic of Zellige tiles, one of our favorite materials to install. Handcrafted in Morocco, these tiles are popular among interior designers because they transform an otherwise common-looking backdrop into a captivating conversation starter. No two tiles are alike. They come glazed or unglazed in various dimensions, sizes, and colors.
With Zellige tile, the application options are virtually endless. Here are a few ideas:
- Kitchen backsplashes – make dinner prep and dishes feel a little bit special
- Bathroom walls – turn your morning routine into an escape
- Showers – linger and unwind in luxury
- Fireplace surrounds – sit and stay a while
- Accent walls – add character and interest to any room
Why You Need a Well-Connected Professional to Install Zellige Tile
The National Tile Contractor’s Association (NTCA) Technical Committee updated the 2024/2025 NTCA Reference Manual with a white paper about Zellige tile installation. They said Zellige is “very different from the materials many installers are accustomed to working with,” yet it is “not subject to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) manufacturing standards, ANSI workmanship standards, or [Tile Council of North America] TCNA installation recommendations.” (Source: NTCA Technical Committee Update – Episode 7: Zellige Tile, New Reference Manual, 2025 Preview)
What does this mean to you? Be sure to hire a tile installer experienced in Zellige tile installation for the best possible results. Not only this but hire a contractor who is an active member of the NTCA, an organization that keeps its members up to date with critical information about tile installation. Copher Tile & Stone is a member of the NTCA.
Zellige tiles vary in thickness and size. For a cohesive look and the best tile alignment, your installer must adjust the width of the grout lines and the depth of the tile placement over the adhesive. Complex designs will require even more fine-tuning.
Before Zellige tiles are installed, they can be easily damaged. A skilled installer can cut and lay these tiles with care. (With proper installation, the integrity of the finished installation is no longer easily damaged.)
Transform Your Home with Confidence
Zellige tile lends itself to San Luis Obispo’s popular California casual interior design style. According to Homes and Gardens, this approach to interior design blends “modern palettes with rustic finishes and a splash of coastal charm – exactly what you think of when you imagine a Californian home.” Zellige tiles embody this look perfectly.
Your Home, Reimagined
Here are some examples of Zellige projects we completed that made our clients very happy. Let them inspire you as you consider the possibilities for your home.
Partnering with a professional tile installer who understands the nuances of Zellige tile can help ensure that your new installation creates a space that is both beautiful and crafted to last.
by Alice Dean
Copher Tile & Stone proudly stays up to date on tile installation with ongoing education with Mapei Technical Institute, Ardex Academy, the National Tile Contractors Association, Laticrete, and Schluter. Copher is a Certified Tile Installer (#1644).
