Your Zellige Questions, Answered

Zelligerar zellige is the product of an unbroken chain of craftsmanship that we have proudly upheld since 1974. It begins with us sourcing a unique, mineral-rich clay from the earth. Our artisans then shape, glaze, and fire each tile by hand using traditions passed down through generations. The result is not just a tile, but a piece of our history—a testament to authentic materials and human touch.

These variations are the signature of true craftsmanship and the most celebrated characteristic of our tiles. They are not defects.

Because we oversee the entire process from the composition of our clay to the hand-application of our glazes and the organic heat of our kilns—each tile develops its own unique personality. This depth, texture, and subtle color fluctuation is the authentic mark of Zelligerar quality, perfected over decades.

Our heritage and our process. While many companies import tiles, we have been a foundational part of the zellige craft since 1974. We are a family-run institution with artisans who have been with us for decades. We don't just sell zellige; we live it. When you choose Zelligerar, you are acquiring a product directly from the hands that made it, backed by a half-century of expertise.

To fully appreciate the depth and character that comes from nearly 50 years of traditional tile-making, you must experience it in person. Our samples allow you to see how the nuanced colors and handcrafted textures interact with the light in your own space. It's a critical step in ensuring the final installation meets your vision.

We professionally recommend ordering an additional 15-20% of tile. This industry best practice for all handcrafted tile ensures you have enough material to account for the necessary cuts during installation, allows for hand-selection (culling) of specific tiles, and provides you with a matching reserve from the same batch for any future needs.

Lead times reflect our commitment to craftsmanship. For in-stock items, please allow 5-7 business days for order processing before shipment. For made-to-order or backordered collections, the lead time is typically 8-16 weeks. This timeframe is not a delay, but a necessity of the authentic, multi-step creation process we have honored since 1974. We provide a more specific lead time estimate with every formal quote.

Due to the organic nature of our handcrafted process, each firing or "batch" of zellige has its own unique color and character. While we can attempt to find a close match, we cannot guarantee a perfect match with a batch from a previous order. This is precisely why ordering the 15-20% overage with your initial purchase is critical—it is the only way to ensure absolute consistency for your project.

To ensure your investment arrives safely, all orders are professionally packaged, secured on a pallet, and shipped via an LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight carrier. This is a curbside delivery service, meaning the pallet will be delivered to the curb at the end of your driveway. You will be responsible for moving the tiles into your property. You will receive tracking information once your order has been dispatched.

Yes. We have proudly collaborated with the architecture and design community for decades. We offer a comprehensive trade program that provides exclusive pricing, dedicated support, and access to our full range of custom capabilities. To apply, please visit our Trade Program Page or contact our A&D representatives.

For a classic, authentic look, our zellige should be installed with minimal spacing (approx. 1/16") and a tight grout joint. We advise against the use of plastic spacers. An experienced installer will lay out the tiles before setting them to artfully blend their natural variations in size and thickness, creating a seamless, handcrafted surface.

To protect your investment, we recommend using a high-performance, flexible grout such as Mapei Flexcolor CQ or Laticrete SPECTRALOCK 1. These pre-mixed grouts offer superior consistency, stain resistance, and durability. We strongly advise testing your chosen grout on a loose tile before applying it to the full installation

Sealing is a crucial step to ensure the lasting beauty of your tile.

• Glazed Tiles: The tile surface itself does not require sealing. However, to prevent moisture intrusion and staining, we mandate that you seal the grout lines after the grout has fully cured.
• Unglazed Natural Tiles: For our raw, unglazed tiles, you must seal the entire tile surface with a quality penetrating sealer before grouting. This prevents the porous clay from absorbing grout pigment.

Absolutely. For nearly 50 years, our zellige has been specified for both residential and commercial flooring applications worldwide. Its dense, clay body and durable glaze make it an excellent choice for floors, entryways, and other high-traffic areas, proving its resilience over decades of use.