{"id":62546,"date":"2023-12-02T08:47:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T07:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emeryetcie.com\/?page_id=62546"},"modified":"2025-10-06T11:01:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T09:01:47","slug":"questions-answers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.emeryetcie.com\/en\/catalog\/tiles\/zellige-tiles-2\/questions-answers\/","title":{"rendered":"QUESTIONS \/ ANSWERS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Zelliges are small natural or enameled terracotta tiles typical of Moroccan artisanal tradition. Handcrafted in the Fez region, they cover the floors and walls of palaces, mosques and riad patios with floral or geometric patterns. The local clay is poorly filtered and the ancestral manufacturing in rudimentary kilns produces pieces with an irregular appearance: more or less curved tiles, uneven enamel layer, shrinkage in places of material, micro cracks or the presence of small white balls called “plaster lice”. This is what makes traditional zelliges original and beautiful, which cannot be matched by any industrial production.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What formats are available?<\/span>
\nOriginally, the formats were countless, as they were cut according to the desired design on site.
\nWe offer simpler formats: squares (10x10cm, 5x5cm, and 2.5×2.5cm), rectangles, Bejmats in 5x15cm,
\nhexagons, split corners to accommodate a cabochon, scale-shaped “chacours” in three sizes, various geometric or calligraphic friezes, and paintings with exclusive floral motifs.
\nAnd all these formats come in a choice of 48 colours.
\nA quote will be provided for any request for a non-standard format.<\/p>\n

Why are they so different from each other within the same item?<\/span>
\nThese are the welcome vagaries of artisanal manufacturing. Tiles should not be considered one by one; the risk would be to reject those that might not appear “correct”
\nat first glance, whereas the beauty of a zellige panel lies in the infinite nuances perceptible throughout the design.<\/p>\n

Why do they appear broken on the edge?<\/span>
\nThis is a characteristic of zellige: since these tiles must be truly laid edge to edge,
\nthey are skillfully hammered on the edge to provide a better grip for the adhesive, as the very thin joint would not be sufficient to permanently fix them in a vertical position.
\nZellige tiles for floors do not require this precaution and have straight edges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are they fragile?<\/span>
\nNo more fragile than any other ceramic tile once installed correctly according to the provided instructions.<\/p>\n

Are they different for floors and walls?<\/span>
\nZellige tiles for walls are approximately 12 mm thick and have beveled edges to promote adhesion to vertical surfaces.
\nZellige tiles for floors have straight edges and are thicker, approximately 18 mm.<\/p>\n

Are there any particular difficulties in installing zelliges?<\/span>
\nWe provide precise instructions for installing zelliges.
\nThere are no particular difficulties; however, it is essential to ensure that the adhesive is spread over the entire back of the tile as well as the surface.
\nThe tiles must be installed edge to edge; the irregularity of zelliges means that the gap between two tiles varies, and is on average about 1 mm. We don’t use spacers, only very thin pieces of cardboard if necessary to help in certain areas.
\nFurthermore, it is important to blend the tiles to naturally distribute all the colour nuances.<\/p>\n

How to cut zelliges?<\/span>
\nWith a tile cutter with a diamond cutting blade, as with any ceramic tile.<\/p>\n

What colour should you choose for the joints?<\/span>
\nWe recommend a medium gray joint regardless of the colour of the zelliges chosen, so that it blends in with the overall appearance
\nwithout creating an unsightly grid pattern. Definitely, no joints tinted to match the colour of the zelliges.<\/p>\n

Does the surface of the zelliges need to be treated?<\/span>
\nIf the zellige is glazed, it does not need to be treated after installation;
\nit is as strong and waterproof as any glazed tile.
\nOnly unglazed, so-called “natural” zellige should be treated with a suitable waterproof wax or oil.<\/p>\n

How to clean the surface of the zelliges?<\/span>
\nWith any commercial descaling cleaner, such as household white vinegar, for example.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Can they be installed anywhere indoors?<\/span>
\nYes, absolutely anywhere, in dry and humid areas.<\/p>\n

Can they be installed outdoors?<\/span>
\nYes, however, avoid installing them on the ground in cold regions because the ground is susceptible to frost.
\nVertical walls are less susceptible to frost (water doesn’t stagnate), especially if they are sheltered.
\nRegardless of the climate, it is preferable to create a slight slope in the ground so that more or less acidic rain (which would otherwise stagnate) does not eventually damage the surface of the zelliges.<\/p>\n

Can they be installed in a swimming pool or pond?<\/span>
\nYes, zelliges cover the basins of patios and swimming pools in Morocco, so they can be used in regions where it doesn’t freeze. Avoid doing so in other cases.<\/p>\n

Can they be installed near a stove, near, or in a fireplace?<\/span>
\nZellige tiles are fireproof and therefore resistant to high temperatures.
\nThey can be installed in front of and around a fireplace, but not indoors where they come into contact with flames.
\nA metal wood-burning stove must be placed at least 37.5 cm from a wall, whether tiled or not,
\nand the flue pipe must be placed at a distance three times its diameter.<\/p>\n

Are they compatible with underfloor heating?<\/span>
\nYes, it’s the quality of the glue and joints that matters in the case of underfloor heating.<\/p>\n

Can they be installed in a public place?<\/span>
\nYes, especially as wall decoration, this is no problem. For floor installation, be aware that over time, high foot traffic
\nwith shoes will wear down the enameled surface, as can be seen in older buildings in Morocco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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When is an expansion joint necessary?<\/span>
\nAn expansion joint can prevent cracks from appearing over time. It must be installed around the perimeter of the tiles according to current regulations and is only necessary if the surface area is large (from 40m\u00b2) and if the substrate is considered unstable, such as in an older building, for example, or when installing over existing parquet flooring, even if it has been leveled.<\/p>\n

Can they be installed over existing tiles or parquet flooring?<\/span>
\nYes, in both cases, you must ensure the flatness and stability of the base by carrying out surface repairs and leveling if necessary.<\/p>\n

Do you need to order a quantity of zelliges corresponding to the exact surface to be tiled?<\/span>
\nIt is essential to allow for an additional 6 to 10% to cover possible breakages and cuts required during installation.<\/p>\n

Do you deliver everywhere?<\/span>
\nYes, everywhere. A quote is calculated based on the delivery location and the weight of the pallets shipped.<\/p>\n

How much does one square meter of zelliges weigh?<\/span>
\n20 to 24 kilos.<\/p>\n

Can I request special designs on the zelliges?<\/span>
\nYes, and they’re exclusive to EMERY&Cie.
\nAgn\u00e8s Emery hand-paints countless small animal and plant patterns, offering a wide range of colours
\nfor both the pattern and the background glaze. Each tile is unique, making it a custom design project.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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