The Beauty of Handcrafted Imperfection
Zellige and Bejmat tiles are authentically handcrafted treasures, each piece unique in its thickness, colour, shade and size. The variations you'll see, - subtle edge chips, organic warping, gentle crazing and natural colour shifts - aren't flaws. They're the hallmark of genuine artisan craftsmanship, creating that coveted organic, timeless aesthetic that makes these tiles so special.
Before You Begin: Essential Preparation
Please note: This guide provides general information. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tiling professional for your specific project.
Mix, Blend, Arrange. Don't Skip This Step!
Before any adhesive touches your wall, unpack ALL boxes and blend the tiles together. Lay them out in your installation area to preview your design. This crucial step ensures beautiful colour distribution and allows you to create your perfect layout. Each batch may vary slightly, so order carefully and purchase enough material for your entire project. Matching future orders can be very challenging.
Installation Approach
Traditionally, Zellige tiles are installed with tight, butt joints. This is a technique requiring skill, patience and time. Each tile needs careful placement and adjustment to accommodate the natural size variations. Some lipping is normal and adds to the authentic character.
You can choose to install with or without grout joints:
- Without grout: Traditional butt-joint method for a seamless look
- With grout: Use fine grout to fill small gaps; wipe away excess immediately so grout only fills voids without covering the tile surface
Surface Preparation & Installation Tips
- Brush and sponge tiles clean before installation (refer to your adhesive manufacturer's instructions)
- Back-butter tiles with notched trowel adhesive on the wall
- For external corners, mitre-cut tiles using a wet saw, sand edges smooth, and fill corner voids with grout
Sealing Requirements
- Glazed tiles: Sealing not required
- Natural terracotta: Must be sealed
Understanding the Authentic Nature of Handmade Tiles
Many handmade tiles lack engobe (a clay coating applied before glazing), which contributes to their rustic, artisanal character. This means:
- The tile body is more porous and may absorb some moisture through the glaze
- Surface texture may be more irregular, creating unique glaze effects
- Best performance in areas with moderate moisture exposure
These tiles excel in feature walls, splashbacks and carefully selected wet areas where their stunning visual impact can shine.
Our Commitment to You
We want you to fall in love with your Zellige tiles! All the characteristics described here are inherent to authentic handmade tiles. We ensure these features are clearly explained and, where possible, demonstrated before purchase. Due to their handcrafted nature and these understood characteristics, returns are not accepted on Zellige and Bejmat tiles.
Questions? Our team at InStyle Ceramics is here to help you plan your perfect project. Visit us at 105 Norma Rd, Myaree, or call to speak with one of our qualified interior designers.
