This guide should be reviewed with your installer before beginning installation. Proper installation of handcrafted zellige requires an installer familiar with traditional handmade tiles. Megzo cannot be held responsible for installation methods or issues arising after tiles have been installed.
Megzo Zellige Panels are composed of handmade zellige tiles that may be supplied mounted on mesh sheets or installed individually on site using adhesive mortar or traditional cement methods, depending on project requirements. Variations in tone, thickness, edges, glaze, and surface texture are natural characteristics of handmade zellige and contribute to the authenticity of the final installation.
Because each tile is handcrafted, natural variation is expected. Installations may include slight color differences, irregular edges, glaze variation, surface crazing, or small chips exposing the clay body. Around 15–20% of tiles may display these characteristics. When properly blended during installation, these variations create the traditional lively appearance associated with authentic zellige surfaces.
If a more uniform appearance is desired, ordering an additional 20–25% material allows greater selection during installation. As production is artisanal, samples and later batches may vary slightly in tone and finish.
Orders should be inspected upon delivery and before installation begins. Installed material is considered accepted. Dust or markings from handling or cutting are normal and can be cleaned or sorted during installation. To account for cutting, selection, and possible breakage, ordering at least 15% extra material is recommended.
Tiles or panels may carry dust from transport and should be cleaned before installation. Glazed tiles can be briefly rinsed or wiped with a damp sponge. Panels containing unglazed pieces must not be soaked, as unglazed clay absorbs moisture and may develop surface staining; instead they should be wiped clean.
Tiles or panels from all boxes should be mixed before installation to distribute variation evenly. When mesh-mounted sheets are supplied, sheets may be separated and individual pieces rearranged if necessary to achieve balanced color distribution. When panels are assembled on site, installers should similarly blend tiles before fixing them.
A dry layout in the installation area is strongly recommended to preview tone and variation before permanent fixing. Lighting conditions influence tile appearance, so tiles should be evaluated in their final environment.
Grout color strongly influences the final aesthetic. Matching grout creates a more contemporary finish, while neutral grout tones produce a traditional zellige appearance. Clear communication between installer and client about the desired final result is essential before installation begins.
The installation surface must be stable, clean, dry, and properly leveled according to standard tile preparation practices.
A suitable thin-set adhesive or cement mortar should be evenly applied to the substrate. Additional adhesive or mortar may be applied to the back of panels or individual tiles where necessary to compensate for natural thickness variations and achieve proper leveling.
Panels or individual tiles should be pressed firmly into place and adjusted progressively during installation. Minor leveling adjustments are normal due to handcrafted variation. All cuts must be performed using a water-cooled tile saw equipped with a diamond blade.
Irregular gaps or joints are filled during grouting to create a cohesive finished surface.
For wall installations, mesh-mounted panels may be installed directly or individual tiles may be positioned separately for layout adjustments. Traditional zellige installations often place tiles closely together with minimal joints, although spacing can be adapted to suit design preference. Leveling wedges or spacers may help align irregular edges.
For floor installations, additional care must be taken to ensure proper leveling to avoid uneven walking surfaces. Mesh-mounted sheets may be separated or tiles installed individually if larger grout joints are desired. Grout should be filled completely to tile surface level for durability.
In commercial or wet environments, slip resistance may be improved by adjusting grout joint size or applying appropriate anti-slip treatments. Installers should evaluate safety requirements according to project conditions.
Grouting is necessary to protect tile edges and fill joints and surface irregularities. Dry stacking without grout is not recommended. Grout should be applied thoroughly, and excess material should be removed promptly with a damp sponge, as dried grout residue can be difficult to remove from glazed surfaces.
Installations exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions may require application of a penetrating sealer after grouting. Panels containing unglazed pieces generally require sealing before and after grouting to reduce staining risk. Sealers should always be applied according to manufacturer instructions while avoiding excessive application that may leave surface residue.
Zellige panels may be used in showers, bathrooms, spas, and similar environments provided surfaces are properly waterproofed and appropriate adhesives and grout are used. Panels containing unglazed tiles are not recommended for permanently submerged installations unless specifically specified and sealed.
Installations can often be designed to finish flush with adjacent surfaces to avoid trim pieces. Where edges remain exposed, tiles may be miter-cut to create finished corners or completed with appropriate edge profiles.
Over time, zellige surfaces naturally develop patina and fine surface lines that contribute to their character. Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes abrasive particles, and cleaning should be done using pH-neutral products. Spills should be cleaned promptly, especially on unglazed areas.
Installations containing unglazed tiles or exposed to moisture may require periodic resealing depending on wear and exposure conditions, following sealer manufacturer guidelines.
Megzo Zellige Panels are living surfaces shaped by craftsmanship. Proper installation allows their beauty and character to evolve naturally, creating authentic spaces designed to endure over time.
