This guide must be reviewed with your installer before installation begins. Proper installation requires an installer experienced with handmade zellige tiles. Megzo cannot be held responsible for installation methods or issues arising after tiles have been installed.
Megzo Zellige tiles are handcrafted using traditional techniques. Variations in color, thickness, edges, glaze and surface texture are natural characteristics and contribute to the authentic appearance of the finished surface.
Handmade zellige naturally includes variation. Installations may show slight differences in shade, irregular edges, glaze variation, surface crazing, or occasional chips exposing the clay body. Approximately 15–20% of tiles may show these characteristics. When blended correctly during installation, these variations produce the traditional lively appearance of authentic zellige.
Clients seeking a more uniform result may order an additional 20–25% material to allow stricter tile selection. As production is artisanal, samples and future batches may vary slightly in tone, shape or size.
Orders must be inspected upon delivery before installation. Tiles already installed are considered accepted. Some tiles may show marks from the handmade cutting process or transport dust; these can typically be cleaned or sorted out during installation. To account for cutting, variation and possible breakage, ordering at least 15% extra material is recommended.
Tiles often carry dust from transport and should be cleaned before installation. Glazed tiles may be soaked briefly in clean water for one to two minutes to remove dust and improve adhesion. Unglazed tiles must not be soaked, as they may absorb moisture and develop surface staining; they should instead be wiped clean.
Tiles from all boxes must be mixed before installation to distribute variation evenly. A dry layout is strongly recommended so installer and client can preview tone distribution before fixing tiles permanently. Lighting conditions affect color perception, so evaluation should take place in the final installation environment.
Grout color significantly influences the final appearance. Matching grout creates a contemporary finish, while neutral tones produce a more traditional aesthetic. Installer and client should agree beforehand on the desired final result, whether aiming for a natural organic appearance or a more uniform and level surface.
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 may be applied to the back of each tile where necessary to compensate for natural thickness variation and achieve leveling.
Tiles are installed piece by piece and pressed firmly into place. Minor adjustments during installation are normal due to variation in handmade tiles. All cutting must be performed using a water-cooled tile saw equipped with a diamond blade.
Irregular gaps or uneven joints should later be filled during grouting to maintain surface cohesion.
For wall installations, tiles are commonly placed edge-to-edge with minimal spacing for a traditional appearance, though spacing can be adapted if visible grout joints are desired. Leveling wedges or spacers may be required to align naturally uneven edges.
For floor installations, additional care must be taken to ensure proper leveling to avoid uneven walking surfaces. A minimum grout spacing is generally recommended to increase durability and slip resistance, and layouts may be staggered if desired.
In commercial or wet environments, slip resistance can be improved by increasing grout joint size or applying anti-slip surface treatments where required. Installers should evaluate safety requirements according to project conditions.
After tiles are laid, allow adhesive to cure fully before proceeding to sealing or grouting.
Grouting is essential to protect tile edges and fill joints, pits and natural irregularities. Dry stacking without grout is not recommended. Grout should be applied thoroughly and excess material removed promptly using a damp sponge, as dried grout residue is difficult to remove from glazed surfaces.
Installations exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions may require application of a penetrating sealer after grouting. Unglazed tiles generally require sealing before and after grouting to reduce staining risk. Sealers should be applied according to manufacturer instructions while avoiding excessive application that may leave surface residue.
Zellige tiles are suitable for showers, bathrooms and similar wet environments when surfaces are properly waterproofed and appropriate adhesives and grout are used. Unglazed tiles are not recommended for permanently submerged installations unless specifically specified and sealed.
Installations can often be designed flush with adjacent surfaces to avoid trim pieces. Where edges remain exposed, tiles may be miter-cut to create finished corners or completed using appropriate edge profiles.
Over time, zellige surfaces naturally develop patina and fine surface lines which contribute to their character. Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes abrasive particles, and cleaning should be performed with pH-neutral products. Spills should be cleaned promptly, particularly on unglazed surfaces.
Installations containing unglazed tiles or exposed to moisture may require periodic resealing depending on traffic and exposure conditions. Follow sealer manufacturer guidelines for maintenance intervals.
Megzo Zellige tiles are living surfaces shaped by craftsmanship. Proper installation allows their character and beauty to evolve naturally, creating authentic surfaces designed to endure over time.
