Production Process
When you order Moroccan tiles, it is always custom made for you.
Understanding the basics of Zellij production process will help you plan ahead of time and will make you appreciate more your product knowing what it takes to make it for you.
- Tile is handmade in Morocco with a production timeline between 2 to 8 weeks depending on the nature of the mosaics, season of the year, production log, etc
- Samples’ approval process easily takes people an average of 2 to 3 weeks unless it’s all virtual with photos.
- Shipping
- Ocean freight is the most economical solution, however it does take an average of 4 to 8 weeks approx. and it works best for clients who order in advance.
- Express air shipping is the best available option for air shipping currently. It is door to door with a timeline of 5 to 7 days.
01 - Preparation of the clay
Once collected from the quarries of Fez, the clay is mixed in large basins and let sit for at least 48 hours until a homogeneous paste is formed. |
02 - Sun drying and shaping
The clay is shaped into rectangle with wooden molds measuring of 10 cm by 20 cm or 4" by 8". These bricks of clay are then dried in the hot sun for a few days. |
03 - Molding
Once sundried, the rough clay bricks are manually cut in two distinct shapes, 5 cm by 15 cm or 2" by 6 " for the terracotta family and 10 cm by 10 com or 4" by 4" for the zellij family. The later is the base for all our handcut ceramic and mosaic tiles.
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04 - Baking
The shaped and formed clay is sundried for a second time in the shade, then baked firstly at low temperature. Once the moisture is completely out, the kiln is fired at high temperature to bake the tile. This process takes a few weeks. |
First production step results in two product families:
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05 - Glazing
Natural terracotta and Zellij are both glazed using the same old techniques of dip glazing. |
06 - Baking (again!)
After the glaze has been applied, the tiles are stacked like a deck of cards inside our traditional beehive kiln for a second baking. |
07 - Manual cutting
The final glazed tiles are then cut into specific shapes from basic square tiles to more complex geometric shapes. |
08 - Mosaic assembly
This is the last step of production where your mosaics are assembled in either interlocking units or custom fitted based on client’s choice. |
09 - Shipping
This is the last step of production where your mosaics are scheduled for shipping after cleaning, quality control and packing. |
Orders
When choosing tiles for your project, it's important to understand the difference between authentic handmade tiles and machine-made imitations. Handmade tiles are crafted with passion and skill by artisans who bring centuries-old techniques to life. Each tile carries unique textures, slight imperfections, and tonal variations that embody its authenticity and charm.
Why Choose Handmade Tiles?
Support Artisans: Handmade tiles provide livelihoods for skilled artisans, preserving traditions passed down through generations.
Unique Beauty: Each piece is one of-a-kind, adding character and warmth that machine-made tiles cannot replicate.
Heritage and Craftsmanship: Handmade tiles reflect a deep cultural heritage, bringing authenticity and elegance to your space.
Beware of Machine-Made Alternatives
Machine-made tiles may mimic the appearance of handmade ones, but they lack the craftsmanship, texture, and individuality. Mass production eliminates the human touch, diminishing the artistry and often sacrificing quality. Worse, choosing machine-made over handmade may contribute to the loss of traditional crafts and the artisans who keep them alive.
At My Moroccan Tile, every tile we offer is 100% handmade, crafted by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques. By choosing our tiles, you’re investing in authentic craftsmanship and helping preserve a beautiful, centuries-old tradition.
Don’t settle for imitations—choose authentic, handmade tiles that tell a story and stand the test of time.
When choosing tiles for your project, it's important to understand the difference between authentic handmade tiles and machine-made imitations. Handmade tiles are crafted with passion and skill by artisans who bring centuries-old techniques to life. Each tile carries unique textures, slight imperfections, and tonal variations that embody its authenticity and charm.
Why Choose Handmade Tiles?
Support Artisans: Handmade tiles provide livelihoods for skilled artisans, preserving traditions passed down through generations.
Unique Beauty: Each piece is one of-a-kind, adding character and warmth that machine-made tiles cannot replicate.
Heritage and Craftsmanship: Handmade tiles reflect a deep cultural heritage, bringing authenticity and elegance to your space.
Beware of Machine-Made Alternatives
Machine-made tiles may mimic the appearance of handmade ones, but they lack the craftsmanship, texture, and individuality. Mass production eliminates the human touch, diminishing the artistry and often sacrificing quality. Worse, choosing machine-made over handmade may contribute to the loss of traditional crafts and the artisans who keep them alive.
At My Moroccan Tile, every tile we offer is 100% handmade, crafted by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques. By choosing our tiles, you’re investing in authentic craftsmanship and helping preserve a beautiful, centuries-old tradition.
Don’t settle for imitations—choose authentic, handmade tiles that tell a story and stand the test of time.
Purchase Online: You can conveniently order samples directly from our website.
- Provide Your Address: Alternatively, share your delivery address with us to receive a sample invoice.
Timeline:
- Color Samples: Ready to ship within one week.
- Mosaic Samples: Handmade mosaic samples require a few weeks to craft due to their intricate nature.
Let us help you bring your vision to life with our carefully crafted samples.
Purchase Online: You can conveniently order samples directly from our website.
- Provide Your Address: Alternatively, share your delivery address with us to receive a sample invoice.
Timeline:
- Color Samples: Ready to ship within one week.
- Mosaic Samples: Handmade mosaic samples require a few weeks to craft due to their intricate nature.
Let us help you bring your vision to life with our carefully crafted samples.
Our artisan tile is custom-made, so please plan for production and shipping time accordingly
Our artisan tile is custom-made, so please plan for production and shipping time accordingly
Yes, we can assist you with colors, layouts, and visuals for your tiles. This service is offered as a courtesy to our valued customers once an order has been placed. Additionally, we produce a control sample for your approval before production begins to ensure everything meets your expectations.
For non-buying clients, we can also provide layout services, but this requires a $500 retainer fee, which can be applied toward your order once it is placed. If no order is placed, the retainer fee is non-refundable and will be used to cover our drafter’s fees.
Yes, we can assist you with colors, layouts, and visuals for your tiles. This service is offered as a courtesy to our valued customers once an order has been placed. Additionally, we produce a control sample for your approval before production begins to ensure everything meets your expectations.
For non-buying clients, we can also provide layout services, but this requires a $500 retainer fee, which can be applied toward your order once it is placed. If no order is placed, the retainer fee is non-refundable and will be used to cover our drafter’s fees.
Yes you may. All our tile is made to order to provide options for our clients to select their own color
Yes you may. All our tile is made to order to provide options for our clients to select their own color
Contact us
Have a question, or want a product recommendation? Get in touch.
Shipping & Returns
Production Timeline:
- Standard orders: 4 to 6 weeks.
- Large orders: May require additional time.
Shipping Transit Time:
- Air shipments: 5 to 10 days.
- Maritime shipments: 6 to 8 weeks.
Please note that unforeseen circumstances, such as delays in production or shipping, may extend the timeline. We will keep you informed every step of the way to ensure a smooth delivery process.
Production Timeline:
- Standard orders: 4 to 6 weeks.
- Large orders: May require additional time.
Shipping Transit Time:
- Air shipments: 5 to 10 days.
- Maritime shipments: 6 to 8 weeks.
Please note that unforeseen circumstances, such as delays in production or shipping, may extend the timeline. We will keep you informed every step of the way to ensure a smooth delivery process.
- Standard Orders: 4 to 6 weeks.
- Large Orders: May require additional time, depending on quantity.
- Standard Orders: 4 to 6 weeks.
- Large Orders: May require additional time, depending on quantity.
- Air Shipments: 5 to 10 days.
- Maritime Shipments: 6 to 8 weeks.
We strive to ensure timely delivery while maintaining the highest quality standards in our handcrafted tiles.
- Air Shipments: 5 to 10 days.
- Maritime Shipments: 6 to 8 weeks.
We strive to ensure timely delivery while maintaining the highest quality standards in our handcrafted tiles.
Please follow these steps if your shipment is damaged:
- Inspect the Packaging: If damage is visible upon delivery, refuse the shipment and notify the carrier immediately.
- Keep the Packaging: Retain all original packaging for inspection and claim purposes.
- Notify Us Immediately: Send us photos of the delivery slip, the unopened crates, and any visible damage as soon as possible.
- Light Damage: If the damage is minor, we will send replacement parts for the mosaics and guide you through the repair process.
- Severe Damage: If the damage is extensive, we will coordinate with the shipping company to retrieve the damaged shipment and promptly remake your order.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’ll work with you to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
Please follow these steps if your shipment is damaged:
- Inspect the Packaging: If damage is visible upon delivery, refuse the shipment and notify the carrier immediately.
- Keep the Packaging: Retain all original packaging for inspection and claim purposes.
- Notify Us Immediately: Send us photos of the delivery slip, the unopened crates, and any visible damage as soon as possible.
- Light Damage: If the damage is minor, we will send replacement parts for the mosaics and guide you through the repair process.
- Severe Damage: If the damage is extensive, we will coordinate with the shipping company to retrieve the damaged shipment and promptly remake your order.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’ll work with you to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
Our tile is custom-created, therefore cancellations are not allowed and all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges
Our tile is custom-created, therefore cancellations are not allowed and all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges
Contact & Support
We offer two assembly options to suit your needs:
- Standard Assembly:
- Tiles are assembled into small interlocking panels, typically between 8" and 12" in size, depending on the pattern.
- Custom Assembly:
- We can create tiles tailored to your specific dimensions. For example, we can design a custom backsplash, wainscot, fireplace surround, or columns based on your measurements. These are assembled into larger interlocking sections, starting from 18" and up, for easy installation.
Both methods ensure precision and convenience, delivering a seamless and elegant finish to your space.
We offer two assembly options to suit your needs:
- Standard Assembly:
- Tiles are assembled into small interlocking panels, typically between 8" and 12" in size, depending on the pattern.
- Custom Assembly:
- We can create tiles tailored to your specific dimensions. For example, we can design a custom backsplash, wainscot, fireplace surround, or columns based on your measurements. These are assembled into larger interlocking sections, starting from 18" and up, for easy installation.
Both methods ensure precision and convenience, delivering a seamless and elegant finish to your space.
Installation Methods
Surface Preparation
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level. Any irregularities may affect the alignment of tiles.
- Apply a cement backer board if necessary to provide a stable
base.
Use the Right Adhesive
- Choose a high-quality, flexible thin-set mortar designed for
ceramic or mosaic tiles. - For wet areas like bathrooms or pools, ensure the adhesive
is waterproof.
Layout Planning
- Dry lay the tiles first to plan the layout and ensure the
interlocking sections fit correctly. - Do not Use spacers for mosaics and Zellij tiles.
Grouting
- Apply a non-sanded grout to prevent scratching the tile’s
surface. - Use grout in small sections and clean excess immediately to
avoid staining the tile. - For Zellij tiles, expect natural edges that may require
additional care during grouting.
Sealing
- Seal the tiles and grout with a high-quality penetrating
sealer to enhance durability and protect against stains, especially for areas
exposed to moisture.
Safety Considerations
Handling Tiles
Handmade Zellij tiles often have sharp edges and irregular shapes; wear cut-resistant gloves during handling to avoid injuries.
Cutting Tiles
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade for clean cuts and to minimize chipping. Avoid dry cutting, as it may produce dust harmful to the lungs.
Protective Gear
Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when cutting or drilling tiles to protect against debris and fine particles.
Weight Considerations
Zellij tiles are heavier than machine-made tiles, so ensure the surface can support their weight, especially for walls.
Professional Installation
For best results, hire an installer with experience in handmade or Moroccan tiles, as their irregularities require special expertise.
Preservation of Authenticity
Expect minor imperfections, as they are part of the charm and authenticity of handmade tiles.
Avoid overly aggressive cleaning methods that could damage the delicate glaze. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your handmade Zellij and mosaic tiles are installed safely and beautifully, preserving their
artisanal charm for years to come.
Installation Methods
Surface Preparation
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and level. Any irregularities may affect the alignment of tiles.
- Apply a cement backer board if necessary to provide a stable
base.
Use the Right Adhesive
- Choose a high-quality, flexible thin-set mortar designed for
ceramic or mosaic tiles. - For wet areas like bathrooms or pools, ensure the adhesive
is waterproof.
Layout Planning
- Dry lay the tiles first to plan the layout and ensure the
interlocking sections fit correctly. - Do not Use spacers for mosaics and Zellij tiles.
Grouting
- Apply a non-sanded grout to prevent scratching the tile’s
surface. - Use grout in small sections and clean excess immediately to
avoid staining the tile. - For Zellij tiles, expect natural edges that may require
additional care during grouting.
Sealing
- Seal the tiles and grout with a high-quality penetrating
sealer to enhance durability and protect against stains, especially for areas
exposed to moisture.
Safety Considerations
Handling Tiles
Handmade Zellij tiles often have sharp edges and irregular shapes; wear cut-resistant gloves during handling to avoid injuries.
Cutting Tiles
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade for clean cuts and to minimize chipping. Avoid dry cutting, as it may produce dust harmful to the lungs.
Protective Gear
Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when cutting or drilling tiles to protect against debris and fine particles.
Weight Considerations
Zellij tiles are heavier than machine-made tiles, so ensure the surface can support their weight, especially for walls.
Professional Installation
For best results, hire an installer with experience in handmade or Moroccan tiles, as their irregularities require special expertise.
Preservation of Authenticity
Expect minor imperfections, as they are part of the charm and authenticity of handmade tiles.
Avoid overly aggressive cleaning methods that could damage the delicate glaze. Use a pH-neutral cleaner for routine cleaning.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your handmade Zellij and mosaic tiles are installed safely and beautifully, preserving their
artisanal charm for years to come.
Email:sales@mymoroccantile.com
Phone: +1 (619) 246-3109
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
Email:sales@mymoroccantile.com
Phone: +1 (619) 246-3109
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)