Instructions: Zellige Tile Installation & Maintenence
Inspecting Your Shipment
Zellige tiles are fragile. Depending on the method and number of times handled, they are susceptible to scratching, chipping and cracking. During shipping, there is always a chance that a small percentage of the tiles will be damaged.
Visible Damage: It is your responsibility as the consignee to note any visible damage on all copies of the proof of delivery or on the driver's hand-held and request an Additional Services Form from the driver noting the damage. Take multiple photos of the damage before the skid is unpacked.
Notify Geon Tile of the damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos.
Concealed Damage: Must be reported within 24 hours of delivery
Keep all packaging material and notify Geon Tile of damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos. Please note: Damage not reported within 24 hours will not be covered under freight insurance and will not be eligible for replacement.
Store your tiles in a dry area. Do not let the boxes get wet.
Imperfections
Due to the raw materials and timeless methods in hand-crafting zellige tile, you will receive tiles that are pitted through the glaze, contain cracks, crazing, iron spots, or edge chipping. These imperfections are what make our handmade zellige authentic; each tile is unique and the inconsistency in size, shape and finish is what gives zellige it's charm.
What You'll Need
| Grout | Large bucket | Microfibre cloth |
| Rubber grout float | Sponge | Wedge shapedSpacers |
| 3/8" x 3/8" Square notched trowel | Gloves and PPE | Drill with mixing paddle |
| Thinset | Margin Trowel |
Margin Trowel |
You'll also require a wet saw with a diamond blade appropriate for porcelain tile, or a variable speed grinder with continuous rim diamond blade.
Setting Zellige Tile
When installation instructions are followed carefully, zellige tile is a great DIY project. For larger or more complicated installations with complicated cuts or major imperfections in the substrate, Geon Tile recommends a professional tile installer.
- Prior to installation, remove dust and debris from tiles using a damp cloth.
- Install your tile over a suitable and stable surface with a sub floor membrane/substrate. Geon Tile recommends using Schluter Systems Ditra or equivalent.
- For wall installations, install using appropriate setting materials that will not allow the tile to slip or sag.
- We recommend a butt-jointed installation for zellige. The tiles are irregular in shape and will touching in some places and not in others. This is what makes zellige so beautiful; installers can use wedge-shaped spacers to help shim tiles vertically in places where they do not touch.
- Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions as directed.
- Zellige tile from many different boxes should be mixed to achieve the best overall blend of colour and imperfections. For best results, open multiple boxes and pull tiles from different cartons as you go.
- In very arid, warm climates, soak each tile in water for 1-2 minutes. This will prevent the thinset from "burning"
- Using a 1/4" x 1/4" square notched trowel, evenly spread thin-set over the substrate, combing thinset with the notched side of trowel.
- Use wedge-shaped spacers to acheive an even installation. Keep in mind that zellige tile's beauty is in it's irregularity. Grout lines will vary; trust the process!
- Geon Tile zellige can be cut with a diamond blade wet saw. Alternatively, a grinder will work for smaller projects.
Grouting Zellige Tile
Geon Tile recommends using Custom Prism polymer modified grout (or equivalent) which is an unsanded grout. Be sure to grout as directed by the manufacturer.
- Allow thinset to cure for the recommended length of time, as per thinset manufacturer instructions
- Be sure that tile surface and joints are free from debris prior to grouting.
- Apply grout with tile float, holding the float at a 45 degree angle, working diagonally.
- Make sure that all the grout joints have been filled and wipe away excess as you go. Let dry for 10-20 min.
- Using a damp grouting sponge, wipe tile in a gentle, circular motion to remove excess grout and ensure a smooth consistent grout line. Let dry for 10-20 min. Using circular motions, wipe tile again, turning the sponge after each wipe, using each side of the sponge only once. Rinse sponge often.
- Wait another 10-20 minutes or until grout starts to dry. Wipe tile with a damp microfibre cloth as the final step buffing away all residual grout from the surface of the tile. Use each side of the cloth only once, rinsing often.
Beware of Grout Haze!
Grout haze is a very thin layer of grout which has been allowed to dry on the surface of the tile. During installation the grout must be completely wiped from the tile surface and then the tops of the tiles buffed with a soft cloth to remove any residual grout film. Once grout dries overnight there is little that can be done to remove grout haze, aside from using a commercial grout haze remover.
Maintenance: General Care
Properly installed zellige tile requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Below are a few tips to help keep your tile looking beautiful for years to come.
- Wipe up all spills immediately. Allowing fluids to remain on the tile surface for an extended period of time can cause staining.
- Keep your tile surface free from dirt to keep abrasive particles from scratching the tile surface.
- Use a damp cloth, sponge, or mop with a stone cleaner or mild soap is recommended for routine cleaning.
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Maintenance: Refinishing Your Tile Surface
If cared for, zellige tile surfaces need not be resurfaced or refinished. For any major repairs, deep cleaning, or removal of grout haze or coatings, Geon Tile recommends that you consult a licensed professional or resurfacing contractor to address your zellige tile surface.