Tile Usage Guide

Handmade tiles behave differently from mass-produced ceramic, so knowing where each material performs best is the first step of any project. This guide explains where our zellige, bejmat, Turkish and marble tiles can be used, from kitchen floors and shower walls to underfloor heating and outdoor spaces. Every product page also carries a Tile Usage grid showing the same suitability information for that specific tile.

Quick reference: where each tile can be used

Unglazed zellige and bejmat must be sealed before and after installation. Fireplace use covers the surround and hearth only, never the inside of the firebox.

Zellige tiles

Glazed zellige suits nearly every interior application: kitchen splashbacks, bathroom and shower walls, wet rooms, fireplace surrounds and floors in both busy and quiet rooms. The fired glaze creates a dense, water-resistant surface, which is why zellige has lined Moroccan hammams, fountains and courtyards for centuries. On floors, expect a gently uneven, hand-cut surface; an experienced installer will lay the tiles flush with minimal lippage. Unglazed zellige, such as our Terra Original range, must be sealed before and after installation and resealed every two to three years in wet areas. Browse our zellige tiles and octagon zellige tiles.

Bejmat tiles

Bejmat is the brick-format relative of zellige, made from the same Fez clay but pressed thicker. That extra body makes it a natural choice for floors, including hallways and kitchens, laid straight, stacked or in herringbone. It performs equally well on walls and splashbacks. As with zellige, keep bejmat away from frost-exposed outdoor surfaces. See our bejmat tiles.

Turkish and Iznik tiles

Our hand-painted Turkish tiles are decorative pieces first and foremost. They are ideal for interior walls, kitchen splashbacks, fireplace surrounds and framed border details, where the painted glaze can be admired and protected. We do not recommend them for floors, submerged use or exposed outdoor surfaces, as foot traffic and weather would wear the hand-painted surface. Explore our Turkish tiles.

Marble tiles

Marble mosaics and polished marble tiles are at home on floors and walls throughout the house, including high-traffic spaces such as hallways and kitchens. In showers and wet rooms, mosaics offer extra grip thanks to their many grout joints, and all marble should be sealed on arrival and resealed periodically. Marble also pairs well with underfloor heating, as natural stone holds and radiates warmth evenly. For swimming pools or chlorinated spas, speak to our team first, as water treatment can affect polished surfaces. View our marble tiles.

Underfloor heating

Zellige, bejmat and marble all conduct and hold warmth well, which makes them excellent partners for wet or electric underfloor heating. Use a flexible adhesive and grout rated for heated floors, and raise the temperature gradually after installation so the adhesive cures without stress.

Outdoor use and frost in the UK

Glazed terracotta absorbs a small amount of moisture through its clay body. In a UK winter, repeated freezing and thawing of that moisture can crack the glaze or spall the tile face. For that reason we only recommend zellige and bejmat outdoors in frost-free positions: covered porches, sheltered courtyard walls, conservatories and similar protected spots. For an exposed patio or garden path, ask our team about a frost-resistant alternative for your project.

Swimming pools and spas

Glazed zellige has a long history in pools, fountains and hammams, and it remains one of the most beautiful pool linings available. Ensure the substrate is stable and fully waterproofed, and use adhesive and grout specified for permanently wet, submerged conditions. Both saltwater and chlorinated systems are suitable for glazed zellige.

Frequently asked questions

Can zellige tiles be used in a shower?

Yes. Glazed zellige is well suited to shower walls and floors, including steam showers, provided the substrate is waterproofed and wet-area adhesive and grout are used.

Can zellige tiles be used on floors?

Yes, in both high and low traffic rooms. The surface is charmingly irregular, so allow a little extra installation time and use an installer experienced with handmade tiles.

Are zellige tiles suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes. Fired clay transfers heat efficiently. Fit with flexible adhesive and bring the system up to temperature gradually after curing.

Can I use zellige or bejmat tiles outside?

Only in frost-free, sheltered positions. Surfaces exposed to snow, ice or hard frost are not suitable for glazed terracotta.

Do zellige tiles need sealing?

Glazed zellige does not need sealing, only a brief soak in clean water before fixing. Unglazed zellige and bejmat must be sealed before and after installation, then resealed every two to three years in wet areas.

Unsure about a specific space or a commercial project? Contact our team for tailored advice, or order a sample directly from any product page before you commit.