Zellige Tile Installation Guide

Please read through this guide thoroughly before beginning your installation.

Preparation

Surface Requirements
Ensure the installation surface is straight, level, clean, and completely dry to ensure proper
adhesion and ease of installation. 
Store tiles in a dry, moisture-free environment to protect their handcrafted surfaces.
Perform a dry layout of the tiles to achieve the desired arrangement. Zellige tiles have natural variations, so this step is critical for aesthetic consistency.
Open all boxes and lay out the tiles before installation, as wide color variation may occur. To prevent concentrated spots of the same color, it is highly recommended to mix and spread tiles from all boxes

Materials and Tools
Adhesive: Use a high-quality thinset mortar suitable for ceramic tiles.
Grout: Use unsanded grout to avoid scratching the delicate surface of the tiles.
Cutting Tools: Use a wet saw with a diamond blade to achieve clean cuts.
ONLY FOR UNGLAZED ZELLIGE: Sealing is required for all installations. For wet areas or exterior
applications, an additional coat of sealer is recommended. For the best results use Zeus’ Tile Sealer by Tile Armor.

Installation Process
1. Preparing the Substrate
The substrate must be clean, dry, and level before installation.
For wet or exterior applications, apply a waterproofing or uncoupling membrane for added durability.
Zellige tiles are not recommended for flooring in freezing climates or high-traffic areas.
2. Applying the Thinset
Spread a thin, even layer of mortar on the substrate using a notched trowel.
Back-butter each tile to ensure full contact and optimal adhesion.
3. Laying Out the Tiles
Set tiles into the thinset using gentle hand pressure only.
Do not tap or hammer tiles - this may damage the glaze or cause cracking.
Zellige tiles may be installed with irregular grout lines or with 1/16” uniform spacing for a more structured layout.
Adjust for thickness variation as needed during placement.
4. Cutting Tiles
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade to make clean cuts and preserve the delicate, uneven edges of Zellige tiles.
5. Drying
Let the tiles fully cure for 24–48 hours before grouting.
6. Grouting
Use unsanded grout only to avoid surface damage.
Apply grout with a plastic spatula, carefully focusing on the joints and avoiding unnecessary contact with tile faces.
Using grout in the same color (or very close to the tile color) will help fill the chipped or pitted areas of the tiles.
Wipe off excess grout immediately using a damp sponge to prevent surface haze.
7. Cleaning
Use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner to clean the surface and remove any haze or debris.
Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, which may damage the tile’s glaze.

Disclaimer
LiLi Tile is not responsible for issues arising from improper installation or misuse of products.
For detailed recommendations or updates, visit our website at lilitile.com.
Thank you for choosing LiLi Zellige Tiles for your project!