How Are Handcrafted Moroccan Tiles Made?

Ever wondered how handcrafted Moroccan tiles are made? These beautiful, colorful tiles—also known as zellige—are crafted using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. If you're looking for authentic, handmade tiles for your home, here's what makes Moroccan tiles so special.

It all starts with natural clay. Artisans use clay from the Fez region of Morocco, known for its strength and quality. The clay is soaked in water, kneaded until smooth, and shaped into flat squares by hand. Then, the tiles are left to dry naturally in the sun.

Next comes the first kiln firing, using wood, charcoal, or olive pits. This hardens the tiles into durable terracotta bases. After that, each tile is hand-glazed using natural, mineral-based colors—like deep blue, burnt orange, or soft white. These glazes give Moroccan tiles their  glossy finish.

Once the glaze is applied, the tiles are fired again to set the color. For patterned tiles, artisans use small hammers to carefully cut the tiles into shapes—like stars, triangles, or crosses—and assemble them into detailed mosaics.

Because every step is done by hand, no two Moroccan tiles are exactly alike. Slight variations in color, shape, and texture give each piece its own character. These details are what make handmade Moroccan tiles so desirable for kitchens, bathrooms, and accent walls.

So if you're asking, “How are Moroccan tiles made?”—the answer is with patience, tradition, and a whole lot of craftsmanship. When you choose handmade Moroccan tiles, you’re bringing centuries of culture and beauty into your space.

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