Zellige tile is a popular choice of homeowners, especially for bathrooms. While it is good for some bathroom uses, it is not suitable for all applications, and we can help you decide how to incorporate it into the plans for your new build.
Zellige tile is one of the best choices for shower walls and feature walls in bathrooms, but is generally not a good choice for bathroom flooring. Zellige tiles are glossy, reflective, and full of character, making them a timeless design decision that appeals to most homeowners. Although Zellige tile may cost more to install upfront in your bathroom, it could enhance your home’s resale value considerably more than ceramic tile.
Find out if Zellige tile is right for your bathroom and start planning your new build by reaching out to Blythe Custom Homes today.
Many characteristics of Zellige tile make it well-suited to certain bathroom applications in custom homes, and we can review them with you as we plan the details of your new build.
Zellige is especially water-resistant, making it a great option for bathrooms, especially shower walls. The clay tiles are glazed with a durable enamel to create a non-porous surface that helps prevent water damage over time. Intentional waterproofing behind Zellige tile is crucial to prevent mildew and mold growth.
Zellige tiles are handcrafted terracotta tiles, and no two are identical. Slight variations in thickness, color, and edges create an interesting, rustic appearance that many homeowners love. The imperfections and individuality of Zellige tiles make them more visually interesting, especially compared to porcelain and machine-made tiles.
The kind of tiles you install in the bathroom of your custom build can have a greater effect on the overall feel of the space than you anticipated. The grooves and imperfections of Zellige tiles, combined with their glossy enamel finish, catch and reflect natural light streaming in from windows and artificial light from bathroom fixtures, making the bathroom feel larger and brighter. This is especially useful in small or windowless bathrooms.
The durability of Zellige tile is another reason it is so popular among homeowners, especially for bathroom applications. Once the clay tiles are fired and covered in their protective enamel glaze, they are robust, dense, and non-porous. Especially with proper waterproofing behind tile, Zellige tile should remain in good condition for many years, and can even contribute to the resale value of your home.
Despite the many pros of Zellige tile, here are some things homeowners should consider before deciding whether it is the right choice for their bathrooms.
Zellige tile is handcrafted, meaning each tile is totally unique. With so many variations, installation can be more demanding than installing porcelain tile and requires a more experienced hand. Zellige tiles are not something you should try to install yourself, especially not in a shower where careful installation is key in preventing water damage.
Our builders can install Zellige tile towards the end of construction to avoid any damage.
While Zellige tile is among the best choices for showers and bathroom walls, it has limited applications in bathrooms. The enamel coating on Zellige tile makes it slicker than porcelain tile, especially when wet. Because of this, homeowners may refrain from using Zellige on shower floors or bathroom floors.
In general, Zellige tiles cost more per square foot than standard ceramic tiles. Though there may be higher upfront costs associated with Zellige tile, the aesthetic outcome may be well worth it. Using luxury finishes in a custom build not only makes the home more enjoyable and functional for your family now but also makes it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
Zellige tile differs from ceramic tile in that each tile is handcrafted rather than mass-produced for uniformity, and it requires skilled installation.
Zellige tile itself is waterproof due to its thick enamel coating. Still, waterproofing behind Zellige tile is essential when installed in showers and other wet areas.
Zellige tile is a great choice for shower walls, but it is typically too slippery for shower floors and may not be the safest option.
Zellige tile is a timeless, luxurious addition to your bathroom and not just a passing trend.
Zellige tile is not right for your bathroom if you like a more contemporary, sleek, and uniform look, which you can most likely achieve with machine-made ceramic tile.
Blythe Custom Homes can source luxury Zellige tile for you so that you don’t have to order materials from vendors yourself.
The irregularity and texture of Zellige tiles require a bit more maintenance and attention than flat ceramic tiles that have no grooves to catch dust or soap scum. When cleaning Zellige tile, avoid using abrasives, as they can scratch the enamel coating and dull the glaze.
Zellige tile comes in a range of colors, including whites, creams, greens, blues, and even black. Terracotta-colored Zellige tile is also popular among homeowners who want an unglazed, natural look.
Plan and build your dream home with Blythe Custom Homes, and reach out to our builders today.
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