Professional Installation
SERA Zellige should be installed by a qualified professional experienced in working with handmade tile.
The information below provides general guidance only. The installer is responsible for selecting the appropriate substrate preparation, waterproofing system, adhesive, grout and protective treatment for the intended application, site conditions and applicable local requirements.
Preparation & Layout
Before installation, open all boxes, mix tiles from different boxes and complete a dry layout. This will allow variations in tone, sheen, texture and natural surface character to be distributed evenly throughout the installation.
Do not install tiles consecutively from a single box.
We recommend preparing a small test area to confirm the layout, joint appearance, grout colour and any proposed protective treatment before full installation begins.
Substrate & Installation
The substrate must be sound, stable, level, clean, dry and free from dust, oil and construction residue.
Wet areas require a professionally installed waterproofing system. Tile and grout do not replace the waterproofing beneath the installation.
Use a flexible, high-bond adhesive suitable for the substrate, ceramic tile and intended application.
Adhesive should be applied to both the substrate and the back of each tile to ensure full contact and to compensate for natural variation in tile thickness.
Install tiles individually. Wedge spacers may be used where necessary to align naturally irregular edges.
Zellige is traditionally installed with narrow, naturally irregular joints. The final joint width should be determined by the installer according to the tile format, substrate and installation conditions.
Use wet-cutting equipment with a suitable diamond blade. Dry cutting, grinding and abrasive sanding should be avoided.
Grouting & Sealing
Use a fine grout suitable for ceramic tile and the intended application.
Test the grout on several tiles or on a small sample area before applying it to the entire installation. Contrasting grout may emphasise fine crazing, pinholes, pits and natural glaze variation.
Grout should fill the joints and may also fill small surface pits, edge chips and irregular gaps.
Remove excess grout promptly with clean water and a soft sponge. Do not allow grout, adhesive or other construction residue to dry on the tile surface.
Glazed Zellige used in dry interior areas does not generally require sealing.
A pre-grout treatment or penetrating sealer may be required when using contrasting grout, where areas of exposed clay are present, or in wet, exterior or particularly stain-prone applications.
Always test any treatment on a spare tile and follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Wet Areas & Floors
Use Zellige in wet areas or on floors only where the relevant application has been confirmed for the specific product.
Surfaces exposed directly to water must be waterproof, stable and rigid before installation. Adhesives, grouts, sealers and waterproofing products must be compatible and suitable for the intended conditions.
For floors, showers and other wet surfaces, the installer must assess slip resistance, tile format, grout joints, drainage, slope and expected traffic before installation.
Cleaning & Care
For regular cleaning, use a soft cloth, sponge or mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.
Do not use acidic cleaners, bleach, harsh chemicals, abrasive powders, metal brushes, scouring pads or mechanical scrubbers.
Clean spills promptly. Floor installations should be kept free from sand, grit and other abrasive debris that may damage the glazed surface.
Always test a new cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before general use.
Natural patina and signs of wear may develop over time. These changes are part of the character and natural ageing of handmade Zellige.
Safety
Wear gloves, safety glasses and suitable respiratory protection when unpacking, cutting and installing the tiles.
Cut tiles using wet-cutting equipment in a well-ventilated work area. Follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturers of adhesives, grouts, sealers and installation equipment.
Full Installation Guide
Please read the full guide with your installer before work begins: view full installation guide.
