Moroccan Tiles Guide: Handmade Zellige, Geometric and Fish-Scale Patterns, Printed Porcelain Alternatives, Walls and Floors, Uneven Surface Charm, Indicative Rates, Grout, Sealing and Care in Pakistan
Moroccan tiles cover handmade zellige, geometric patterns and fish-scale shapes, and many buyers choose printed porcelain alternatives for easier care. Prices run from about PKR 300 to PKR 2,500 per square foot. This page covers zellige, patterns, printed alternatives, walls and floors, charm of uneven surfaces, rates, grout, sealing and care. For related pages see Spanish tile, metro tiles and tile patterns.
Zellige and handmade tiles
True zellige tiles are hand-cut and glazed, so each tile varies in shade, thickness and edge. This irregular shine is the charm, but it needs wider joints and skilled fixers. Expect longer lead times and higher prices.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Printed Moroccan-pattern porcelain | PKR 300 - 700 |
| Fish-scale or shaped ceramic tile | PKR 400 - 1,000 |
| Handmade zellige tile | PKR 1,200 - 2,500 |
| Decor or pattern tile, per piece | PKR 300 - 1,500 |
| Fixing labour, per sq ft | PKR 70 - 160 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Patterns and shapes
Popular shapes include fish-scale, hexagon, arabesque and star patterns. Use bold patterns on a feature wall or floor and keep the rest simple.
Printed alternatives
Printed porcelain gives the pattern look at a lower price, with uniform size and stronger floors. It lacks the uneven handmade shine but is more practical for floors.
Walls and floors
Handmade zellige suits walls and light-use floors, while printed porcelain suits kitchens and floors. Check floor rating for any tile used underfoot.
Grout, sealing and care
Use wider joints for handmade tiles, a grout colour that suits the glaze and sealer on porous types. Clean gently. Fitting should be done by a trained fixer, and the wall or floor checked for level, dryness and strength first.
What to check before buying
- Handmade or printed. Stated
- Floor rating. For floor use
- Variation. Sample accepted
- Joint width. Agreed with fixer
Before you decide
Accept the variation of handmade tiles or choose printed porcelain, and agree joint widths with the fixer. Order samples of several tiles together, because handmade tiles vary more than photos suggest, and lay them out in daylight. Allow for longer delivery times and keep spare pieces for repairs, since matching a hand-glazed colour later is often impossible. Ask the fixer about experience with handmade tiles before you agree the price. Before paying, confirm the delivery date, the packing method and who is responsible for damaged boxes, and keep the invoice and batch details together so any claim or reorder is simple later. Keep spare tiles from the same batch and note the shade code, since matching a tile later from a different batch is difficult. Ask the seller for written size, grade and return terms, view samples in the room's own light and compare total cost per square foot including fixing, not tile price alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Handmade zellige, patterned and shaped tiles in Moroccan styles, with printed copies. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Indicative retail rates run from about PKR 300 to 2,500 per square foot depending on type. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Only for light use, printed porcelain is safer. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
They are made and glazed by hand. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Porous types do. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Usually the same working day once you send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo. The reply is a written rate with the model, warranty and delivery listed, so you can compare it against other quotes line by line. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Choosing Moroccan-style tile?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.