Tile Guide and FAQ

Handmade tiles are crafted individually using traditional artisanal techniques. Natural variations in color, texture, surface and edges are therefore an inherent part of the material.

These variations are what give handmade tiles their depth, character and authentic appearance.

At Villa Tiles, we combine historical craftsmanship traditions with contemporary Nordic design to develop both classic handmade tiles and new tile collections.

Handmade tiles have a material depth and variation rarely found in industrially produced tiles.

While industrial tiles are typically highly uniform, handmade tiles naturally vary in tone, texture and surface. This creates a softer and more personal architectural expression.

Villa Tiles combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary Nordic design. Our handmade tiles are therefore often used in:

• architect-designed homes
• restorations
• boutique hotels
• restaurants
• wellness spaces
• interior projects focused on materials and detail

Villa Tiles’ handmade tiles are manufactured in small batches using traditional techniques. This creates surfaces with natural variation in color, texture and tone.

Many modern industrial tiles are highly uniform or based on printed surfaces. Handmade tiles instead have depth within the material itself.

At the same time, Villa Tiles develops its own Nordic color collections and specialized tile systems that create a more personal and architectural appearance.

We offer both handmade encaustic cement tiles made according to European craftsmanship traditions and original handmade Moroccan Zellige and Bejmat tiles.

The tile types differ fundamentally in material, production method and visual expression.

Handmade Cement Tiles

Handmade cement tiles — also known internationally as encaustic cement tiles — are manufactured without firing and built in two layers:

• a surface layer made from marble powder, pigments and cement
• a strong structural base of cement and sand

They have a calm, matte and architectural appearance and are often used for:

• floors
• bathrooms
• entrance halls
• restaurants
• hotels
• larger continuous surfaces

Zellige and Bejmat

Zellige and Bejmat are handmade Moroccan terracotta tiles.

They are shaped by hand and kiln-fired. The glazes create vibrant reflections, tonal variation and depth.

They are often used for:

• walls
• kitchens
• bathrooms
• decorative surfaces
• atmospheric interiors

Bejmat is also manufactured in a thick floor version frequently used in herringbone patterns.

The right choice depends on the character of the project and the atmosphere you wish to create.

Both Zellige and Bejmat are traditional handmade Moroccan terracotta tiles — but they are used differently.

Zellige

• hand-cut glazed tiles
• typically around 10 × 10 cm
• primarily used on walls
• vibrant surfaces with reflections and variation
• often used for kitchens, bathrooms and decorative walls

A thicker floor version also exists.

Bejmat

• elongated handmade terracotta tiles
• typically around 14 × 4.5 cm
• approximately 20–22 mm thick
• particularly suitable for floors
• often used in herringbone patterns

Both tile types are produced according to centuries-old craftsmanship traditions from Fez, Morocco.

At Villa Tiles, we also offer custom shapes and dimensions beyond the traditional formats.

Our handmade tiles are developed to last for generations when properly installed and maintained.

Handmade cement tiles have a solid wear layer comparable to solid hardwood flooring. The surface can be refinished and resealed when necessary. These tiles can last up to 150 years.

Zellige, Bejmat and handmade terracotta tiles also have long historical traditions and develop a beautiful natural patina over time.

When glazed tiles are used on floors, it is important to note that the glaze will gradually wear with use.

All of our handmade tiles are created to age beautifully and retain their character for many decades.

Villa Tiles has developed a special outdoor version of our handmade cement tiles, allowing a continuous architectural expression between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Indoor and outdoor tiles may look visually similar, but outdoor tiles are structurally reinforced and adapted to Nordic climate conditions.

Outdoor tiles can be installed:

• in compacted gravel and sand
• on pedestal systems
• with paving pads on solid substrates

We are happy to advise on the right solution for your project.

Yes. All our handmade tiles can be used in showers when properly installed and sealed.

For Zellige, both wall and floor versions are available.

Glazed tiles generally do not require sealing, while open-pore and unglazed tiles must be thoroughly saturated and sealed — including both tiles and grout joints.

For shower areas, we recommend repeated sealing with Fila MP90 Eco Extreme until the surface no longer absorbs liquid.

Installation guidance is always provided for contractors.

Handmade outdoor tiles will naturally develop patina over time.

UV light, rain, algae and daily use affect the surface, and some colors — especially blue and green tones — will fade faster than others.

For outdoor use, Villa Tiles especially recommends:

• red earth pigments
• warm yellow tones
• beige shades

Outdoor tiles must be sealed before installation.

The tiles are developed for installation in sand, compacted gravel or on pedestal systems.

We generally do not recommend exterior adhesive installation in Nordic climates. The issue is usually not the tile itself, but moisture within the adhesive layer. During freezing conditions, expanding water can loosen the tile from the substrate.

Handmade cement tiles — also known as encaustic cement tiles — are handmade tiles manufactured without firing.

The tiles are hydraulically pressed and cured using water and air.

Villa Tiles’ handmade cement tiles are built in two layers:

• a wear layer made from marble powder, pigments and cement
• a strong structural base made from cement and sand

This creates tiles with rich color depth, natural variation and a matte surface with exceptional durability.

The technique originated in Central Europe during the mid-1800s and continues today through Villa Tiles’ contemporary Nordic interpretation. We have also developed our own colors, tile shapes and specialized tiles that allow complete architectural tile systems to be created