I’m not one to throw around hype, but let me tell you—Cle Tile’s Zellige tiles have completely transformed my space, and I think you’ll love them too.
These handcrafted Moroccan beauties bring a soulful, artisanal vibe that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re sprucing up a kitchen backsplash or adding flair to a bathroom, their unique charm and quality make them a standout choice.
Trust me, once you see how they elevate your home, you’ll be hooked. In this article, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, compare them to other brands, and answer your burning questions.
My Experience With Cle Tile
Let me set the scene: my kitchen was screaming for a refresh. The old backsplash was a bland, builder-grade tile that did nothing for the space. I wanted something with character, something that felt alive. That’s when I stumbled across Cle Tile’s Zellige collection.
These tiles, with their glossy, imperfect surfaces and rich colors, promised a handmade aesthetic that could make my kitchen feel like a Moroccan riad. I was sold on the idea, but I’ll admit, I was nervous about the price and the installation process.
Ordering from Cle Tile was a breeze. Their website is intuitive, with plenty of photos to help visualize the tiles in different settings. I went with the Weathered White Zellige for a clean, timeless look. When the tiles arrived, I was floored by their texture—each one slightly irregular, with subtle variations that screamed craftsmanship. Installing them was a bit of an adventure.
The tiles’ uneven edges required a skilled tiler to get the grout lines just right, but the result was worth every second of effort. My kitchen now has this warm, organic feel that makes every meal prep feel like an event.
What struck me most was how the tiles catch the light. The glossy finish creates a soft shimmer that changes throughout the day, adding depth to the space. I’ve had friends over who can’t stop touching the walls, marveling at the tactile quality.
Sure, the cost stung a bit upfront, but the durability and unique aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment. I’ve been living with these tiles for six months now, and they still make me smile every time I walk into the room. They’re not just tiles—they’re a vibe.
Pros Of Cle Tile
- Unique Handcrafted Aesthetic: Each Zellige tile is made by hand, giving it a one-of-a-kind look with slight imperfections that add charm. This artisanal quality sets Cle Tile apart from mass-produced options, making your space feel bespoke.
- Rich Color Options: Cle Tile offers a stunning range of colors, from deep emeralds to soft neutrals. I found the variety perfect for creating a custom look that matched my vision without overwhelming me with choices.
- Durable Material: Made from high-quality clay, these tiles are built to last. I’ve had no issues with chipping or cracking, even in my busy kitchen where spills and splashes are a daily occurrence.
- Versatile Applications: Whether it’s a backsplash, shower, or fireplace surround, Zellige tiles work beautifully in various settings. Their versatility allowed me to dream up creative uses beyond my initial plan.
- Eco-Friendly Production: Cle Tile emphasizes sustainable practices, using natural clay and traditional firing methods. Knowing my purchase aligned with my values made the investment feel even better.
The handcrafted nature of Cle Tile’s Zellige tiles is what makes them special. You can feel the human touch in every piece, which adds a layer of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. The color palette is another win—there’s something for every style, whether you’re into bold, vibrant hues or understated elegance. I was also impressed by their durability.
After months of use, my tiles still look as good as new, despite the occasional splash of tomato sauce or wine. The versatility is a huge plus too; I’m already planning to use them in my bathroom next. And let’s not overlook the eco-friendly angle—Cle Tile’s commitment to sustainable production means you’re not just buying beauty, but also supporting a greener process. These tiles are an investment, but they deliver on every front.
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Cons Of Cle Tile
- Higher Price Point: Zellige tiles aren’t cheap, and Cle Tile’s premium craftsmanship comes with a premium price tag. For budget-conscious folks, the cost can feel like a hurdle, especially for larger projects.
- Installation Challenges: The tiles’ irregular edges and thickness variations require a skilled installer. I learned this the hard way when my first tiler struggled to get the grout lines even, which added time and cost to the project.
- Maintenance Needs: The glossy finish is gorgeous but shows smudges and water spots more easily than matte tiles. I found myself wiping down my backsplash more often than I’d like to keep it pristine.
- Limited Availability: Some colors and sizes can sell out quickly, which can be frustrating if you’re set on a specific look. I had to wait a few weeks for my preferred shade to restock.
- Fragility During Installation: While durable once set, Zellige tiles can chip if mishandled during installation. My tiler had to be extra careful, which slowed things down a bit.
The price of Cle Tile’s Zellige tiles gave me pause at first. They’re definitely a splurge compared to standard ceramic tiles, and I had to budget carefully to make it work. Installation was another challenge—those beautiful, uneven edges demand a pro who knows what they’re doing, and that can bump up the cost.
Maintenance is a bit of a chore too; the glossy surface looks stunning but requires regular cleaning to stay spotless. I also ran into availability issues, which tested my patience when my chosen color was out of stock. And while the tiles are tough once installed, they need careful handling during the process to avoid chips. These drawbacks are real, but for me, the aesthetic payoff was worth it.
Maintenance Tips For Cle Tile
- Regular Cleaning Routine: Wipe down your Zellige tiles weekly with a mild, non-acidic cleaner and a soft cloth to prevent buildup. I use a mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap to keep mine sparkling without damaging the glaze.
- Sealing The Grout: Apply a high-quality grout sealer every six months to protect against stains and moisture. I learned this after a coffee spill left a faint mark on my grout, and sealing has kept it pristine since.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the tiles’ glossy finish. I made the mistake of using a harsh scrubber once, and it left faint scratches I now notice up close.
- Handle Spills Promptly: Clean up spills like wine or oil immediately to avoid staining, especially on lighter tiles. I keep a microfiber cloth handy in the kitchen for quick wipes to maintain that fresh look.
- Inspect For Cracks: Check your tiles periodically for hairline cracks, especially in high-traffic areas. I caught a tiny crack early near my stove and had it repaired before it worsened, saving me a bigger headache.
Keeping your Cle Tile Zellige looking flawless doesn’t take much, but it does require consistency. A weekly wipe-down with a gentle cleaner is my go-to; it’s quick and keeps the tiles’ sheen intact. Sealing the grout is a game-changer—trust me, you don’t want to deal with stained grout lines. Avoid harsh chemicals like the plague; they’re tempting for tough stains but can ruin the finish.
Spills happen, so act fast to wipe them up, especially on lighter tiles that show marks more easily. And don’t skip regular inspections for cracks—catching them early can save you from costly repairs. With these habits, your tiles will stay gorgeous for years.
Comparison With Other Brands
Bedrosians Tile & Stone
Bedrosians offers a solid range of Zellige-style tiles that mimic the handmade look of Cle Tile but at a slightly lower price point. I found their selection impressive, with vibrant colors and decent quality, but the tiles lack the same artisanal depth. They feel a bit more uniform, which might appeal to you if you prefer a cleaner, less rustic aesthetic. However, their durability is comparable, and they’re easier to find in stock, which was a relief when I was comparison shopping. Still, Cle Tile’s unique imperfections and richer glaze gave it an edge for me.
Fireclay Tile
Fireclay Tile is another big player, known for its sustainable practices and bold designs. Their Zellige-inspired tiles are stunning, with a focus on eco-friendly production that rivals Cle Tile’s. I noticed Fireclay’s tiles have a slightly smoother finish, which makes cleaning easier but sacrifices some of the tactile charm I love in Cle Tile. Fireclay’s color range is broader, which is great for creative projects, but their lead times can be longer. If sustainability is your top priority, Fireclay is a strong contender, but Cle Tile’s authentic Moroccan vibe won out for me.
Ann Sacks
Ann Sacks delivers high-end Zellige tiles with a luxurious feel, often used in upscale projects. Their tiles are pricier than Cle Tile’s, which made me hesitate, and the installation process is just as finicky due to their handmade nature. The quality is undeniable, with a polished finish that feels almost too perfect. I found Ann Sacks’ tiles lacked the raw, organic quality of Cle Tile, which I wanted for my kitchen’s soulful vibe. If you’re after a more refined look and don’t mind the cost, Ann Sacks is worth considering, but Cle Tile felt more authentic to me.
Mosaic House
Mosaic House specializes in Moroccan tiles, much like Cle Tile, and their Zellige offerings are strikingly similar in craftsmanship. Their tiles have that same handcrafted charm, with vibrant colors and subtle imperfections. I was tempted by their slightly lower prices, but their customer service was less responsive than Cle Tile’s, which mattered when I had questions about installation. Mosaic House’s tiles are also a bit thinner, which can make them trickier to work with. For me, Cle Tile’s reliability and slightly thicker tiles tipped the scale, but Mosaic House is a close competitor.
When I was choosing tiles, I looked at Bedrosians, Fireclay, Ann Sacks, and Mosaic House to see how they stacked up against Cle Tile. Bedrosians is budget-friendly and reliable but lacks the soulful imperfections I craved. Fireclay’s eco-credentials and smooth finishes are great, but they don’t quite capture the same raw beauty. Ann Sacks feels luxurious but almost too polished, and the price is steep. Mosaic House comes closest to Cle Tile’s vibe, but their thinner tiles and spotty customer service were dealbreakers. Cle Tile’s balance of authenticity, quality, and support made it my top pick, but each brand has its strengths depending on your priorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Zellige tiles, like those from Cle Tile, have a few drawbacks you should know about. Their handmade nature means they’re pricier than mass-produced tiles, which can strain your budget for larger projects. Installation is another hurdle; the uneven edges and varying thickness demand a skilled tiler, adding to costs and time. Maintenance can be a chore too—the glossy finish shows smudges and water spots, requiring frequent cleaning. Availability is sometimes an issue, with popular colors selling out fast. Finally, they’re fragile during installation, so mishandling can lead to chips, which I narrowly avoided with careful planning.
Cle Tile’s Zellige tiles are crafted from natural clay sourced from Morocco’s Fez region, known for its rich, high-quality deposits. The clay is hand-molded, air-dried, and fired in traditional kilns, giving each tile its distinctive texture and slight variations. A glossy glaze, often made with natural pigments, is applied to create the vibrant colors and shimmering finish. This artisanal process, rooted in centuries-old Moroccan techniques, ensures durability and that unique, handmade charm. I love how the natural materials make my tiles feel like a piece of history in my modern kitchen.
Picking the “best” tile company depends on what you value—authenticity, price, or sustainability. Cle Tile stands out for its authentic Moroccan Zellige tiles, offering unmatched craftsmanship and a soulful aesthetic that won me over. Fireclay Tile is a close rival, especially for eco-conscious buyers, with its sustainable practices and bold designs. Ann Sacks delivers luxury but at a higher cost, while Mosaic House matches Cle Tile’s artisanal vibe at a slightly lower price. For me, Cle Tile’s balance of quality, authenticity, and reliable service makes it the top choice, but your needs might lean toward another brand.
For porcelain plank tiles, Daltile is often praised for its durability, wide range of styles, and consistent quality, making it a favorite among designers. Their planks mimic natural wood or stone with impressive realism, and they’re easier to maintain than Zellige tiles. I considered Daltile for my flooring but chose Cle Tile for the backsplash because I wanted that handmade charm. Emser Tile is another strong contender, offering affordable yet stylish options. While Daltile leads for porcelain planks, Cle Tile’s Zellige tiles are in a different league for artisanal appeal, so it depends on your project’s vibe.
Conclusion: For Cle Tile
If you’re looking to transform your space with tiles that tell a story, Cle Tile’s Zellige collection is the way to go. Their handcrafted beauty, vibrant colors, and durability make them a worthy investment for any home. Despite the higher cost and installation quirks, the unique aesthetic and eco-friendly production are hard to beat. I’ve loved every moment with my tiles, and I’m confident you will too. Grab some Cle Tile Zellige and watch your space come alive with character and charm.