Discover HandTile: Handcrafted Zellige Tiles and Custom Design Solutions

Handtile sources zellige tile directly from artisan workshops in Fes, Morocco, and ships it to customers across the US from a warehouse in New Jersey. There's no import middleman marking up the price and no generic factory tile passed off as handmade. If you're deciding whether to order from us, here's exactly what that means for your project, your timeline, and your budget.

In this article

• Where does Handtile's zellige actually come from?
• How fast does it ship, and from where?
• Can I see a sample before I order?
• Do you offer custom sizes and colors?
• What kinds of projects is zellige best for?
• FAQ

Where Does Handtile's Zellige Actually Come From?

Every tile we sell is hand-cut in Fes, Morocco, the city where zellige has been made for centuries. Artisans called maalems shape each piece from fired clay using a hammer and chisel, the same method used long before machine-made tile existed. That's why no two tiles are perfectly identical: the slight variation in color and edge is a mark of the process, not a flaw to hide.

We work directly with these workshops rather than through a distributor, which keeps the chain from craftsman to customer as short as possible. That matters for two practical reasons: it keeps pricing honest, and it means we can speak to exactly how a tile was made when you ask.

The table below lays out how that direct relationship compares to buying zellige through a typical importer or big-box retailer.

Factor	Handtile (Direct)	Typical Importer / Retailer
Source	Direct from Fes workshops	One or more distributors between maker and buyer
Pricing	No middleman markup	Distributor and retailer margins added
Sourcing detail	We can confirm the workshop and process	Often unclear past the distributor
US shipping	From our New Jersey warehouse	Varies by retailer

How Fast Does It Ship, and From Where?

We keep inventory in a warehouse in New Jersey, so once your order is placed, it ships from within the US rather than waiting on a shipment from overseas. That's a deliberate choice: it means faster delivery and no customs delay, even though the tile itself is made in Morocco. For custom-made colors and sizes, production happens in Fes first, so lead time runs longer, we'll give you a specific estimate for your order before you commit.

Can I See a Sample Before I Order?

Yes. We ship a free sample of any color so you can check the exact shade, thickness, and texture against your space before ordering a full quantity. Zellige's color can shift under different lighting, and its surface has a texture that's hard to judge from a photo alone, a physical sample removes that guesswork. We'd recommend this step for any first order, especially if you're matching an existing palette.

Do You Offer Custom Sizes and Colors?

Yes. Beyond our standard 4x4 squares, we work with customers on custom sizing and made-to-order colors for larger or more specific projects, like a full shower surround, a fireplace, or a commercial space. Because these pieces are hand-cut to spec in Fes rather than pulled from standard stock, they take longer to produce, so it's worth reaching out early in your planning process rather than waiting until installation is scheduled.

What Kinds of Projects Is Zellige Best For?

Kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls are where most of our customers start, since these are smaller areas where zellige's texture and color variation read as a feature rather than an overwhelming pattern. Beyond that, it works well as a shower surround, a fireplace facade, a powder room accent wall, or a pool surround, anywhere a handmade material adds warmth against otherwise plain surfaces. For a first project, we usually recommend starting with a contained space like a backsplash or a niche, so you can see how the tile reads in your specific light before committing to a larger installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Handtile's zellige tile actually handmade in Morocco?

Yes. Every tile is hand-cut by artisans in Fes, Morocco, using traditional methods. We source directly from these workshops rather than through a distributor.

Where does Handtile ship from?

Standard inventory ships from our warehouse in New Jersey, so US orders don't wait on international shipping or customs. Custom colors and sizes are produced in Fes first, which adds lead time.

Can I order a sample before committing to a full order?

Yes, we ship a free sample of any color so you can check the shade, thickness, and texture in person before ordering.

Does Handtile do custom projects for architects and designers?

Yes. We work on custom sizing and made-to-order colors for larger residential and commercial projects. Reach out early in your planning process since custom pieces are hand-cut to order.