Why Is Zellige Tile Sold Per Tile, Not Per Square Foot?

Handtile prices its zellige and bejmat tile per individual tile, currently $21 per tile for most colors, rather than per square foot or by the box. That is because each tile is handmade one at a time in Fes, Morocco, so there is no fixed "box count" the way there is with a factory-extruded tile. Selling by the tile also means you can order the exact quantity your project needs, plus a buffer for cuts and breakage, instead of rounding up to whatever a box happens to contain.

Why does Handtile price tile per piece instead of per square foot?

Most mass-produced tile is priced per square foot because it comes off a production line in uniform boxes: the manufacturer knows exactly how many identical tiles fit in a carton, so a square-foot price is really just a box price divided by coverage. Handmade zellige and bejmat do not work that way. Each tile is individually cut, glazed, and kiln-fired by an artisan, with natural variation in size, color, and texture from piece to piece, which is part of the material's appeal. Pricing and shipping it per tile, rather than forcing it into standardized boxes, is a more accurate reflection of how it is actually made.

How do I convert square footage into a tile count?

Since Handtile's standard zellige square is 4x4 inches (roughly 0.11 square feet per tile) and its bejmat brick is 6x2 inches (roughly 0.083 square feet per tile), you can estimate your tile count by dividing your net coverage area by the coverage of a single tile, then adding at least 15% for cuts, breakage in transit, and future repairs.

Net area	4x4 zellige tiles needed	With 15% buffer	Estimated cost at $21/tile
10 sq ft (small backsplash)	~91	~105	~$2,205
40 sq ft (shower surround)	~364	~419	~$8,799
100 sq ft (accent wall + floor)	~910	~1,047	~$21,987

Figures are estimates based on a 4x4 inch tile at $21 each and do not include grout, sealant, or installation labor. Confirm current pricing on the product page before ordering.

How do I budget accurately before I order?

Start with an accurate measurement of the net area you are tiling (subtracting doors, windows, and fixtures), decide whether you are using zellige squares, bejmat brick, or a mix, then apply the coverage-per-tile math above. Add the 15% overage before you check out, not after: ordering a second, smaller batch later risks a slight color or glaze difference between kiln batches, since each run is handmade.

It's also worth pricing in a sample before the full order. A $5 paid sample (limited to four per tile) or, for trade professionals such as designers, architects, and contractors, up to five free samples, lets you confirm the color and texture in your own lighting before committing to a few hundred tiles.

Frequently asked questions

Is per-tile pricing more expensive than per-square-foot pricing?

Not inherently. Per-tile pricing simply reflects how each piece is made and let's you buy the exact count you need. You can compare cost per square foot yourself by multiplying the per-tile price by the number of tiles per square foot for your chosen size.

Does Handtile sell tile by the box?

No. Because each tile is handmade individually rather than mass-produced in standardized cartons, Handtile sells zellige and bejmat by the individual tile, so you can order precisely the quantity your project calls for.

How many zellige tiles are in a square foot?

A standard 4x4 inch zellige square covers about 0.11 square feet, which works out to roughly 9 tiles per square foot before accounting for grout lines.

How much extra should I order beyond my measured area?

At least 15% more than your net coverage area, to account for cuts, breakage in transit, and future repairs.

Can I order a partial box or a single tile?

Yes. Since Handtile sells by the individual tile, you can order any quantity, including a single $5 sample before committing to a full order.