Are Moroccan Tiles Waterproof? What You Need to Know

When you imagine Moroccan interiors, the first thing that often comes to mind is the timeless beauty of Moroccan tiles. With their intricate geometric designs, bold colors, and handmade authenticity, these tiles have traveled across centuries and continents to become a global design favorite. Today, you will find Moroccan tiles gracing kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, outdoor courtyards, and even luxury hotels around the world.

But there’s a crucial question that many homeowners, architects, and designers ask before choosing them for wet spaces: “Are Moroccan tiles waterproof?” The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Different types of Moroccan tiles behave differently around water, and their performance depends on how they are made, installed, and maintained.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Moroccan tiles and water resistance—from understanding tile types to installation methods, sealing practices, and long-term care. By the end, you’ll know exactly where you can safely use Moroccan tiles and how to protect their beauty for years to come.

What Does “Waterproof” Really Mean in Tiles?

Before diving into Moroccan tiles specifically, it’s important to clarify what “waterproof” means in the world of tiling.

• Waterproof: A material that does not allow water to pass through at all. Truly waterproof surfaces are impervious to moisture penetration.
• Water-resistant: A material that resists water to a significant degree but may still absorb small amounts of moisture over time.
• Porous: A material with tiny holes or voids that allow water to seep in.

Most tiles are not entirely waterproof. Even dense tiles like porcelain, which absorb less than 0.5% of water, are considered “impervious” but not absolutely waterproof. Moreover, the tile body itself is only part of the equation. Grout lines, edges, and the substrate underneath are often more vulnerable to water infiltration than the tile surface.

So when we ask “Are Moroccan tiles waterproof?” we need to look at the specific type of Moroccan tile, its porosity, glaze coverage, and how it is installed.

Types of Moroccan Tiles and Their Water Resistance

The term “Moroccan tiles” encompasses a variety of materials, from traditional handcrafted zellige tiles to modern porcelain with Moroccan-inspired patterns. Each type has a different relationship with water.

Zellige Tiles

Zellige, the most iconic Moroccan tile, is handmade from clay, kiln-fired, and finished with a colorful glaze. These tiles are beloved for their irregular textures and shimmering finishes.

• Water resistance: The glazed surface of zellige tiles provides a significant barrier to water. However, because they are handmade, the glaze may not be uniformly thick, and small imperfections can leave tiny pathways for moisture. The clay body underneath remains somewhat porous.
• Best applications: Zellige tiles are ideal for vertical surfaces such as bathroom walls, shower surrounds, and kitchen backsplashes. With proper sealing, they can handle occasional splashes but may not be the best choice for high-traffic wet floors.

Glazed Ceramic Moroccan Tiles

Many Moroccan tiles sold today are glazed ceramics produced in factories. They replicate Moroccan patterns with modern manufacturing precision.

• Water resistance: These tiles are fairly water-resistant thanks to their uniform glaze layer, which acts as a shield against moisture. The ceramic body beneath may still have some porosity, but the glaze provides reliable protection in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Best applications: Perfect for backsplashes, decorative walls, and even bathroom floors if slip resistance is considered.

Cement Moroccan Tiles (Encaustic Style)

Cement Moroccan tiles, sometimes called encaustic tiles, are known for their matte finish and vibrant pigment patterns. They are often handmade and unglazed.

• Water resistance: Cement tiles are naturally porous. Left untreated, they absorb water easily, leading to stains, discoloration, and possible cracking in freeze-thaw conditions.
• Best applications: They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor patios only if sealed properly. Sealing is not optional—it’s essential to make them suitable for wet or damp environments.

Porcelain Moroccan Tiles

Porcelain tiles inspired by Moroccan patterns are the most practical option in terms of water resistance. Porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, making it dense and impervious to water.

• Water resistance: With a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, porcelain Moroccan tiles are considered highly water-resistant. They are suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor patios, and even swimming pools.
• Best applications: Almost any setting, including the most water-intensive areas.

Understanding Porosity and Water Absorption

One of the most important factors determining whether Moroccan tiles are waterproof is their porosity, or how much water they can absorb. Tiles are classified by absorption rates:

• Impervious (Porcelain): ≤ 0.5% absorption. Highly resistant to water.
• Vitreous: 0.5%–3% absorption. Good for indoor and outdoor use.
• Semi-vitreous: 3%–7% absorption. Limited resistance, not ideal for constant moisture.
• Non-vitreous: More than 7% absorption. Not suitable for wet areas.

Most zellige and cement Moroccan tiles fall into the semi-vitreous or non-vitreous category, meaning they require sealing to function well in damp spaces. By contrast, Moroccan-inspired porcelain tiles are impervious and naturally suited to bathrooms and kitchens.

Does Sealing Make Moroccan Tiles Waterproof?

Sealing is one of the most talked-about solutions for improving water resistance. But does sealing make Moroccan tiles truly waterproof?

• What sealers do: Sealers penetrate into the tile body or form a thin protective layer on top, reducing porosity and repelling water. They also help prevent stains, oils, and dirt from sinking into the tile surface.
• What sealers don’t do: Sealers cannot turn a porous cement tile into porcelain. They do not make grout lines completely waterproof, and they wear down over time. Re-sealing is required periodically.

For Moroccan cement tiles, sealing is mandatory. For zellige, sealing is recommended, especially in high-splash areas. For porcelain Moroccan tiles, sealing is often unnecessary, though sealing the grout lines is still a good idea.

Where Can Moroccan Tiles Be Used Around Water?

Now that we understand how different Moroccan tiles perform with moisture, let’s explore practical applications.

• Bathrooms: Glazed ceramic, zellige, and porcelain Moroccan tiles are all excellent for bathroom walls. Porcelain is best for shower floors due to its durability and low absorption. Cement tiles can be used if sealed properly, but they require extra maintenance.
• Kitchens: All Moroccan tile types work well on kitchen backsplashes. On kitchen floors, porcelain and glazed ceramics are more durable than cement.
• Outdoor spaces: For courtyards and patios, porcelain Moroccan tiles are the safest choice. Cement tiles can work outdoors in mild climates if sealed, but they may suffer in freeze-thaw regions.
• Pools and fountains: Only porcelain Moroccan tiles are recommended for submerged use. Handmade zellige or cement tiles should be avoided unless specifically rated for pools.

Installation Matters: Waterproofing Beyond the Tile

Even the best Moroccan tiles will not perform well in wet environments without proper installation. Waterproofing is a system, not just a material choice.

• Substrate preparation: Use a waterproof membrane beneath tiles in wet areas to prevent water from reaching structural layers.
• Adhesives: Choose a high-quality thinset mortar appropriate for the tile type.
• Grout: Grout is often the weak point. Epoxy grout provides better water resistance than traditional cement grout.
• Edges and joints: Pay attention to corners, transitions, and expansion joints. Improper sealing here leads to leaks.

A Moroccan tile installation is only as waterproof as its weakest point, which is often not the tile itself but the grout or substrate.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

To keep Moroccan tiles performing well around water, ongoing care is essential.

• Cleaning: Use pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid harsh acids that can damage glazes or strip sealers.
• Sealing schedule: Reseal cement Moroccan tiles annually in wet areas. Zellige may need sealing every few years, depending on use.
• Grout care: Keep grout lines sealed and repair any cracks immediately.
• Drying: In showers, wiping down surfaces after use can extend the life of both tiles and grout.

Common Issues with Moroccan Tiles in Wet Areas

Even with precautions, some challenges may arise:

• Staining: Cement Moroccan tiles are prone to stains if left unsealed.
• Efflorescence: White, powdery deposits can form if water seeps into porous tiles and evaporates.
• Mold and mildew: Poor ventilation or grout failure can lead to mold growth.
• Glaze cracks: On zellige, small cracks in glaze may allow water entry if not sealed.

Each of these issues can usually be prevented or corrected with proper sealing, cleaning, and maintenance.

Buying Moroccan Tiles: What to Look For

When shopping for Moroccan tiles at Milota Tiles, pay close attention to product specifications. Look for details such as:

• Water absorption rate
• Material type (zellige, ceramic, cement, porcelain)
• Recommended usage areas (walls, floors, indoor, outdoor, wet areas)
• Sealing requirements
• Slip resistance rating for floors

Knowing these details will help you select the right Moroccan tiles for bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor projects without worrying about water damage.

Final Thoughts: Are Moroccan Tiles Waterproof?

The short answer is: some Moroccan tiles are water-resistant, some are not, and none are completely waterproof on their own.

• Porcelain Moroccan tiles are the most reliable for wet areas due to their impervious nature.
• Glazed ceramic Moroccan tiles and zellige tiles can work well if properly installed and sealed.
• Cement Moroccan tiles are the most porous and demand sealing plus ongoing maintenance to perform in damp environments.

Ultimately, whether Moroccan tiles succeed in a wet setting depends as much on installation and care as it does on the tile material itself. With the right choice of tile, proper sealing, and a commitment to maintenance, you can enjoy the striking beauty of Moroccan tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and even some outdoor spaces without worrying about water damage.

So if you are planning a renovation and wondering whether Moroccan tiles are waterproof, the real takeaway is this: they can be made water-ready with the right preparation and protection.