The difference between Moroccan and Spanish tiles

Moroccan and Spanish tiles are both very popular. They both offer a wide choice of cheerful colours that are sure to give your interior a boost. But what is the actual difference?

Moroccan tiles

Moroccan tiles are known for being made entirely by hand. Special clay is sourced and kneaded into a particular shape. The shapes are then left to dry in the sun. Once the tiles have dried, they are hand-chiselled. The edges of the tiles can therefore sometimes be sharp, but this creates a playful effect. Once they have been chiselled, a layer of coloured glaze is applied and the tiles are left to dry in the kilns. The kiln has to be kept burning with fire by hand. As the kiln temperature can therefore vary, no two tiles are exactly the same. That is also what makes every Moroccan tile so unique.

Spanish tiles

Spanish tiles can be recognised by all their cheerful, bright colours. Machines also provide a great deal of assistance in their production. The clay is poured into a mould, giving all the tiles the same shape. The shapes are then dried in a gas kiln. The kiln temperature can be set, allowing the appearance of the tiles to be controlled. Colourants are then added by machine, after which the tiles are placed back in the kiln to dry. As most of the process is carried out by machines, the tiles are largely identical. Spanish tiles can sometimes vary slightly in colour from one batch to another. The colours of the chemicals can sometimes differ slightly. So always buy enough, because if you buy tiles from two different batches, the colours may not be exactly the same.

Which should you choose?

Every Moroccan tile is different, and that is what makes them so special. Some people like Moroccan tiles but hesitate because you can never be sure how the colour will turn out and because the little irregularities are not always perfectly neat. So do you like these tiles but would prefer a slightly safer option? Then a Spanish tile is the perfect solution for you!