TerraFez vs. KNF - Neille Olson: Which Mosaic Table Should You Choose?

Choosing between handmade mosaic tables can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking at two very different approaches to this beautiful art form. Today we're comparing TerraFez's authentic Moroccan Zellige tables with KNF - Neille Olson's American-made stained glass creations. Both brands create stunning pieces, but they take completely different paths to get there.

TerraFez vs KNF - Neille Olson: Quick Overview

Let's start with the basics. KNF has been around for over 20 years and they've built quite a reputation in the luxury outdoor furniture market. They use stained glass and marble pieces set in their proprietary stone blend, think cathedral windows meeting outdoor furniture. Their tables range from small accent pieces to large dining sets, and you'll find them at high-end retailers like Frontgate.

TerraFez takes a different approach entirely. We're actually based in Morocco, working directly with local artisans who've been perfecting Zellige techniques for centuries (literally, this craft goes back over 1000 years). Instead of stained glass, we offer tables that have authentic Zellige tiles made from clay sourced from the Atlas Mountains. Each tile gets shaped by hand, dried in the sun, then fired and glazed using traditional methods.

TerraFez Mosaic Tables Overview

Authentic Zellige Craftsmanship

Our tables start with real Zellige tiles, not imitations or machine-made substitutes. The clay comes directly from the Atlas Mountains, and our artisans in Fez shape every single tile by hand. You can actually feel the difference when you run your fingers across the surface. Each tile has these subtle variations in texture and color that you just can't get from mass production.

Various Sizes and Shapes Available

We create tables in round, square, rectangular, and oval shapes. Whether you need a small coffee table for your apartment or a large dining table for entertaining, we can make it happen. And since everything is handmade in our workshop, custom sizes aren't a problem, just let us know what dimensions work for your space.

Pricing That Makes Sense

Here's something refreshing, you don't need to spend a fortune to get authentic handcrafted quality. Our tables range from $600 to $4000, which means you can get genuine Moroccan artistry without the luxury brand markup. Compare that to KNF's pricing (which often hits well above $4000 for larger pieces) and you'll see the value.

Perfect for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use

Zellige tiles are incredibly durable. These same techniques have been used to decorate palaces and mosques that have stood for centuries. Your table will handle daily use beautifully, whether it's inside your dining room or out on the patio. Just bring it inside during extreme cold or frost, the freeze-thaw cycle can be tough on any ceramic material.

Pros of TerraFez Tables

• Authentic Moroccan heritage: You're getting the real thing, not an interpretation
• Direct from source: No middlemen means better prices and authentic quality
• Completely customizable: Size, pattern, color, we can adjust everything
• Table tops available separately: Perfect if you have a base you love or want to DIY
• Excellent value: Luxury craftsmanship without luxury pricing

KNF - Neille Olson Tables Overview

Stained Glass and Marble Approach

KNF uses hand-cut stained glass combined with marble pieces. Think of those beautiful cathedral windows, that's the same type of glass they use for their tabletops. They set these pieces into their own proprietary stone blend, which they call "Smoothcast." The result is definitely striking, especially when light hits the glass pieces.

Multiple Design Options

They offer over 40 different mosaic patterns, from botanical designs to geometric patterns. You can choose between iron or aluminum frames, and they offer various powder coat finishes. Their size range is impressive too, they advertise 24 different table shapes and sizes.

Premium Positioning

KNF has positioned themselves firmly in the luxury market. Their tables are sold through high-end retailers and they emphasize the "heirloom quality" aspect. The pricing reflects this positioning, you're definitely paying premium prices for their brand name and established reputation.

Weather Considerations

Like our Zellige tables, KNF recommends bringing their pieces inside during freezing weather. The natural expansion and contraction of their stone blend can cause hairline cracks, which is normal but something to be aware of.

Pros of KNF Tables

• Established brand reputation: 20+ years in business with strong dealer network
• Stained glass uniqueness: The glass pieces create interesting light effects
• Wide availability: You can find them at major retailers
• Frame options: Choice between iron and aluminum bases
• Large size range: Extensive selection of shapes and sizes

TerraFez vs. KNF: Which Should You Choose?

Choose TerraFez if you want:

• Authentic Moroccan craftsmanship with cultural heritage
• Better value for handmade quality
• Direct relationship with the makers
• Completely custom options
• The warm, organic feel of traditional Zellige
• Support for traditional artisan communities

Choose KNF if you want:

• The visual drama of stained glass elements
• An established American brand
• Wide availability through major retailers
• The specific aesthetic of glass and marble combinations
• Multiple frame material options

The bottom line? Both create beautiful tables, but they're quite different in philosophy and execution. KNF gives you American luxury outdoor furniture with stained glass flair. TerraFez gives you authentic Moroccan artistry with centuries of tradition behind every tile.

If you value authenticity, traditional craftsmanship, and getting more value for your money, TerraFez is probably your better choice. If you prefer the specific look of stained glass mosaics and don't mind paying premium prices for an established luxury brand, KNF might be worth considering.

But honestly? Once you see authentic Zellige up close, feeling those subtle variations and seeing how the light plays differently across each handmade tile, it's hard to go back to machine-made alternatives. There's something special about owning a piece that connects you directly to centuries of Moroccan artistic tradition.