Terrazzo, which gets its name from the Latin word for ground, terra, is an old composite material that lends a handmade, Mediterranean vibe to any room.
What is terrazzo?
It is a type of building material that is capable of creating various unique finishes. If terrazzo could be summed up in one sentence, it would be described as a composite material that is either prefabricated for precast terrazzo or poured in place for floors, bases, walls, stair treads, countertops, and other customized goods.
Terrazzo consists of chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell or other suitable materials. It binds with either an epoxy matrix or a cement matrix.
Why choose terrazzo?
It is incredibly durable and offers nearly limitless color and material options—fragments might be made of anything from marble to quartz, glass, and metal. In addition, terrazzo is a sustainable alternative for interior design since it is manufactured from leftover materials.
Different Types of Terrazzo Flooring
If you like the way terrazzo tile looks, you should give this flooring option some serious thought for your future building project. The price is more than that of carpets, wood, tile, laminate, and other flooring options, but if you want a floor that will last forever and can withstand a lot of damage, the extra cost might be acceptable.
There are numerous materials and installation choices available, which is why the price range for terrazzo flooring is so wide. Everything depends on the design you desire and the installation location.
To assist you in making a decision, here is a comparison of various terrazzo flooring options.
- Traditional
Depending on the system used, this option is typically the most expensive. It is breathable (won't delaminate like epoxy in the presence of moisture), needs sealing, the heaviest terrazzo option, the most durable indoors and outdoors, has a wide range of color and combination options, needs a concrete foundation, and has bonded and unbonded options to suit different construction requirements.
- Polyacrylate
Cheaper, breathable, needs sealer, installs more quickly, needs a concrete foundation, and only needs a tiny chip size.
- Epoxy resin
Cheapest, practically infinite color combinations, indoor usage only (fades in sunshine and could rip from moisture due to lack of permeability), repels moisture meaning no staining, does not need a concrete foundation and can be installed on wood subfloors.
Where can you use terrazzo?
It can be applied to any interior wall or floor, including kitchens and bathrooms, after being sealed to assure water resistance. Effective heat retention makes terrazzo a great material for underfloor heating. Additionally, because it can be poured into any mould, it is increasingly utilized to make furniture and household items.
Is it easy to maintain?
Cleaning it only requires a simple steam mop or nylon scrub brush. However, poured terrazzo is more prone to breaking than slab terrazzo. The floor will need to be re-ground and re-polished by a professional in order to be restored.
What are the latest innovations?
Terrazzo is now produced using resin in addition to the conventional cement. Although it costs more, it has a smoother surface and is incredibly resilient to cracking and scratches.
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