Terrazzo Flooring: Types, prices, Pros and Cons

A cement base is used to create the terrazzo composite material, which is then combined with various ground materials like marble, quartz, and granite.

Take a close look at the floor the next time you are in a busy area, like the lobby of an office building or an airport. Terrazzo is most likely what you are seeing. It might even be recognisable to you as the substance that makes up the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A cement base is used to create the terrazzo composite material, which is then combined with various ground materials like marble, quartz, and granite.

The Latin word “terra,” which means “ground,” is where the name “terrazzo” originates. It is versatile, long-lasting, and resistant to abrasion and water, and it can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. As a result, it was frequently used for common areas and residential flooring in both homes and offices.

Terrazzo flooring types

New technologies and methods are revolutionising terrazzo surfaces, design, and installation. Terrazzo flooring currently comes in two main varieties: cementitious terrazzo and epoxy-based terrazzo.

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Cementitious terrazzo

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Cementitious terrazzo, also known as cement terrazzo, is thicker and heavier than epoxy-based terrazzo, making it ideal for remodelling and exterior projects. It includes various terrazzo systems, such as monolithic, adhered, rustic, sand cushion, and polyacrylate.

Cerement terrazzo outperforms epoxy-based terrazzo for enduring cleanings, point packing, heavy traffic, and impacts. Although there are fewer colour options available than for resin systems, you can still produce stunning earth tones.

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Epoxy terrazzo

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Due to its thin-set system and good design flexibility, epoxy-based terrazzo offers a smooth, opulent finish. Another benefit is that cement terrazzo can be applied more quickly. Such speed makes it possible to complete projects more quickly and is perfect for busy areas like shopping malls.

This type of terrazzo is incredibly light and is created using a two-component resin system. The following day, it can be polished after a single overnight cure.

Epoxy-based terrazzo can produce intricate, colourful designs, but it is not appropriate for outdoor use because it cannot absorb water.

Terrazzo’s benefits and drawbacks for interior design

Pros

• Terrazzo is affordable and works with any budget. Natural stone is significantly more expensive than good quality terrazzo, which starts at Rs 40 per square foot. Depending on the substrate and the chips you choose to use, terrazzo prices can reach Rs 250 per square foot.

• You can choose from a variety of colours, and it can be tailored to fit your décor.

• Terrazzo can be moulded and cast on-site to fit the profile you’re creating.

• With time and use, this material becomes more polished and more resilient.

Cons

• Terrazzo floors that have been polished are quite slick. If any spills are not immediately cleaned up, it could lead to a serious fall because it can be difficult to see water that has spilt on the floor.

• Poor-quality terrazzo can become pitted over time.

• Skilled artisans are required to pour terrazzo. Make sure they have the expertise to execute it properly.

• The surface can be refinished as many times as necessary by grinding and repolishing.

Bathroom countertops made of poured terrazzo

Source: Pinterest

What the majority of people do not realise is that terrazzo can be cast in place in addition to being available as tiles. This is done using a technique that involves pouring concrete directly onto a surface that has already been covered in marble or granite chips. When finished, it can be buffed out to create a seamless finish that conforms to edges and curves and looks quite nice.

The countertop and sink in this modern bathroom are made of terrazzo. Here, terrazzo is used to create a continuous surface that is very simple to keep clean by wrapping it around the counter’s edge and folding it into the bathroom sink.

Terrazzo in breakfast nooks and kitchens

Source: Pinterest

The cast in situ method can be applied to tabletops, backsplashes, breakfast nooks, kitchen counters, and other surfaces. Even the kitchen sink itself can be cast using it for a delightful, seamless surface.

Terrazzo on flooring and stairways

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Terrazzo is most frequently used for flooring and stairways. While flooring can either be cast in place or covered with terrazzo tilesterrazzo tiles, staircases can be constructed using poured concrete mixed with terrazzo chips.

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What is the lifespan of terrazzo flooring?

Terrazzo typically outlives any building structure, as can be seen in structures that are more than a century old. When properly maintained, an epoxy terrazzo system that has been poured into place can last up to 100 years.

Is terrazzo prone to cracking?

Terrazzo is very resilient to shock. They are resilient enough to withstand continuous pressure, unlike some floors that crack over time. Even over concrete slabs, underlayments can be installed. Anti-crack membranes are made to dampen any movements of a horizontal nature and minimise cracking.

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